Things to do in
Yorktown

Our most recommended things to do in Yorktown

Williamsburg: Jamestown & American Revolution Museum Ticket

Williamsburg: Jamestown & American Revolution Museum Ticket

Benefit from access to the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with a combo ticket. See two living-history museums that tell the story of America’s beginnings. Discover the real people and events of America’s first permanent English colony, and the American Revolution which lead to the establishment of a new nation almost two centuries later. Explore immersive, artifact-filled exhibition galleries with 4-D experiential theaters. Take part in hands-on activities and living-history demonstrations in outdoor re-created settings to learn about life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Jamestown Settlement: Learn about the early 17th-century English colonists at the Jamestown Settlement through a combination of film, gallery exhibits, and outdoor living history. Discover more about the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, Europeans, and Africans who converged in 17th-century Virginia. Trace Jamestown’s beginnings in England and the first century of the Virginia colony. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Get a sense of the transformational nature and epic scale of the American Revolution at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Begin your visit in the 170-seat museum theater, “Liberty Fever,” which takes you into the world of Revolutionary America, setting the stage for the indoor gallery and outdoor living-history experiences. Enjoy an introductory film narrated by an early 19th-century storyteller who traveled the country gathering stories about the American Revolution and shares his accounts using a moving panorama presentation of the time period. Explore the 22,000-square-foot permanent exhibition galleries which portray the tumult, drama, and promise of the Revolution through period artifacts and immersive environments, dioramas, interactive exhibits, and short films. Discover a Continental Army encampment which represents a portion of an American regiment. See faithful recreations of soldiers' living quarters, surgeon's tents, and an artillery demonstration era. Make your way to a Revolution-era farm which with a replica of a typical farm house, kitchen, and tobacco barn. See the new building representing quarters for enslaved people, along with the crop fields, a corncrib, and orchard.

Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 10+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Yorktown Battlefield in 1-2 hours. Once downloaded, your tour begins at the visitor center. From there, you’ll drive through the battlefield itself and hear how a British tactical error gave George Washington the opportunity he’d long awaited. The first landmark you’ll see are a pair of British defensive positions which were overtaken by American and French forces—including a commander you probably know by name! Then, head to the house where the British negotiated their surrender. As you cruise through the battlefield, you’ll hear how the Americans turned the tide, then stop at Surrender Field, where the British laid down their arms for the victorious American army. Next, visit the site where Washington’s headquarters stood during the battle and hear more about this legendary figure. After that, you’ll spot the remainder of a French artillery battery and find out more about the role the French played during the battle. Continuing on, you’ll pass the Yorktown National Cemetery and hear about the aftermath of the battle and the Revolutionary War itself. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Yorktown Victory Monument, honoring this momentous conflict. Your tour concludes here.

Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Once downloaded, your tour begins at either the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center or the Yorktown Visitor Center. In Williamsburg, you’ll first delve into the indigenous history of the Powhatan tribe and the iconic Pocahontas. Experience their intriguing story of resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. Next, stop by the Peyton Randolph House, a carefully restored example of colonial grandeur that once hosted American Founding Fathers. Nearby, discover the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Building. Here, the sights and sounds of colonial times come alive as the youthful corps performs in traditional regalia, beating out rhythms that once marshaled militias. A stop at the Secretary's Office reveals the administrative heart of the colony, while the Raleigh Tavern offers a glimpse into the social hub of the 18th century. Be amazed by the intricate, interactive exhibits at the Colonial Williamsburg Magazine, detailing the armaments and military workings of the era. The Courthouse, a symbol of law and order, and the Playhouse Theater, showcasing the colonists' love for drama, provide a comprehensive view of colonial society. Not to be missed is the Governor's Palace, a stunning architectural gem reflecting royal authority. The George Wythe House and Bruton Parish Episcopal Church take you deeper into colonial life, before arriving at the Bowden-Armistead House, an emblem of post-colonial resilience. Experience the academic atmosphere of the College of William and Mary, where you can explore the historic Brafferton Road and the revered Wren Building. In Yorktown, you’ll travel along Colonial National Historical Parkway, absorbing detailed accounts of the lead-up to the battle. Then you’ll see the Moore House, where terms of British surrender were negotiated. Hear about the thrilling siege and the pivotal French and American Alliance before reaching Surrender Field, where British troops laid down their arms. Then, continue on to the site of George Washington's former headquarters. As you explore the aftermath of the conflict, the birth of an independent nation, and the battlefield's impressive topography, take in panoramic views from the Grand French Battery, the solemn Yorktown National Cemetery, and the Yorktown Victory Monument. Your tour concludes here.

Historic Battlefields Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Bundle

Historic Battlefields Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Bundle

This bundle includes self-guided, narrated driving tours of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Shiloh, Antietam, Vicksburg, and the Battle of Yorktown. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: Each tour 20+ miles long covers the essentials. Each tour takes 2-4 hours. Once downloaded, you can begin your tour at any battlefield in the bundle. There will be a GPS-marked starting point for each tour. In Gettysburg, you’ll follow the trajectory of this tide-turning, three-day battle that pushed Union and Confederate forces to the brink. Visit stunning memorials like the State of Pennsylvania Monument and hear about the heroism of the soldiers who fought on this land. See crucial locations from the battle like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and the High Water Mark of the Confederacy. Listen to a blow-by-blow account of the battle unfolding across this hallowed ground. Finally, arrive at the Gettysburg National Cemetery and hear a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg Address to conclude your tour. In Antietam, you’ll relive the single deadliest day of the Civil War. Trace the steps of the soldiers on both sides of the conflict at Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, and Burnside's Bridge. Feel the tension in the Cornfield and West Woods, where some fiercest fighting took place, and discover how a misplaced cigar might have started the whole ordeal. Return to where it all started in Yorktown, the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. Tour the fields where George Washington’s army effectively secured American independence from the British Empire and hear how such an unlikely feat was accomplished. Visit the Moore House, where surrender negotiations took place, then look out across Surrender Field, where the British laid down their arms. Plus, hear about the aftermath of this historic struggle at the Yorktown Victory Monument, where your tour concludes. All this is included in one convenient bundle! This bundle includes self-guided narrated driving tours: 1. Gettysburg Battlefield Driving Audio Tour 2. Shiloh Battlefield Driving Audio Tour 3. Antietam Battlefield Driving Audio Tour 4. Vicksburg Battlefield Driving Audio Tour 5. Yorktown Battlefield Driving Audio Tour

From DC: Colonial Williamsburg and Historical Triangle Tour

From DC: Colonial Williamsburg and Historical Triangle Tour

The adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation in Washington, DC and heads to Jamestown, Virginia. Learn how Jamestown was the first English settlement in North America, as well as the original capital of the state. Explore historic Jamestown with your guide, and admire the remnants of Fort James. Next, visit the reconstructed Glasshouse of 1608 and walk in the footsteps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. Continue onto Colonial Williamsburg, and enjoy a guided walk through the world’s largest living history museum. Travel back in time as you stroll through this historic site, complete with costumed actors who bring this revolutionary town to life. Before heading back to DC, visit Yorktown and check out the battlefield where General George Washington fought in the Revolutionary War. At the end of a fascinating experience, soak up views of the Colonial Parkway on the return journey.

Liberty, Freedom, and Revolution: American Tours Bundle

Liberty, Freedom, and Revolution: American Tours Bundle

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: In this bundle, each tour is 3+ miles long and takes 0.5-1 hour to complete. Discover the history of the American Revolution on a private self-guided walking and driving tour. Explore the freedom trail of Boston, Harborwalk, and more at your own pace with an audio guide. You will receive the download instructions after booking. Download the app and start the tour with your mobile phone as your guide. You will hear about the history, and the battles fought on the grounds.  Walk in the shoes of the Founding Fathers on the Freedom Trail and hear how the first sparks of revolution flew in Boston. Learn about the Sons of Liberty and uncover the truth about misunderstood events like the Boston Massacre. Next, reach Boston’s Harborwalk and revisit the fiery lead-up to the American Declaration of Independence. Stroll along the waterside and know about the dramatic protest called the Boston Tea Party and get a chance to visit the site. Afterward, head to the famous towns Lexington and Concord. Follow the route of an impossible battle between the American military and the British redcoats. Find out how the Americans turned the tide, and hear what it all meant in the fight for American independence. Then head to Valley Forge, where General George Washington faced some of his toughest challenges. Here, you will explore the remains of Washington’s 18th-century camp and hear the harrowing tale of how frigid temperatures, starvation, and desertion nearly pulled the American army apart. Finally, you will tour Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was first signed. Hear stories about Ben Franklin and the other revolutionaries who called this city home. See the iconic landmarks like the famous Liberty Bell and Elfreth’s Alley, maintained just as it was in the 1700s. This bundle includes 6 tours: • Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving Audio tour • Boston Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour • Boston Harborwalk Walking Audio Tour • Philadelphia Walking Audio Tour • Valley Forge Driving Audio tour • Yorktown Driving Audio tour

Yorktown: Haunted Walking Tour

Yorktown: Haunted Walking Tour

Join us on a spine-tingling adventure through the historic streets of Yorktown, where the past comes alive with ghostly encounters and unexplained events. Our expert guides will lead you on a journey back in time, sharing chilling stories of restless spirits and haunted locations that will leave you breathless. As you walk through the town, you'll be immersed in the dark history of Yorktown and the lingering presence of the supernatural. Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer in the paranormal, our ghost walking tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you captivated and intrigued. From haunted houses to eerie graveyards, you'll explore the most haunted spots in Yorktown and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the supernatural world and witness firsthand the chilling tales that have been passed down through generations. Please note that this is a walking tour and we are not able to enter any privately owned buildings, but you will be standing on haunted ground throughout the entire evening. Tours begin at 8 PM and will take you on a trek across a mile of haunted and historic Yorktown real estate. You will visit iconic places such as Swan Tavern, Old Medical Shop, The Old Custom House, and Dudley Digges House. Don't miss out on this thrilling adventure that will send shivers down your spine!

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What people are saying about Yorktown

Overall rating

5
(4 reviews)

The museum’s were excellent, especially Jamestown! I had no guide, just went around myself, there were plenty of docents to explain anything. I did have an issue with my AR tickets. I was given a stub at Jamestown & the worker at the American Rev Museum wouldn’t accept them. Luckily I was with Military Veterans so I didn’t have to pay twice. I was expecting more from the AR museum, it seemed a bit lacking but what was there was well explained.

This was great for us! We have young kids who would have not been able to hang for a 45 min tour. This allowed them to watch their show while we drove and my husband and I to enjoy history

Easy to use connected to the car’s Apple play. We enjoyed the clear directions and the map. We live here and experienced parts of the Battlefield we didn’t know existed!

What a treat! Patrick was delightful; knowledgeable, personable, humorous. The 1 1/2 hour walking tour was just the right time as well. I highly recommend this program!

Wonderful! Loved the Ruth Carter exhibit. My family had a great time!