A Yorktown day trip from Newport News can combine the Revolutionary War battlefield, Historic Yorktown and the Yorktown waterfront. Start with the battlefield if its history is your priority, then plan time for the historic area and Riverwalk Landing.
- Yorktown Battlefield is part of Colonial National Historical Park.
- The battlefield visitor center is at 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23690.
- Historic Yorktown is open to the public at no charge; individual attractions may charge admission.
- The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown recommends allowing a minimum of two hours.
Choosing Yorktown Sites for Your Day
Plan your Yorktown day around the battlefield, Historic Yorktown and the waterfront, since each offers a different view of the area.
For a history-focused itinerary, begin at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, then follow up with the battlefield grounds and tour roads. Add Historic Yorktown for its historic setting, and leave time for the riverfront at Riverwalk Landing.
If you want a museum visit as well, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown recommends setting aside at least two hours for its film, galleries and outdoor living-history areas.
Historic Yorktown is an area open to the public at no charge. Individual buildings, attractions and museums may have separate hours and admission fees, so make those part of your plan rather than assuming one entry covers everything.
If you are planning another regional history outing, a Colonial Williamsburg day trip from Newport News offers a separate itinerary to consider.
Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Places
Yorktown Battlefield preserves the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
In the fall of 1781, George Washington’s allied American and French forces besieged Cornwallis’s British army. The army surrendered on October 19, 1781. The battlefield and its visitor center are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the battlefield grounds and tour roads close at sunset.
The Moore House, Cemetery Lodge and Poor Potter are closed, though their grounds are open to visitors. The Nelson House is open as staffing permits. Build flexibility into your stops, especially if seeing a particular building matters to your itinerary.
The standard entrance pass for Yorktown Battlefield costs $15 per person and is valid for seven days. Visitors over age 16 need a pass; children under 16 do not.
The Colonial National Historical Park annual pass costs $45 and admits the passholder and three accompanying adults to the National Park Service areas at Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Jamestowne during regular operating hours. It is valid for twelve months from the month of purchase.
The Yorktown Waterfront
Yorktown’s waterfront gives you a change of scene from the battlefield, with stops at Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing.
The free, ADA-accessible Yorktown Trolley connects the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and stops at places including Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing. Service dogs are allowed onboard. Check the service schedule before building your day around the trolley.
Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace, at 330 Water Street, has 270 spaces. The lower level has a three-hour parking limit, while the upper deck has unlimited parking. Free public parking is also available at York Hall, the York-Poquoson Courthouse, the County Administration Building, the battlefield visitor center and other designated lots.
Routes, Hours and Admission Checks
Route directions and operating details can affect how you order your Yorktown stops, so verify them before setting out.
From the Virginia Beach, Norfolk or Hampton area, the National Park Service directs westbound I-64 travelers to take Route 105 East, also called Fort Eustis Boulevard, at exit 250B, then turn left onto Route 17 and follow signs to Yorktown Battlefield.
For a trip from Newport News, check the route and travel time for your chosen stops before leaving. Economy 7 Inn- Newport News has guest rooms for a Newport News stay.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. The battlefield visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the grounds and tour roads close at sunset. Hours for individual Historic Yorktown buildings and attractions can differ.
For plans closer to your starting point, Newport News area attractions for a short stay offer options to pair with time in the city.
Before you go, check the official site for the National Park Service battlefield details, museum hours, trolley service and parking information. Also confirm admission arrangements for any Historic Yorktown attractions you plan to visit.
FAQs
Is Historic Yorktown free to visit?
Historic Yorktown is open to the public at no charge as an area. Individual buildings, attractions and museums may have their own admission fees and hours.
How much time should you allow for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown?
The museum foundation recommends a minimum of two hours for the film, galleries and outdoor living-history areas.
Is there free parking in Yorktown?
Yes. Free public parking is available at Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace and several other designated lots. The terrace’s lower level has a three-hour limit, while the upper deck has unlimited parking.
Does the Yorktown Trolley connect the battlefield and waterfront?
Yes. The free, ADA-accessible trolley connects the battlefield visitor center with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and stops at Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing.