Colonial Parkway
A 23-mile scenic byway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, offering beautiful river views and a link to American history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flora, fewer crowds
Colonial Parkway
Best Time
Blooming flora, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 23-mile scenic byway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, offering beautiful river views and a link to American history.
"A beautiful drive connecting America's historic triangle, but be mindful of its chilling past."
🚗 Take your time!
The Colonial Parkway is about the journey. Stop at overlooks and enjoy the scenery.
⚠️ Be aware of surroundings
The parkway has a history of unsolved crimes. Stay alert, especially at isolated spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverfront Views
Various overlooks along the parkway
Stunning vistas of the James and York Rivers, perfect for a moment of reflection and photos.

Historic Triangle Access
Entrances to Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown
Seamlessly connect to America's most significant historical sites.

Wildlife Spotting
Wooded areas and riverbanks
Keep an eye out for deer, various bird species, and other local fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Drive
A Drive with a Dark Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Take your time!
The Colonial Parkway is about the journey. Stop at overlooks and enjoy the scenery.
⚠️ Be aware of surroundings
The parkway has a history of unsolved crimes. Stay alert, especially at isolated spots.
📸 Capture the views
Plenty of scenic pull-offs offer great photo opportunities of the rivers and forests.
⛽ Fuel up beforehand
Gas stations are scarce along the parkway itself. Fill up before you start your drive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Take your time!
The Colonial Parkway is about the journey. Stop at overlooks and enjoy the scenery.
⚠️ Be aware of surroundings
The parkway has a history of unsolved crimes. Stay alert, especially at isolated spots.
📸 Capture the views
Plenty of scenic pull-offs offer great photo opportunities of the rivers and forests.
⛽ Fuel up beforehand
Gas stations are scarce along the parkway itself. Fill up before you start your drive.
🚗 Cruise with friends
Enjoy a scenic drive with car clubs or friends for a fun outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Colonial Parkway for its stunning natural beauty and its role as a scenic connector between vital historical sites. The drive offers beautiful river views and a peaceful escape. However, the parkway's association with unsolved murders casts a somber shadow, prompting caution among travelers.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colonial Parkway is accessible from multiple points, connecting directly to Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. You can enter from Route 31 near Jamestown, Route 199 near Williamsburg, or Route 134 near Yorktown.
No, the Colonial Parkway is a scenic byway and does not have any tolls. It's a free and open road for visitors to enjoy.
Most visitors drive the parkway from one end to the other, typically starting at Jamestown and ending at Yorktown, or vice versa, to experience the full 23-mile route.
Yes, cycling is permitted on the Colonial Parkway. However, be aware of vehicle traffic and use caution, especially on curves.
Public transportation is limited directly on the parkway. It's best experienced by car, though some local tour operators may offer guided drives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to drive or access the Colonial Parkway. It is a public scenic road.
The Colonial Parkway is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, specific overlooks or facilities may have seasonal hours.
There are no entrance fees for the Colonial Parkway itself. However, you will need to pay admission fees for the historic sites at Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown if you plan to visit them.
You can stop at designated overlooks and pull-offs along the Colonial Parkway. Please do not stop on the roadway itself for safety reasons.
The Colonial Parkway is a two-lane road with some curves and can be challenging for very large RVs or trailers. It's generally suitable for standard passenger vehicles and smaller RVs.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The parkway connects the historic sites of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It also features scenic overlooks and access to the Virginia Capital Trail.
The drive itself is about 23 miles and can take 30-45 minutes without stops. However, to truly enjoy it, plan for at least 2-3 hours to stop at overlooks and explore.
Restroom facilities are available at some of the larger overlooks and visitor centers along the parkway, particularly near the historic sites.
You might spot deer, various bird species, and other small mammals in the wooded areas and along the rivers.
While a beautiful drive, the Colonial Parkway has a history of unsolved crimes known as the Colonial Parkway Murders. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid isolated stops, especially after dark.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks offering views of the James and York Rivers are prime photography locations. The tree-lined sections also provide beautiful scenic shots, especially during fall foliage.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly stunning over the rivers.
Drone usage is restricted in National Park Service areas, which includes much of the Colonial Parkway. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
The bridges over the rivers, the historic structures visible from overlooks, and the winding tree-lined roads themselves are popular photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the drive with visits to Jamestown Settlement or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown can make for a full day of historical immersion. These sites often have interactive exhibits that engage younger visitors. Remember to discuss the 'Colonial Parkway Murders' with sensitivity, focusing on the historical context and the eventual identification of a suspect, rather than dwelling on the frightening aspects.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Cruisers
Plan your cruise during daylight hours and be mindful of other parkway users. The smooth pavement and picturesque scenery provide an enjoyable driving experience. Remember to respect the parkway's natural environment and historical significance during your visit.
🚶♀️ Cyclists & Pedestrians
Cyclists can enjoy the beautiful scenery and connect to the historic sites. Be aware that the parkway itself is a two-lane road with vehicle traffic, so caution is advised if you are cycling directly on the parkway. The trail offers a more protected experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colonial Parkway Murders: A Chilling History
Travelers are advised to be aware of the parkway's history and exercise caution, especially when stopping at isolated overlooks or after dark. While the area is generally safe, maintaining situational awareness is always recommended. The ongoing investigation and the identification of a suspect have brought renewed attention to these cold cases, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community awareness.
Despite its dark past, the Colonial Parkway remains a popular scenic drive, connecting three of America's most significant historical sites. Visitors can still enjoy the natural beauty and historical significance of the route, while keeping in mind the need for safety and awareness. The parkway's story is a complex one, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue and a lingering sense of mystery.
Connecting the Historic Triangle
Jamestown is where English colonization began in 1607. Driving the parkway from Jamestown towards Williamsburg immerses you in the early days of America. Further along, Colonial Williamsburg offers a living history experience, transporting you to the 18th century with its meticulously restored buildings and costumed interpreters. Finally, the parkway leads to Yorktown, the site of the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War.
By design, the Colonial Parkway minimizes the need to use busy highways, offering a more relaxed and scenic approach to exploring these foundational sites. It allows travelers to appreciate the landscape that shaped these historical events, making the journey as educational and engaging as the destinations themselves.
Scenic Beauty and Recreation
The parkway also serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation. The Virginia Capital Trail, a paved multi-use path, runs parallel to sections of the parkway, making it ideal for cyclists and walkers. This trail offers a safe and scenic way to explore the area's natural landscapes and historical points of interest at a slower pace.
Whether you're driving, cycling, or simply stopping to admire the views, the Colonial Parkway offers a refreshing escape into nature, complementing the historical exploration of the surrounding area. It's a place where history and natural beauty converge, creating a memorable experience for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit