FAQs • York County Tourism, VA • CivicEngage

What is the difference between the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center?: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a living-history museum operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, chronicles America’s struggle for independence. An introductory film, expansive gallery exhibits with immersive settings and an experiential theater, and living-history programs in a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm relate the experiences of ordinary people of the Revolutionary era. The Yorktown National Battlefield, a National Park Service site, operated by the Colonial National Historical Park, is the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. The Visitor Center features a 16-minute film, The Siege of Yorktown, a museum with artifacts related to the siege, including the tents used by General Washington, ranger led programs, and information for self-guided tours.

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1. How much does it cost to go to Yorktown? What are the hours of operation?: Historic Yorktown is an area that is always open and available to the public at no charge. It is a living, working town with restaurants, shops, and local residents. There are certain buildings, attractions, and museums with operating hours and admission fees including the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

2. What is there to do in Yorktown?: Yorktown, where Independence was won, is a year-round destination for history, shopping, outdoor recreation, fine dining, and special events. Come for a day, a weekend, or longer! The peaceful riverside village offers battlefields and museums, quaint shops, unique galleries, casual & fine dining, entertainment, and a relaxing beach. Stay overnight in lodging with a river view or nestled in the picturesque village. End your day with a sunset sail on the Schooner Alliance II or Serenity.

3. How long does it take to tour Yorktown?: Come for a day, a weekend, or longer! Yorktown has year-round events, several museums, walking tours, driving tours, shopping and dining opportunities, sails on the York River, a beachfront and more. Reserve a stay at one of our hotels or bed & breakfasts to experience all our historic area has to offer!

4. How far is Yorktown from Williamsburg?: Yorktown is just 14 miles from Williamsburg via the Colonial Parkway. Enjoy spectacular views of the York River, as well as glimpses of the area's rich natural and cultural history as you travel to Yorktown.

5. What is the difference between the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center?: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a living-history museum operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, chronicles America’s struggle for independence. An introductory film, expansive gallery exhibits with immersive settings and an experiential theater, and living-history programs in a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm relate the experiences of ordinary people of the Revolutionary era. The Yorktown National Battlefield, a National Park Service site, operated by the Colonial National Historical Park, is the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. The Visitor Center features a 16-minute film, The Siege of Yorktown, a museum with artifacts related to the siege, including the tents used by General Washington, ranger led programs, and information for self-guided tours.

6. What is permitted / not permitted on the Yorktown Beach?: See what items are prohibited on Yorktown Beach.

7. How often does the trolley run and what are the stops?

The free, wheelchair-accessible Yorktown Trolley runs daily in the spring through fall with extended hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Trolley stops at 11 locations approximately every 15 to 20 minutes. Holiday routes and times may vary. To see the Trolley route, download the map or follow along on the ETA SPOT app on your mobile device.

Trolley Hours

March 24 - May 25 (Daily) - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 26 - September 4 (Daily) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
September 5 - November 19 (Daily) - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 24 - December 17 (Fri, Sat, Sun only) - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8. Is there anything going on the week/day we are visiting?: To see what is going on the week/day you are visiting, please view our events calendar.

9. What is the street address for Yorktown and Riverwalk Landing: Historic Yorktown
301 Main Street
Yorktown, VA 23690

Riverwalk Landing
425 Water Street
Yorktown, VA 23690

10. Where can I get a map or brochure of Yorktown?

The Gallery at York Hall, located at 301 Main Street, offers information such as brochures and maps.

The Gallery is open April through December:

Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

Winter hours are January through March: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Additionally, maps and brochures can be obtained at most businesses in Historic Yorktown for free.

11. Are pets permitted in Yorktown?: Pets are permitted and must be on a leash in Yorktown. Pets are not permitted on Yorktown Beach.

12. Can I reserve the trolley?: We don't rent our trolleys for any private functions/use due to the fact they were funded by federal and state transportation grants, which dictate their purpose being public transportation, as opposed to charter service.

13. Where can I park in Yorktown?

Ample parking is available in Yorktown. Please obey all parking regulations by using the designated County public parking lots. The parking at Riverwalk Landing is a 270-space two level parking terrace. Handicapped parking is available on the lower level of the terrace and in all other public lots.

If you parked on the outskirts of town, consider hopping on the free, air-conditioned, and handicap-accessible Yorktown Trolley, which stops every 15-20 minutes at 11 locations in Historic Yorktown.

14. Can we ride bikes in Yorktown?: Biking is permitted in Historic Yorktown. The best opportunities to bike include the 1.1 mile long riverwalk along the York River and the battlefield tour roads, offering miles of biking routes. For a free Yorktown Battlefield Bicycle Map, visit The Gallery at York Hall or the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center. Bike rentals are available at Patriot Tours and Provisions.

15. Where can I have a wedding? Can I have a wedding on the beach? What are the requirements?: In the heart of Riverwalk Landing sits Yorktown’s premier waterfront venue – the Freight Shed. It’s the perfect place to host a wedding. If you want to get married on the beach, but have your reception in the Freight Shed, you'll need to complete the Waterfront Facility Request Permit, as well as review our Public Areas Use Policy.

16. Is the event going on tonight? Will it be rescheduled?: Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest on event information, or call the Event Weather Hotline at 757-890-3520.

17. Where can I find docking information?: Learn the dock rules and regulations here.

18. Where can you fish in York County?

Saltwater fishing locations include:

York River (from shore at the Yorktown Beach Picnic Area and Yorktown Fishing Pier, Yorktown Waterfront)*
Back Creek Park
Smith Landing Pier (on Poquoson River)
Queen Creek (from New Quarter Park Pier)
Old Wormley Creek Boat Landing and Dock

A saltwater fishing license is NOT REQUIRED to fish from the Yorktown Pier.

19. Where can we purchase a fishing license?

Saltwater licenses are required in Virginia for anyone 16 and older. There are various categories of licenses and even a joint, freshwater, and saltwater license.

Licenses can be purchased at Bass Pro Shop, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Grafton Fishing Supply, Bishop Fishing Supply, and Wal-Mart.

20. Lost and found. Did you leave something on the trolley?: Lost and Found for Historic Yorktown is located at the Dockmaster's Office (757-890-3370) located at 425 Water Street.