- Home
- Travel Tools
- Blog: In the Loop
- Plan a Road Trip
- Small-Town Charm
Rooted in 18th-Century History,
Sprinkled with Modern-Day Charm
We are a small town known mostly for the battle that essentially ended the Revolution—a strategic attack so pivotal to America’s independence that Hamilton fans may better know us as the place where The World Turned Upside Down. And while we are unbelievably proud to tout our ties to the 18th century and the freedoms we enjoy today, history is just a fraction of what you’ll find when you Visit Yorktown.
We are part of an area known as the Historic Triangle which also includes Williamsburg and Jamestown. Each of our destinations is connected by a scenic 23-mile stretch of cobblestone road called the Colonial Parkway. When you get to our point in the Triangle, you’ll find the best of both worlds—a beautiful blend of colonial history and breathtaking waterfront views.
Just down from the Battlefields runs the beautiful York River where summer sunsets set the sky ablaze and dolphins playfully jump out of the water. You’ll find museums and galleries; restaurants and specialty shops; and unique ways to explore the town. The dilemma we often hear from guests is that they’re only passing through and had no idea all there is to do!
That’s why we recommend making a weekend (or even a week!) of your stay. Whether you book a modern hotel room or choose to stay in one of our many quaint bed and breakfasts—you and your family will be within walking distance of our beautiful beach with a fishing pier, as well as a charming waterfront village featuring shopping, dining, and recreation.
Once you arrive, you can park your car and let us do the driving. Hop on our complimentary Trolley service which makes a full loop around Yorktown every 20 to 25 minutes—a route you can follow in real-time after downloading our mobile tracking app. Each trolley features a wheelchair lift and our beach has one of the area’s only Mobi-mats and Mobi-chairs…making accessibility a priority for everyone who visits.
As you explore—you’ll find hidden gems that only our tiny town can claim. Like the cannon ball embedded in the bricks of the Nelson House. Though not an original mortar from the Revolutionary War, it was added in the early 1900s to illustrate the heavy hits the house sustained during the Siege at Yorktown. During the war, it was home to one of Yorktown’s most famous residents—and signer of the Declaration of Independence—Thomas Nelson, Jr. The house also survived the Yorktown Fire in 1814 and the 1862 Battle of Yorktown after which it was used as a hospital for sick and wounded Civil War soldiers. Some of them carved their names and initials into the brick walls surrounding the front door which you can still see today.
Then there’s the Yorktown Pub, a local staple that’s been serving some of the freshest seafood to the community for more than 30 years. You’ll find freshly shucked local oysters, delicious crab cakes, and always a delicious "fish of the day," which you can order blackened, broiled, or fried. And your beer will come served in a frothy mason jar—just how we like it here in the south.
Don’t leave town without visiting the adorable locally-owned coffee shop and café on Historic Main Street – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters. With its quaint whitewashed bricks and teal shutters, the shop features more than just coffee and food. On the weekends, they offer historic walking tours with exclusive access to some of the original buildings in town owned by the National Park Service, as well as after-hours wine tastings and other special events.
Finally—another lesser known spot to add to your itinerary before you leave is located on Read Street. This colorful painted mural featuring battle silhouettes was brought to life by a local high school art teacher and student in the 80s. It’s been maintained by members of the community with help from Grace Episcopal Church, the Coast Guard, and Colonial National Historical Park. It leads the way down one of three original streets in town (circa 1691) that connects Main Street to Water Street.
Whether you’re a history buff, a self-proclaimed foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast—Yorktown is the perfect destination for your next road trip across Virginia!
