Attractions & Museums
Yorktown provides a unique blend of the past and present. You can spend the day at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown traveling back to the 18th century and learning the stories of citizens and soldiers. Then, return to spend your night with Yorktown Ghost Walks searching for signs of the supernatural as you explore history’s most haunted places. The following are just a few of the many opportunities awaiting you your next visit.
See full list of Historic Yorktown business hours.
Alexander’s Photography
Phone: 757.898.0632
While visiting historic Yorktown with your family and friends schedule your family portrait taken by Alexander using the York River picturesque scenery as a backdrop. Call for reservations.
Business Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Mondays; Call for appointment
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Phone: 757.253.4838
The museum is open daily where America’s struggle for independence, from the beginnings of colonial unrest to the formation of the new nation, is chronicled through the stories of citizens and soldiers in gallery exhibits, films and outdoor living history. Visitors can muster with troops in a re-created Continental Army encampment and help with chores at a re-created Revolution-era farm. There is a gift shop and a seasonal café. Entry requires an admission fee. Entry is free to James City County, York County, and Williamsburg neighbors with proof of residence.
Vacation Packages and Admission Tickets
Business Hours:
Daily: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., except Christmas and New Year's days.
Colonial NHP - Yorktown Battlefield
Phone: 757.898.2410
Begin your visit at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, where an orientation film, museum exhibits, and bookstore are available. Explore the fields, earthworks, and historic buildings where American independence was won. Driving tours of the battlefield include siege lines and encampment areas. Ranger-led tours of the battlefield and historic town leave from the visitor center daily, and Junior Ranger Programs are available for younger visitors. Administered by the National Park Service as part of Colonial National Historical Park. There is an admission fee to enter the Yorktown Battlefield.
Other points of interest are included with a National Park Service Admission ticket. Please note these sites are open seasonally as volunteers are available.
- Cornwallis’ Cave - While legend places Cornwallis’ headquarters here, he was actually located in a bunker near Tobacco Road.
- Moore House - Site of negotiations that led to the British surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781
- Nelson House - Restored mansion of Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Virginia, and commander of the Virginia Militia during the Siege of Yorktown.
- Poor Potter Archaeological Site - Described as a "poor potter" by Royal Governor William Gooch in 1732, William Rogers actually operated a large-scale pottery in Yorktown from 1720 to 1745 in violation of English trade laws.
- Yorktown Victory Monument - Commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1781 to commemorate the great victory at Yorktown, this monument was constructed between 1881 and 1884.
Business Hours:
Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's days). Admission fee required. Battlefield, tour roads, and park grounds open daily, 6 a.m. thru sunset.
Custom House
Phone: 757.890.4490
Built circa 1720, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and owned by the Comte de Grasse Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. There is a gift shop. The Custom House is open seasonally.
Business Hours:
Call for appointment.
The Fifes & Drums of York Town
Phone: 757.898.9418
The Fifes and Drums of York Town can be seen and heard throughout the year at many of Yorktown’s signature Events. In the summer, they also perform weekly at the Park Service Visitor Center, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and down at the waterfront. This talented hometown corps works to preserve and present Revolutionary War era fife and drum music in a tribute to the era in which American independence was won.
Freight Shed
Phone: 757.890.3730
Originally located on the water’s edge, the 1930s building served as a terminal for waterborne commerce. Renovated and in its new location, the Freight Shed is available to rent for receptions, meetings, and functions. There is a rental fee.
Gallery at York Hall
Phone: 757.890.4490
A welcome center for visitors and gathering place for residents, the Gallery features paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, quilts, and other pieces from more than 300 local artists. Each month, you’ll find new featured artists and interactive demonstrations in the lobby on Sundays. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase supports performing and visual arts in Historic Yorktown.
Business Hours:
(April–December)
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 4 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church
Phone: 757.898.3261
This original building, built in 1697, survived fire and two wars and continues to serve an active Episcopal congregation. Grace Episcopal Church offers tours on Saturday and holds services on Sunday.
LOVE Letters
Venture to the center of Riverwalk Landing and you'll discover LOVE Letters! With sweeping views of the beautiful York River, the location is both unique and memorable. The massive letters stretch 16 feet in length and stand more than six feet tall. The letters are decorated sporadically throughout the year to commemorate popular seasons or holidays.
Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Petite Café
Phone: 757.872.3020
Located in the Historic Cole Digges House (c.1730) on Main Street in Yorktown Village, this is a must visit. After many recreations over the past 289 years, the café has returned to a part of its Colonial heritage as a coffee and tea house. In addition to their tasty café selections, you can watch them roast coffee on Saturdays, join them for their monthly wine classes or historical talks, or enjoy a drink in the yard while appreciating one of the original seven buildings in Yorktown.
Business Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patriot Tours & Provisions, LLC
Phone: 757.969.5400
Enjoy a guided Segway tour through Historic Yorktown or rent a bicycle for a self-guided tour. You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas by the hour. Visit the shop to purchase snacks. souvenirs, and other swag for your stay at the beach. Ticket fees vary based on type of tour. Schedule and Prices.
Business Hours:
(March, April, November & December)
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(May–Oct)
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Segway tours available year-round by reservation.
Riverwalk Landing
Along the waterfront is Riverwalk Landing—a fine blend of riverfront dining, outdoor recreation, shopping, and special events—all with a beautiful view of the York River. Take a sunset sail on the Schooner Alliance and then treat yourself to ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, or simply relax as you take in the sights and sounds of the bustling Riverwalk.
Schooner Alliance II
Phone: 888.316.6422
Sail into history aboard Yorktown’s home-ported tall ship! Book a Sightseeing Day Sail as you navigate past the Battlefield—the same spot where our country won its independence. Enjoy a romantic Sunset Sail as you scan the horizon for dolphins. Cheer on your kids as they raise the sails, steer the schooner, and learn to tie knots on a Pirate Adventure Cruise. Sails depart daily from Riverwalk Landing Pier May 26-Nov. 1.
Schooner Serenity
Phone: 888.316.6422
Book a Daily Private Sightseeing Charter to intimately observe the York River and its surroundings. The ship can accommodate six passengers during Day and Sunset Sails. The Serenity departs daily from Riverwalk Landing Pier May 27– Nov. 1.
Watermen’s Museum & Gift Shop
Phone: 757.887.2641
The Watermen’s Museum tells the story of "lives along the Chesapeake Bay" and the history of the people who work on and harvest the bounty of the bay. The museum also offers school field trips, summer camps, festivals/events, and more. There is an admission fee.
Business Hours:
(April 1–December 23)
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, except some holidays
York County Historical Museum
Phone: 757.890.4122
Exhibits in this museum highlight York County’s 400-year history, including Naval Weapons Station, the battlefield golf course, the Coleman Bridge, and the archaeology of several local sites. Admission is free. Call for hours or to arrange a group tour.
Business Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 3 p.m.
Yorktown Baptist Church
Phone: 757.898.3274
Yorktown Baptist Church is set in the midst of the Yorktown Battlefield where brave individuals gave their lives for our freedom.
Visit their website for worship service schedule.
Yorktown Beach
Located in Historic Yorktown, this 2-acre beachfront provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. It is also ADA accessible with a special Mobi-Mat that extends from the Riverwalk, down the sand, all the way to the water. Disabled guests with an accompanying escort may also rent our Mobi-Chair from the Dockmaster’s office which allows wheelchair bound visitors to get into the river.
Yorktown Ghost Walks
Phone: 757.759.1320
In an area so rich in conflict, it’s no wonder there are whisperings of haunted buildings and lingering spirits. If you’re fascinated with the paranormal, you won’t want to miss this guided tour of Historic Yorktown’s streets after sunset.
Business Hours:
Tours Monday–Thursday at 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Beyond Yorktown
York County offers full-service hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camping. We have several family-friendly resorts, including Great Wolf Lodge which features an indoor water park! Challenge the family to a competitive game of miniature golf at Pirate’s Cove or spend the day at Water Country USA, the Mid-Atlantic’s largest water park offering live entertainment, shops, restaurants, and rides. Our area is also home to several craft breweries including Alewerks, and The Virginia Beer Company. You’ll find something for everyone!
