After the museums and the battlefield, the Yorktown waterfront is where the day ends well. The small town of Yorktown sits on a bluff above the York River, and a path leads down to Riverwalk Landing, a waterfront strip of shops, cafes and restaurants with open views across the river that are especially striking at sunset. Up on the bluff, historic Main Street has homes with stories tied to cannon fire, wartime explosions and notable former residents, and the Victory Monument, built in 1884, stands as a tribute to American independence. The Watermen’s Museum celebrates the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay, and the town hosts seasonal events including Yorktown Market Days, with a Maritime Festival and a Harvest Festival, a Tea Festival, a Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa. Walking the waterfront and Main Street costs nothing, and you pay only for food, shopping or the museum. The visitor guide to the region suggests pairing the waterfront with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the battlefield, which is exactly how most visitors use it.
How the visit works
The waterfront is a free public area and the shops and restaurants keep their own hours, which vary by season, so check before planning a meal. Parking is available in the village, and the walk from the bluff to Riverwalk Landing takes a few minutes. The town is about 20 to 25 minutes by car from Williamsburg, and the Colonial Parkway delivers you to the edge of the village. Events are scheduled through the year, so look at the events calendar before you go.
What to see
Begin on Main Street, where the older houses and the Victory Monument give you the history, and then walk down to the river for the modern waterfront with its views, restaurants and shops. The Watermen’s Museum is a small, charming stop for anyone interested in the working waters of the bay. Sunset over the York is the best moment, and photographers will want to be on the waterfront at that hour. In winter, the Christmas events bring lights and activities to the village.
Making the most of it
Schedule the waterfront as the finale of a Yorktown day, after the American Revolution Museum and the battlefield, and have an early dinner by the river. Families will enjoy the open space for children to run, and couples will find it a calm, scenic place to end the day. Wear layers in cooler months, because the river wind is sharp, and carry a light jacket even in summer evenings. The waterfront is also a useful place to rest after a long day of driving the battlefield loop.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk along Main Street, past the Victory Monument and down to the Riverwalk Landing shops, cafes and river views.
Best time
Late afternoon into sunset, after the museum and battlefield.
How long
One to two hours, longer with dinner.
Tips
Check restaurant hours, bring a layer for the river breeze and look at the events calendar.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, families and photographers who want an easy, scenic finish to a history day.
- Families
- Plenty of open space for children and a choice of casual food.
- Couples
- A sunset stroll beside the river is the best moment.
- Pair with
- The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Yorktown waterfront free?+
Yes. Walking Main Street, the Victory Monument and Riverwalk Landing costs nothing, and you pay only for food, shopping or the Watermen’s Museum.
When was the Victory Monument built?+
It was built in 1884 as a tribute to American independence.
What is at Riverwalk Landing?+
A waterfront strip of boutiques, cafes and restaurants with views of the York River, especially striking at sunset.
What events happen in Yorktown?+
Seasonal events include Yorktown Market Days with a Maritime Festival and a Harvest Festival, a Tea Festival, a Christmas tree lighting and Cookies with Santa. Check the calendar.
How far is Yorktown from Williamsburg?+
It is about 20 to 25 minutes by car, and the Colonial Parkway links the two.
