A small town boasting a rich and vibrant history, Yorktown located in the heart of Virginia is a dynamic town that dates back to colonial times. Visitors to this part of the United States will be treated to a transforming experience that takes you back to the early days in America. You will learn about what life was like in the early times and marvel at the incredible architecture dating back hundreds of years. If you are someone looking for a fun party vacation then this place is probably not for you but if you are into getting down to your roots, sampling delicious home cooking, and experiencing culture through museums and architecture then you are in for a treat. You will visit places like the Colonial Historic Park and sample craft beer at the famous Yorktown pub. Check out the top things to do in Yorktown, Virginia below.
1. Travel back in time at Colonial National Historical Park
Just like in many nations across the globe, colonialism plays an important role in the history of America. Colonial National Historical Park is a state-funded and operated park in Yorktown and offers visitors an opportunity to get a glimpse into the country’s past. What makes this sight particularly special is it is said to be the place where the British first landed when coming to the United States. While the British were successful in colonising America, they were later defeated at the end of the Revolutionary War. These are just some of the things you will learn more about when visiting Colonial National Historical Park.
Colonial National Historical Park
Address: Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Colonial National Historical Park
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
2. Support local artists at Gallery at York Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Art and history are activities that go hand-in-hand. That is exactly what you can expect when visiting Gallery at York Hall. Visitors are greeted by works of talented local artists each portraying a different story on various subjects. There are more than 300 items of curated art which include everything from paintings and jewellery to pottery and quilts. The gallery runs a sustainable program that works on giving back to preserving the history of Yorktown and supporting local talent. Proceeds from exhibitions are donated to the visual and performing arts of Yorktown.
Gallery at York Hall
Address: 301 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Gallery at York Hall
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
3. Delve into history at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a must-visit history museum currently headed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, which opened in 1976 as the Yorktown Victory Center. It is located adjacent to the Colonial National Historical Park, with access directly from the Colonial Parkway. The museum paints a story of how the nation was founded, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. You can expect to find indoor galleries feature period artefacts, immersive environments, interactive exhibits, and films, including “The Siege of Yorktown,” with a 180-degree surround screen.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Address: 200 Water St Route 1020, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 15.25 USD
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4. Awaken the history buff in you at York County Historical Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Something free and educational for you to add to your itinerary is a trip to the historical York County Museum. The experience gives you an insight into life during the Revolutionary and Civil War of Yorktown. You will have the opportunity to explore some interesting artefacts including items that were used by Native Americans and the opportunity to explore the Naval Weapons Station. The museum is open to the public and great for a fun day out with the family.
York County Historical Museum
Address: 301 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: York County Historical Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
5. Honour the dead at Yorktown National Cemetery
While some people may find visiting any cemetery eerie, for others a trip to the final resting place of the dead is a fulfilling journey. Whether its to pay tribute to the ones that have passed or taking a romantic stroll, it is safe to say that cemeteries are not the ideal place for everyone. The Yorktown National Cemetery is a historical sight in Virginia and is a place of honour where more than 2,000 brave men and women were laid to rest. After the last battle of the Revolutionary War, several people died in the chaos that changed the way we see Virginia today. History enthusiasts are welcome to pay their respects at one of the 14 of the historic national cemeteries currently managed by the National Park Service.
Yorktown National Cemetery
Address: District 1, VA 23690, United States
Website: Yorktown National Cemetery
Price: Free
6. Visit the historic Moore House
Virginia is a great spot for history buffs. There are several museums and historical sights in this city and offers a great learning experience for the kids. Moore House is a fantastic addition to the tourism portfolio of Yorktown. The manor can be easily missed as just another home in the area; however, judging by the architectural structure of the property, one can note that there is something special about this house. The home was formerly used as a negotiation site during the Siege of Yorktown. It is now open to the public and some of the things you can expect to see include antique furniture dating back several years. For 10 USD, you get to enjoy a self-guided tour and check out all the treasures that lie behind these walls.
Moore House
Address: 228 Nelson Rd, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Moore House
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
7. Enjoy a quaint scenic drive across Colonial Parkway
Not all sightseeing experiences require you to nestle yourself within tourist crowds and stand in the long-dreaded queues. The Colonial Parkway is a scenic parkway that forms the link between the three points of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. These points include Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Colonial Parkway is part of the National Park Service’s Colonial National Historical Park and offers visitors the opportunity to experience remarkable landscapes of Virginia.
Colonial Parkway
Website: Colonial Parkway
8. Get a drink at the famous Yorktown Pub
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yorktown Pub is a well-known joint and is the go-to place for enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean. The pub and eatery sits along the historic Yorktown Beach in Yorktown, Virginia. Visitors can enjoy something from the comprehensive food and beverage menu, including some of the best seafood in town. Besides the sea views, you will also be treated to a picturesque sight of the scenic York River. Also, you have the Yorktown Battlefield located with a short walking distance from the pub.
Yorktown Pub
Address: 540 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Yorktown Pub
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
9. Offer prayers at Grace Episcopal Church
Grace Episcopal Church offers multiple places of worship in Virginia. It is the centre of worship in the area and a must-visit for Christians looking to take part in a prayer and worship session during their vacation. At the location, you will also find a school of fellowship and discipleship. Built in 1697, the church was later updated in the Greek Revival style.
Grace Episcopal Church
Address: 111 Church St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Grace Episcopal Church
10. Sunbathe at Yorktown Beach
Take a break from the seriousness of this town and do something fun with the family. Yorktown Beach is a kid-friendly space with golden sands where visitors can enjoy all the goodness that beaches offer. This is a swimming beach. Other activities that can be enjoyed at Yorktown beach include fishing and sunbathing. There is free public parking, picnic areas, and a boat dock.
11. Shop till you drop at Riverwalk Landing
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Along the Yorktown waterfront, you will find Riverwalk Landing. This laidback touristy space is a blend of riverfront dining, outdoor recreational activities, and several shops and boutiques to enjoy a shopping experience. When you are not sampling the delicious food, go for a boating trip on the Schooner Alliance.
Riverwalk Landing
Address: Yorktown Historic Freight Shed, 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Riverwalk Landing
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
12. Tour Larry's Hard Lemonade Brewing Co.
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Combine your love of beer and lemonade by heading to this unique brewing company in the heart of Yorktown. Larry’s Hard Lemonade Brewing Co. is a place for the adults to go see how craft beer is made. After your enriching experience, take a seat in the laidback bar setting and enjoy a flavourful offing of Larry’s fruity beer.
Larry's Hard Lemonade Brewing Co.
Address: 524 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Larry’s Hard Lemonade Brewing Co.
Opening hours: 7:30am - 11am, 12pm - 8pm (daily)
13. Purchase fresh produce at Yorktown Farmers Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Come shop for organic and seasonal produce at this riverfront farmers market showcasing local ingredients from sustainable farmers. Some of the items you can source at the market include vegetables, meat products, cheeses, and other provisions. Weekends at the market are great for enjoying live music by local artists and freshly prepared dishes served at food trucks.
Yorktown Farmers Market
Address: 401 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Yorktown Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri
14. Pay homage to brave hearts at Yorktown Victory Monument
One of Yorktown’s most notable and iconic landmarks is the Victory Monument. As with most monuments and statues, this impressive structure boasts a rich history and visitors can get a glimpse of this during their visit to the town. Yorktown Victory Monument pays tribute to British General Cornwallis’ surrender to the Franco-American alliance at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. This battle was a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
Yorktown Victory Monument
Address: 803 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Yorktown Victory Monument
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Visit the iconic Yorktown Battlefield
If you would like to see how Virginia gained their independence and where victory thrived amid a battle, then head to Yorktown Battlefield. Start your historical journey of Virginia at the Visitor Center and where you will be greeted to an orientation film and museum exhibiting the history of America. You will also get a glimpse into the field tents used by General Washington during the battle. You will be treated to a guided and informative tour of the battlefield as well as the town. You will see the numerous fortifications and cannons, Moore House, and many other historic sites.
Yorktown Battlefield
Address: 1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Yorktown Battlefield
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
16. Discover American history at Nelson House
Located in Yorktown Battlefield Colonial National Historical Park, Thomas Nelson House is a historic colonial home in Yorktown. The architecturally pleasing home was built around 1730 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The restored Georgian mansion was the home of the former governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence of Virginia.
Nelson House
Address: 200-208 Nelson St, Yorktown, VA 23690, United States
Website: Nelson House
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
An enriching visit to Yorktown
If you’ve ever had a question about the foundation of The Land of The Free, then this trip to Virginia is highly recommended. You will have an opportunity to walk the paths of Amerca’s forefathers and visit homes that date back to colonial times. A visit here is a great learning experience for people of all age groups.
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