Yorktown, Va., isn’t as well known as the other two places in America’s Historic Triangle: Williamsburg and Jamestown. Tourists come to Williamsburg to explore a reconstructed Colonial-era city, populated by living history interpreters; Jamestown, which is still being excavated, is the site of the first permanent English colony in America.

But Yorktown deserves its due. This charming town on the York River is a great Virginia destination for a weekend or day trip. Stretch out on the sand on the uncrowded beach. Sail down the river at sunset. Savor a crabcake or some perfectly seared rockfish.

Yorktown’s easy to reach, just an hour southeast from Richmond or northwest from Norfolk. Grab your tricorner hat, and let’s go!

Five Fun Things to Do in Yorktown

1. Practice your arrrrrr. Toward the end of April each year, pirates (and sometimes mermaids, too) invade Yorktown for a two-day celebration. Grizzled buccaneers demonstrate crafts, fire cannons and sing sea chanteys. Kids enjoy the pirate-themed cruise with Captain Mayhem, who lets them help steer the ship and get some nautical tattoos.
2. Walk in George Washington’s footsteps. In 1781, George Washington and his allies defeated the British at Yorktown, striking the decisive blow in the battle for independence.¹ Relive the battle at Yorktown Battlefield, which is part of the Colonial National Historical Park. You can walk the trails, take a guided tour and see original artifacts in the museum, including Washington's campaign tents.
3. Dive deep into the American Revolution. The newly rebranded American Revolution Museum at Yorktown opened its doors in 2017. Explore an 18^th-century farm and army encampment, or experience the smoke and booming cannons in an immersive film about the Siege of Yorktown.
4. Sail down the York River on a wooden schooner. From late March until late October, Yorktown Sailing Charters offers daily sightseeing cruises aboard its two stately ships, the Alliance and the Serenity. If you want to test your seafaring ability, you can help set sail as the schooner gets underway.
5. Stroll Riverwalk Landing. Yorktown’s pretty waterfront is home to specialty shops and delightful eateries. Some favorites include Auntie M’s American Cottage, which sells handcrafted folk art and lets customers design their own felted flower pins, and Patriot Tours and Provisions, a source for colorful kites and beachy accessories.^2

Four of the Best Hotels in Yorktown, VA

There’s just one waterfront hotel in Yorktown: the Duke of York. While it’s not fancy, the Duke of York gives you gorgeous river views and a prime location that’s a few steps from the beach — all for a nightly rate that’s far below what you’d pay for an oceanfront room in nearby Virginia Beach.

A short walk uphill is the Hornsby House Inn, a 1933 red-brick mansion with traditionally furnished suites. The family-owned inn serves wine and cheese or high tea at 5 p.m., then a hearty breakfast in the morning. The York River Inn Bed & Breakfast is a historic inn with just three rooms, where innkeeper Bill Cole is famous for his lavish breakfasts.

About 20 minutes from Yorktown is the Kingsmill Resort, which has two 18-hole golf courses, a well-appointed spa, a sprawling pool complex and water sports (in season) on the James River. Free shuttle buses take guests to Williamsburg and the Busch Gardens theme park.

Three Great Yorktown Restaurants

The elegant Riverwalk Restaurant is a local favorite for Chesapeake classics like she-crab soup, local oysters, and crab cakes. The river views can’t be beat. If you go for the Sunday brunch buffet, bring your appetite!  The menu includes not only eggs, bacon and pancakes but also prime beef, potatoes, chicken salad, crab dip, baked oysters, and tuna tartare.

Riverwalk’s sister restaurant is the Water Street Grille, a relaxed pub with an extensive selection of Virginia craft beer. (We recommend anything from Richmond’s Hardywood Park or Williamsburg’s Alewerks.) For a decadent dinner, order the Whole Lobster Mac: a steamed whole Maine lobster on top of creamy four-cheese penne.

What makes the carrot cake at Carrot Tree Kitchens so luscious? It’s a family secret. In 1984, the owner was challenged by a restaurant manager to produce a better carrot cake. She called her grandmother at midnight for the family recipe and then baked until 3 a.m.³ This cute Yorktown restaurant serves local specialties for lunch, too, like Hogg Island barbecue and Brunswick stew.

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