
Yorktown Beach Virginia
Yorktown Beach offers a blend of coastal charm, rich history, and relaxing riverside ambiance along the York River.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Yorktown Beach Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yorktown Beach offers a blend of coastal charm, rich history, and relaxing riverside ambiance along the York River.
"A beautiful, quiet beach for a nice easy day with free parking and waterfront restaurants."

☕ Grab a Coffee on the Waterfront
Coast Thirst Beach Deli offers coffee and snacks right on the riverfront.
🍦 Don't Miss Ben & Jerry's
A popular spot for ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat after a beach walk.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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Riverwalk Landing
Waterfront area
Charming brick paths with shops, restaurants, and scenic river views. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Yorktown Beach
Along the York River
A peaceful stretch of sand offering relaxation, fishing pier access, and beautiful water views.

Historic Yorktown
Adjacent to the beach
Immerse yourself in Revolutionary War history with preserved sites and museums.

Pirate Excursions
Schooner Alliance
A fun, family-friendly adventure on the water, highly recommended for kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Yorktown's Charm and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a Coffee on the Waterfront
Coast Thirst Beach Deli offers coffee and snacks right on the riverfront.
🍦 Don't Miss Ben & Jerry's
A popular spot for ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat after a beach walk.
🚶♀️ Enjoy Scenic Walks
Stroll along the beach or the historic town for beautiful views and fresh air.
🎣 Cast a Line from the Pier
The fishing pier is a great spot for anglers to enjoy the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a Coffee on the Waterfront
Coast Thirst Beach Deli offers coffee and snacks right on the riverfront.
🍦 Don't Miss Ben & Jerry's
A popular spot for ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat after a beach walk.
🚶♀️ Enjoy Scenic Walks
Stroll along the beach or the historic town for beautiful views and fresh air.
🎣 Cast a Line from the Pier
The fishing pier is a great spot for anglers to enjoy the water.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is generally free in designated lots and the parking garage.
🛥️ Consider a Sailing Tour
Experience the York River from the water with available sailing tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yorktown Beach is praised for its charming waterfront, historical significance, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the scenic river views, boutique shops, and dining options at Riverwalk Landing. While the beach offers a peaceful retreat, some note the water can be cool and occasionally have jellyfish, making it less ideal for swimming but still great for relaxation and boat excursions.
"Yorktown’s waterfront at Riverwalk Landing blends coastal charm, rich history, and relaxing riverside ambiance. With breezy strolls, peaceful beaches, scenic dining like Water Street Grille and Riverwalk Restaurant, and a dash of Revolutionary War heritage, it's an ideal mix of relaxation and discovery."
Saad Sigma
"It's a nice place to visit and relax. It is a rich place in history and a a lot to see and learn, but if you want to play in the water is not one of your best choice, cold, in some seasons has jelly fish and some times smells lightly fish. But it's still a great place to have a boat hides. Boats are available to go as groups during several times a day by the small cute beach. It's an amazing experience.
."
fernanda saunders
"Beautiful quiet beach for nice easy day. Free parking & waterfront restaurants plus plenty of small shops."
Minn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yorktown Beach is located in Yorktown, Virginia. It's accessible by car, with free parking available at Riverwalk Landing and nearby lots.
For those coming from Richmond, it's about a 45-minute drive. It's also a scenic drive from Williamsburg.Yes, Yorktown Beach is part of the Historic Triangle, making it close to Williamsburg and Jamestown. It's also a relatively short drive to Virginia Beach.
Walking is ideal for exploring Riverwalk Landing and the immediate beach area. Bike rentals are also available for a more extensive exploration of the town and trails.
Public transportation options directly to Yorktown Beach are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method for most visitors.
The general address for the Riverwalk Landing area, which includes Yorktown Beach, is 425 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yorktown Beach is a public beach and generally does not have an entrance fee for access. Parking is also typically free.
As a public beach, Yorktown Beach is accessible during daylight hours. Specific amenities like shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, which can vary.
While beach access is free, activities like pirate excursions or sailing tours often require advance booking, especially during peak season.
General beach rules apply. Be mindful of the water temperature, which can be cool, and occasional jellyfish.
Check local advisories for any specific seasonal conditions.The @Visit Williamsburg and @Visit Yorktown social media accounts, as well as local tourism websites, often announce upcoming events, markets, and festivals held at Riverwalk Landing.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can relax on the beach, fish from the pier, enjoy waterfront dining, explore boutique shops, and take historical tours. Family-friendly pirate excursions are also a highlight.
The water at Yorktown Beach is on the York River and can be cooler than the ocean. Some visitors find it suitable for wading, while others note it can be cold and occasionally have jellyfish.
Yes, Riverwalk Landing offers several dining options, including waterfront restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops like Ben & Jerry's.
Bike rentals are often available, allowing you to explore the town and nearby trails.
Absolutely! It's considered a family-friendly destination with activities like pirate excursions and a relaxed atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the York River, the historic architecture along Riverwalk Landing, and sunset views.
The fishing pier also offers great perspectives.Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's always best to check with local authorities or the @Visit Yorktown tourism board for specific guidelines.
Sunrise offers a serene start to the day with beautiful light,
while sunset provides dramatic colors over the water.Consider capturing the historic ships, the charming shops, or the lively atmosphere during local events and markets.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details in the historic town. A polarizing filter can enhance water and sky colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a weekday to avoid larger crowds. The relaxed atmosphere of Riverwalk Landing also makes it easy to manage with children. Don't forget to explore the historical aspects of Yorktown, which can be made engaging for kids through the American Revolution Museum or by imagining life in the 18th century.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of the historical sites in Yorktown offer affordable entry or are free to explore from the outside. Walking and enjoying the scenery are excellent free activities. Look out for local events like farmers' markets, which can offer affordable local produce and crafts.
couples
Consider a sailing tour for a memorable experience on the water, or simply find a quiet spot on the beach to relax and enjoy each other's company. The blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Yorktown a picturesque setting for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Riverwalk Landing
This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, often hosting events, farmers' markets, and festivals, adding to its appeal. The proximity to the beach and the fishing pier makes it a central hub for activities. Whether you're grabbing an ice cream from Ben & Jerry's or enjoying a meal with a view, Riverwalk Landing provides a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
Key attractions at Riverwalk Landing include the diverse shops, the variety of restaurants like Water Street Grille and Riverwalk Restaurant, and the general ambiance of a bustling yet relaxed waterfront. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring Yorktown Beach, offering a taste of local life and stunning river vistas.
The Yorktown Beach Experience
For those who enjoy fishing, the fishing pier is a popular amenity, offering a great vantage point to cast a line and enjoy the coastal environment. The beach also serves as a departure point for unique activities like pirate excursions, which are a hit with families. The overall vibe is peaceful and picturesque, making it a great escape for a quiet day by the water.
Tips for enjoying Yorktown Beach: Pack a picnic, bring a good book, and be prepared for potentially cooler water. It's a place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the simpler pleasures of a riverside beach day.
Historical Significance of Yorktown
Beyond the battlefield, the town itself retains much of its 18th-century character. Strolling through the historic streets offers a glimpse into colonial life. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown provides immersive exhibits and living-history demonstrations that bring the era to life, making it an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
Combining a visit to Yorktown Beach with an exploration of its rich history offers a well-rounded travel experience. It’s a chance to relax by the water and then step back in time to learn about the foundations of the United States.
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