Outdoor Fun

Whether you're a hiker, biker, kayaker, power boater, or beach lover— York County is your outdoor recreation destination. Historic Yorktown's mile-long pedestrian Riverwalk is the perfect place for casual strolling or serious power walking. You can catch your supper at the fishing pier or dock your boat at the Riverwalk Landing Piers.

Tour by Land on a Bicycle or Segway

Rent a bicycle from Patriot Tours & Provisions and enjoy a leisurely ride down the Riverwalk, around the Yorktown Battlefield, or even up the Colonial Parkway. Or if you're a little more adventurous, book a guided Segway Tour and learn some history while stopping for some amazing photo opportunities. These tours take place year-round, weather permitting.

Benches line the walk to give you the chance to sit and people watch or simply admire the natural beauty of the York River. They are also the perfect resting spots to enjoy your ice cream from Ben & Jerry's.

Tour by Water on a Kayak, Paddleboard, or Sailboat!

Explore by water and at your own speed when you rent a kayak or paddleboard from Patriot Tours & Provisions. You can also book a private cruise along the York River for parties of up to 49 people. You can customize your charter to fit your needs with a variety of catering and beverage services for private events.

Yorktown Beach

Located in Historic Yorktown, this two-acre beachfront provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. A Mobi-Mat was installed to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, or baby strollers and to allow everyone to have accessibility to the beach. Be sure to ask about our Mobi-Chair available for disabled guests who desire to physically get into the water. It's free to rent from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in two-hour increments. You'll need a state-issued photo ID and each handicapped/special needs individuals must be accompanied by at least one escort to help with the chair. Please call or stop by our Dockmaster's office for more information.

Fishing Pier

The fishing pier is open year-round. It's free to the public and is wheelchair accessible. Whether you're a local or visiting from out of state—you don't need a license to fish here.

Depending on the time of year, you're likely to catch anything from Chesapeake Bay blue crabs to puppy drum. In late spring (March-April), the crabs are abundant, along with striped bass. As the water warms leading into the summer months, you're also likely to see croaker, flounder, and speckled trout. The trout and puppy drum will stick around through fall and then as we transition into winter, the population of rockfish really picks up.

The pier is also a great stop for sightseeing. Just off the dock is the deepest water of the York River. In addition to fevers of sting rays and pods of dolphins, you may also get lucky and see a Navy destroyer, submarine, or other large vessel (including visiting tall ships) pass through the channel on any given day!

Picnic Area

The grassy area beside the pier stretches across 10 acres and is the perfect place to set up a picnic or lounge with a good book. People can apply for a permit for company outings, picnics, family reunions, and other approved uses by filling out the appropriate paperwork. Click here to learn more about requesting a permit. Please note you must make requests 14 days prior to your special event.

Dock Your Boat & Explore!

Bypass the hassle of traditional parking and take a slip close to the action. Riverwalk Landing's main pier is 395 feet long and 20 feet wide. It's located at the foot of Ballard Street and can accommodate tall ships; large and small motor and sailing vessels; and regional cruise lines. Boaters can also access a second pier behind Riverwalk Restaurant—not too far from the Coleman Bridge. That pier accommodates smaller craft such as day-trippers and pleasure boaters who want to check out the restaurants and shops. There are also several seasonal events to explore including free outdoor concerts in the summer, Saturday farmers markets, and a wine festival in the fall. Learn more about docking fees, rules, and regulations.