Escape to Yorktown and Sail Into the Sunset Together!

Nestled beside the York River sits one of Virginia’s best kept secrets. Yorktown is known for its history—but you’ll also find fresh seafood, specialty shops, and romantic sails!

Day 1

But first, fuel! Start your getaway with lunch at the Yorktown Pub—a local watering hole and community favorite that serves delicious burgers, fresh seafood, cold drinks, and great conversation. From there, you can walk along the beach stopping at Auntie M’s American Cottage for Made in the USA souvenirs, the Yorktown Book Shop for discounted books on the area, and Viccellio Goldsmith for a beautiful piece of jewelry to commemorate your visit. Be sure to ask about the Yorktown Bracelet!

If the weather isn’t too chilly, rent paddle boards or kayaks from Patriot Tours & Provisions. The launch point is away from the hustle of the main channel - down on the private beach at the Watermen’s Museum. This outdoor adventure is an inexpensive way to explore the shoreline while gloating along the glistening York River. They offer bicycle rentals as well.

End your evening with fish tacos or a brick oven pizza on the patio of Water Street Grille or sushi and sake from Umi Sushi.  Not ready to head to bed just yet? Explore Yorktown after dark and search for Revolutionary spirits with Yorktown Ghost Walks.

Day 2

Dedicate this day to learning more about Yorktown and its role in America’s story. One of your first stops should definitely be the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The Museum features exciting indoor galleries and period artifacts. “The Siege of Yorktown” is a brief film shown on a 180-degree surround screen—complete with dramatic special effects like smoke and vibrations from the cannon and musket fire!

Book a guided Segway Tour with Patriot Tours & Provisions to roll along the beautiful York River learning some fun lesser-known facts about our town along the way. When you’re done, be sure to stop by the Watermen’s Museum where the spotlight shines on the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Special exhibits outline their role in shaping our nation—from pre-colonial to modern times. Don’t miss their gift shop which features more than 500 different maritime items.

End the night with an early dinner and true dock-to-dish experience at Water Street Grille. Each item on the menu features ingredients locally sourced from the area’s farmers and purveyors. You can’t beat the view—boats, dolphins, and the largest double swing-span bridge in the United States!

Just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better—enjoy a glass of wine together as you sail into the sunset aboard the Schooner Alliance

Day 3

Before you leave town, grab breakfast at the Duke of York Hotel's Island Cafe and spend a few hours exploring the art galleries! From paintings to photography to sea glass and woodcarvings—you’ll find the work of hundreds of local artists at On the Hill Gallery and Gallery at York Hall (both on Main Street).  A sweet way to end your trip is with ice cream from  Ben & Jerry’s or a slice of carrot cake from Carrot Tree Kitchens!

This entire itinerary is within a three-mile radius with several public parking lots and a garage, in addition to a free trolley service that makes stops along the loop seasonally from the end of March to the middle of November. You can also rent bicycles from Patriot Tours & Provisions!

This getaway was submitted by York County Parks, Recreation & Tourism