26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Yorktown (VA)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Yorktown, VA?

The city is the county seat of York County, which is one of the eight original shires formed in colonial Virginia in 1682. This spectacular city got its name from the ancient city of York in Yorkshire, Northern England.

Established in 1691, Yorktown became a port on the York River for English colonists to export tobacco to Europe. Thomas Ballard, a lawyer, is the primary founder of the city alongside Joseph Ring.

Yorktown is popularly known as the site of the subsequent siege surrender of General Charles Cornwallis to General George Washington, plus the French Fleet during the American Revolutionary War in October 1781.

For a fun time, here are the top places to visit in Yorktown, Virginia.

Things to Do in Yorktown, VA

1. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

One of the top fun things to do in Yorktown, VA, is spending some quality time at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum explains the story of the nation’s establishment, from the twilight of the colonial period to the end of the Constitution and beyond.

The American Revolution Museum can find all kinds of displays concerning the meaningful activities and events during Revolutionary times. The Museum tells its story through immersive indoor exhibition galleries and films, plus outdoor living-history experiences.

There are exciting and enjoyable films, exhibitions, performances, artifacts, and others you will love to experience. Visit the outdoor living-history areas explore activities in a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm based on a real-life 18th-century family.

The American Revolution Museum is accessible all year round except Christmas and New Years’ times; the Museum is accessible every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Address: 200 Water Street Route 1020, Yorktown, VA 23690

2. Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown Battlefield consists of the battlefield of the American Revolution; recently, the well-preserved Union and Confederate fortifications are reminders of the area’s Civil War history.

Discover the Yorktown Visitor Center on Colonial Parkway as it interprets the Revolutionary War battle there; it also features some Civil War information. At Yorktown Battlefield, on October 1781, the British forces under Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the American & French armies led by General George Washington.

You will find where American independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield, administered by the NPS as an area of the Colonial National Historical Park.

As you drive through the battlefield, you are sure to find several cannons and fortifications, including the Moore House, a scene of surrender negotiations, Surrender Field, and other sites. Explore the Yorktown Battlefield as it is one of the top places to visit in Yorktown; you’re sure to learn fascinating histories about the city.

Address: 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23690

3. Yorktown Beach

Yorktown Beach is a 2-acre public beach located in Historic Yorktown; the beach offers exciting family fun alongside enjoyable activities. Yorktown Beach is one of the only beaches in Hampton Roads to display a Mobi-Mat and Mobi-Chair for guests in wheelchairs.

The beach is one of the wonderful best places to visit in Yorktown, as you are sure to enjoy a wonderful experience. Yorktown Beach is an excellent spot for boating, sunbathing, swimming, and fishing.

You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes from Patriot Tours & Provisions to explore the surroundings. An ADA-accessible fishing pier and a greasy picnic area are available to visitors.

There are well-maintained restrooms, stores, nearby hotels, and several other restaurants in the area. The beach provides free public parking in many lots in the city; the picnic area is open year-round, and it’s available for outings, picnics, family reunions, and others.

Exploring Yorktown Beach is one of the unique things to do in Yorktown, VA, with the family,

Address: 425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

4. Colonial Parkway

The Colonial Parkway features a twenty-three-mile scenic roadway that stretches from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown.

The Parkway connects Virginia’s historic triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown; other million travelers per year use Colonial Parkway to enjoy Virginia’s natural and cultural beauty.

Colonial Parkway is one of the attractions in Yorktown you would love to visit. It permits motorists to view the surrounding picturesque landscape and provides a safe environment for travelers. Passing is only permitted in the marked passing zones, plus when oncoming traffic is clear.

It marks an essential change in the history of National Park Service (NPS) road-building traditions as the first NPS-designed Parkway that unifies dispersed sites as part of a cohesive national park.

The Parkway marks an essential change in the history of National Park Service (NPS) road-building traditions as the original NPS-designed Parkway, which unifies dispersed sites as part of a cohesive national park.

5. Riverwalk Landing

Discover the Riverwalk Landing situated along the waterfront side. The Riverwalk Landing is a beautiful blend of riverfront outdoor recreation, dining, boutique stores, and events, alongside a lovely view of the York River.

You are sure to enjoy a sunset sail on the Schooner Alliance and then treat yourself to ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, or relax as you enjoy the sights and sound of the bustling Riverwalk. The Riverwalk Landing is one of the best places to visit in Yorktown, as it features exciting activities in the area.

You will enjoy the Riverwalk Landing’s one-of-a-kind restaurants discover specialty waterfront stores designed in the spirit of Colonial architecture, which offers jewelry, quilts, art, clothing, patriotic items, home decor, and many others.

You can also stroll with your loved ones on the mile-long pedestrian walk along the York River from the Yorktown Battlefield to the American Revolution Museum of Yorktown.

A visit to Riverwalk Landing is recommended as one of the cool things to do in Yorktown, VA.

6. Colonial National Historical Park

The Colonial National Historical Park is an area of southeast Virginia where a 23-e road links several major historical towns like Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

In 1930, Colonial National Historical Park consisted of a 10,221-acre unit situated between Virginia’s James and York rivers. Originally designated as a national monument as it became a national historical park in 1936, the Colonial NHP administers and interprets the sites of Jamestown Island and the Yorktown Battlefield.

Colonial National Historical Park is designed to provide a scenic road view and offer continuity to the visitor’s driving experience through nearly 400 years of American colonial history. Plan to visit the city and drive through the Colonial National Historical Parkas. It offers visitors incredible open vistas of rivers and tidal estuaries, plus shady passageways through pine and hardwood forests.

A visit here will open you to history, definitely one of the top things to do in Yorktown, VA, for history lovers.

Address: 1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690

7. Yorktown Victory Monument

The Yorktown Victory Monument stands as a fitting symbol to the French and American victory at Yorktown, a win on October 19, 1781, which resulted in American Independence.

The Victory Monument is one of the top places to visit in Yorktown to learn histories about the city. The Monument park guide tells about the history and symbolism of the Yorktown Victory Monument.

The Victory Monument commemorated British General Cornwallis’s surrender to the Franco-American Alliance at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.

The battle was such a huge turning point in the Revolutionary War, and negotiations for peace started the following year, finally giving birth to the United States’ independence. The monument is made up of granite from Hallowell, Maine, and it took nearly three years to finish.

This is one of the best free things to do in Yorktown, VA, for fun, it’s a great way to spend some outdoor time in the area.

Address: Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

8. Yorktown Farmers Market

Situated on the Yorktown waterfront between Buckner and Ballard Streets, Yorktown Farmers Market is open to its visitors, and it is one of the places to visit in Yorktown.

Yorktown Farmers Market features fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet herbs, seafood, cut flowers, cheese, coffee, potted plants, live musical entertainment, plus quality art.

The Farmers Market consists of more than 35 local farmers and vendors throughout the season, alongside a variety of homegrown favorites. Visit the Yorktown Farmers Market with your family and friends to buy lovely items you would need.

Address: 425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23692

Are you considering exploring Virginia, here is a list of things to do in Richmond and things to do in Wytheville, and  for a fun vacation

9. Yorktown National Cemetery

Yorktown National Cemetery is the final resting destination for more than 2,000 Civil War soldiers buried at this site. Many of them are the casualties of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.

Yorktown National Cemetery is one of 14 national cemeteries operated by the National Park Service. Currently, the cemetery is part of the National Park Service’s Yorktown Battlefield, within the Colonial National Historical Park.

In 1866, the Yorktown National Cemetery was selected as a good cemetery located in the general vicinity of several Civil War battlefields.

At the cemetery, you will find scenes of action related to the Peninsular Campaign of 1862 when General George B. McClellan moved toward the Confederate capital. The cemetery rests adjacent to the 1781 Battlefield, where the British had surrendered to General Washington.

10. The Watermen’s Museum

For museum lovers, one of the fun things to do in Yorktown, VA, is is visiting The Watermen’s Museum.

Situated on the Yorktown, Virginia waterfront just upriver from the Riverwalk shopping and dining area, the Watermen’s Museum is one of the perfect places to visit in Yorktown.

Watermen’s Museum is dedicated to demonstrating the role Chesapeake Bay Watermen, from pre-colonial to modern times, have also shaped the nation.

Watermen’s Museum offers historical exhibits that depict military and civilian watercraft and activities and a look into the lives of the people that have worked and fought on the water, with crafts and methods of their trade. The Museum offers school and civic educational field trips to conduct summer children’s programs in Archaeology, Boatbuilding, Environmental Explorer, and Pirate topics, alongside several other programs and subjects.

You will discover the Museum’s tiny gift shop that carries a variety of nautically-themed jewelry, books, T-shirts, hats, home, office decor, and much more. The Museum also offers rentals for your special events like weddings, receptions, and others.

Address: 309 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690-2200

11. Moore House

Amongst the top fun things to do in Yorktown is visiting the Moore House .

The Moore House is a historical building wiring Colonial National Park in York County, Virginia; it was also the site of negotiations for British General Charles Cornwallis’s surrender at the Siege of Yorktown.

Erected in 1725 on a 500-acre parcel of land named Temple Farm, the Moore House also features a dam and grist mill. The land was initially granted to John Harvey in the 1630s, the Crown Governor of Virginia; the land is also currently called the York Plantation.

Lawrence Smith II built the Moore House on Temple Farm, and the home stayed within the family until 1754 when Robert, his son, sold it to his brother-in-law Augustine Moore to avoid financial woes.

The Moore House continued to the Moore family until 1797, when it passed to the son of Thomas Nelson Jr., Hugh Nelson, after the death of Augustine and his wife, Lucy. The National Park Service (NPS) restored the Moore House to its original colonial appearance.

12. The Gallery at York Hall

The Gallery at York Hall is a welcome center for guests and a gathering place for residents; the Gallery is one of the top places to visit in Yorktown as it is home to many assigned arts and items.

Volunteer Sharon Owen runs the Gallery, and it consists is numerous works of local artists, alongside a variety of themed exhibits that changes every six to eight weeks. The volunteers serve the community by maintaining a visitor information area, offering brochures, maps, discounts, and friendly service and hospitality.

The Gallery at York Hall consists of pottery, jewelry, quilts, paintings, stained glass, and other pieces from more than 300 local artists. Every month, you will discover new featured artists, plus interactive demonstrations in the lobby each Sunday.

The proceeds from visitors’ purchases are used to support visual arts and performing arts in Historic Yorktown. You are sure to enjoy the yearly Christmas Market on Main Street with your loved ones.

The Gallery is also one of the best places to visit in Yorktown. It offers unique locations to purchase one-of-a-kind Yorktown souvenirs, including items featuring the popular Yorktown Onions, Fifes, and Drums; Revolutionary-era soldiers; and nautical-themed art.

Address: 301 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690-4031

13. Nelson House

The Nelson House is one of the historical places in the city you need to visit. It was the house of Thomas Nelson, Jr. in 1738-1789; it also features the city’s most famous song and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Nelson’s grandfather built the Nelson family in Yorktown, arriving from England in 1705; he later became a prosperous and influential merchant. He constructed his home, the Nelson House, about 1730, and his son, William, inherited the family business and accumulated extensive land holdings throughout the colony.

Nelson House is one of the finest examples of early Georgian architecture in Virginia, famous in the 1700s because of its unique and balanced appearance that gave an impression of order and stability.

Most of the bricks, mortar, and other building materials used in furnishing the house are original; explore the Nelson House to discover exciting items and stories about the place.

Visit this Yorktown VA attraction which is quite an architecture to behold for unique things to do in Yorktown, VA.

Address: 200-208 Nelson Street, Yorktown, VA 23690-4018

14. US Coast Guard Training Center

The US Coast Guard Training Center offers a first-class working and learning environment that a dedicated staff of support personnel has designed. If you’re on vacation in Yorktown, be sure to visit the Training Center to learn, work, and do amazing things about the city and other countries.

US Coast Guard Training Center actualizes its mission through residents, non-residents, exportable training, assessment and standardization programs, external engagement with international and local partners, and many other areas.

Whether you visited the training center to either gather information, surf the web, plan to attend a school, or stop by for a visit, you are sure to enjoy the view of the TCYorktown Tour and the photo gallery,

US Coast Guard Training Center is committed to supporting the Coast Guard by optimizing workforce employment performance and unit readiness.

15. York County Historical Museum

York County Historical Museum is home to artifacts from the city’s past, such as Revolutionary and Civil War, Native American tools, colonial Yorktown, the 20th Century exhibits of the USS Yorktown, the Naval Weapons Station, and more.

The York County Historical Museum is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and understanding of the history of York County and the city through the preservation and presentation of historical artifacts in a museum.

The Historical Museum inspires the exploration of our county, state, and nation’s history, people, and culture. Since it is a non-profit organization, it uses collections, historic sites, and museums to help tell the American Story.

You are sure to find something fantastic and exciting about the residents and the history of Yorktown, Virginia.

For fun things to do in Yorktown, VA, add this to your checklist of places to visit in Yorktown.

Address: 408 Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

Considering a Virginia road trip, check out our guides on things to do in Cape Charles , things to do in Chesapeake and things to do in Newport News for a memorable trip.

16. Cozy Cottage

If you’re in search of an incredible spot to shop for booths, antiques, and their likes, the Cozy Cottage is one of the top places to visit in Yorktown.

Cozy Cottage is an antique mall that offers fantastic deals, and the friendly dealers stock their booths with a wide variety of items you will love. At Cozy Cottage, you will find antiques, collectibles, available booth spaces, and others. The Cozy Cottage is situated in Yorktown, and it is part of the Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers Industry.

Go to the Cozy Cottage with your friends and family to enjoy a fantastic shopping experience and buy lovely quality items.

Address: 7330 George Washington Mem Hwy Ste H, Yorktown, VA 23692-4889

17. Patriot Tours & Provisions

Patriot Tours and Provisions offer one-hour and two hours guided Segway tours in historic Yorktown every day. Visit the Patriot Tours and Provisions with your friends and family to experience and enjoy a memorable adventure.

Bike rentals, kayaks, paddleboards are available for rentals in Yorktown, as you enjoy a self-guided experience. Patriot Tours and Provisions provides a unique selection of flags, kites, plus other fun beach toys on their souvenir and gifts shop.

The ticket fees to access the area are based on the type of tour. There are beach provisions like snacks, beach towels, umbrella chairs to purchase or rent, and other subdued are available.

Visiting the Patriot Tours and Provisions is one of the fun things to do in Yorktown, Virginia.

18. Yorktown Sailing Charters

Explore the Yorktown Sailing Charters as you set sail on the historic waters of Yorktown; you will enjoy a magical experience. Free yourself to fall into the rich environment history and the majestic ship you boarded while you’re with your loved ones with a fresh breeze pulling it all together.

Yorktown Sailing Charters is dedicated to introducing the beauty of the waters to its visitors; they have been in sailing for more than 30 years. You will experience a memorable adventure that keeps you coming back for more.

The Yorktown Sailing Charters is the best option for you if you search for the best sailing charters; with their impressive vessel, it takes you around as you explore the city and its surroundings.

Yorktown Sailing Charters also offers private sailing charters for weddings, corporate cruises, etc. Visit your kids as they raise the sails and learn sailors’ skills.

This makes what to do in Yorktown for some exploration, quite a perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Yorktown, VA.

19. Schooner Alliance

The Schooner Alliance offers 2-hour cruises on the York River abroad, and the Schooner Alliance sails three times daily from Historic Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing April to November. Join the Schooner Alliance and step back into history aboard this 105-foot gaff-rigged schooner. The Alliance provides sailing charters from Yorktown, Virginia, in the summer months and Caribbean Islands in the winter months.

The Alliance offers you an excellent opportunity to explore the Chesapeake Bay tidewaters for a sightseeing cruise, or the more adventurous soul, explore the emerald waters of the Caribbean on a 7-day cruise.

For those who love history or have dreamed of experiencing a true sailing adventure, the Schooner Alliance is meant for you. You are only some minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia’s Historic Triangle with the Schooner Alliance.

20. Auntie M’s American Cottage

Auntie M’s American Cottage features a curated selection of goods created with American hands, ranging from local artworks to something a little farther out in the brand; you can always find it in the Cottage.

Auntie M’s American Cottage started as Marilyn West in Yorktown in the early 1990s. As a self-taught artist and an avid runner, she began designing and painting whimsical colonial folk art figures as awards for Yorktown’s Fourth of July Freedom Run.

West also produced awards for several local road races as her designs were acknowledged; you are sure to find unique things you will love in the Cottage.

You will also find felted wool pins she made from recycled wool sweaters, jewelry, and many other creative tidbits at Auntie M’s American Cottage.

Address: 330 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690-2200

21. On The Hill Gallery

The Yorktown Arts Foundation is dedicated to promoting an appreciation of the arts in the York County area by offering a venue for art sales by local artists, art outreach, art education, and promoting art participation and appreciation in the visual arts.

With On the Gallery, the Yorktown Arts Foundation provides an opportunity for local and regional artists to display their works. The artists are given a chance to show their work to the public and expand their knowledge of art via the association with other jurors & artists.

You will enjoy the events hosted by the Arts Foundation, which features the works of York County Schools Art Teachers and shows for art students from kindergarten, middle and high school arts programs in the county.

This makes what to do in Yorktown, VA for art lovers, quite a recommended addition to your bucket list of things to do in Yorktown, VA, for fun.

Address: 402 Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23990

22. Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown

The Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown is spectacular in Yorktown, Virginia. Glen Parks and Glen started the winery in 2006 as a spot where the locals could come in to learn about winemaking and create custom wines.

Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown features a storefront tasting room and production space to handcraft more than 40 wine varietals. The winery specializes in small-batch fruit fusion wines, plus a casual tasting environment.

Recently, Vintner’s Cellar Yorktown remains the city’s only winery. Visit the tasting room of Vintner’s Cellar Winery with your friends or family to enjoy great wines; the tasting room is also open for wine pickups and ticketed events.

You can also plan your special events at the Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown, including engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, corporate parties, and others.

Address: 1213 George Washington Mem Hwy Ste C, Yorktown, VA 23693-4312

23. Yorktown Bookshop

The Yorktown Bookshop is owned by a veteran that offers quality used, rare and hard to find books, collectibles, antiquities in Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Virginia.

If you’re on vacation in Yorktown, and you are in search of the best book store to find exciting and excellent books, the Yorktown Bookshop is the right place for you.

The book store features high-quality books of many genres at 50-70% off the publisher’s price, alongside helpful and knowledgeable staff. You can either enjoy reading or browsing in a quiet and relaxing environment. The book store has a children’s area where your kids can learn and have fun.

Address: 328 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690-2200

24. Play A Round Family Fun Center

Play A Round Family Fun Center has a history dating back to 1971. The center was initially located at Newport News in Warwick Village Shopping Center. It functioned as a Putt-Putt Golf franchise.

The business was bought in 2004 by a family named Cowan. The family closed and pulled down the Newport News property in 2014 and decided to build a more spacious and modern facility.

Shortly after, construction started on their New York County property, which was launched in 2018.

Play A Round Family Fun Center is open throughout the year except for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

What to find in this attraction includes a laser tag arena, 36 holes of fantastic mini golf, an arcade containing 40 newest redemption and video games, and a snack bar.

Address: 5021 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23692, United States

25. Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve

The Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve occupies 375 acres. This attraction is a typical example of Virginia’s remarkable coastal plain pond complex.

Most of these Ponds came into existence due to the breaking down of calcareous deposits under the Yorktown Formation. 

Visitors will be able to find some different uncommon species of animals and plants, such as the pond spice (Litsea aestivalis), Harper’s fimbristylis (Fimbristylis perpusilla), barking treefrog (Hyla gratiosa), and Mabee’s salamander (Ambystoma mabeei).

Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve is open to the general public and is owned and managed by the City of Newport News.

Address: Yorktown, VA 23692, United States

26. Black Creek Park

Black Creek Park is a scenic 27-acre park. This attraction features many outdoor activities that the entire family and your friends will love engaging in.

This beautiful park features six tennis courts that are well-illuminated, picnic areas, a free boat launching facility, and clean restrooms for your convenience.

They also host tennis competitions, tournaments, and lessons for guests. Other facilities in the Park include four pickleball courts and a Black Creek Boat Landing.

Black Creek Boat Landing provides easy access to the waterways and is kayak accessible. It also has a boat launch, picnic areas, and a crabbing pier.

Address: 3000 Goodwin Neck Rd, Yorktown, VA 23692, United States

Want to check out more cities in Virginia? here are guides on Staunton and Lexington for a fun Virginia exploration.

Plan Your Trip to Yorktown

Yorktown, Virginia, is an excellent destination for a memorable adventure you need to explore with your friends or family in a vacation or weekend getaway. The fantastic city features exciting and exciting things you will love.

You will discover museums, paintings, artworks, tasty food, fresh produce, winery, bars, outdoor and indoor games, beaches, recreational parks, spas, historical places and structures, antiques, sailing and fishing adventures, and others.

Start planning your next unforgettable adventure to the beautiful city as it is worth your trip, and you will love to come back for more.