For a full day or weekend of fun, visit Yorktown and Riverwalk Landing on the York River. Home to several museums, one of the largest waterfronts in the region and multiple dining options, it is a destination for both history and beach lovers.
1. Looking Back
History buffs rejoice! Yorktown offers both history of land and sea with its American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown National Cemetery, Yorktown Surrender Field and Yorktown Victory Monument, which commemorates the 1781 victory at Yorktown. Scattered throughout the town are numerous historic homes including Moore House and Nelson House, with cannonballs still embedded on the side and top of the home. Under the bridge, on the banks of the river is The Watermen’s Museum, which pays homage to working watermen on the York River and Chesapeake Bay. Start your stroll through time at the Yorktown Visitor’s Center.
2. Beach Days
The two-acre public beach is free and accessible to all with a Mobi-Mat and Mobi Chair for disabled visitors. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming or fishing—with a year-round ADA-accessible fishing pier—the beachfront offers several public parking areas. Kayaks, paddle boards and bikes are available for rent from private tour groups. Take a sunbathing break and stroll the shops and restaurants along Riverwalk Landing.
3. Market with a View
Yorktown Market Days offers a traditional farmers market with a scenic view of the York River. Seasonal produce, seafood, meats, baked good, soaps, candles, dog treats, arts and crafts are offered from 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays April through October. Special themed markets like the September 7 First Responders Market and the October 12 Fall Festival add to the weekly fun. Find the full list of themed markets at visityorktown.org.
4. Cruisin’ and Tourin’
Sail the waters of the York River aboard the Schooner Alliance on a sightseeing day sail or a romantic sunset cruise. Little ones will enjoy the pirate ship adventure. By night, explore Yorktown’s spooky landmarks during a 90-minute candlelit walking tour. Rent a bike or Segway for a ride along the boardwalk or hop aboard the town trolley, which makes stops at all the major attractions.
5. Music by the Riverfront
Everybody loves music and it’s even better when it’s free and comes with a view. The Sounds of Summer concert series happens Thursday evenings June through August. Rhythms on the Riverwalk follows Thursday evenings in September and October. There’s singing, dancing and family fun on the waterfront with a variety of music.
