Yorktown, Virginia skyline: the 17 most iconic buildings and best views in Yorktown

We're touring the Yorktown area on the self-guided Yorktown Battlefield driving tour and came upon the Yorktown Victory Monument. The monument's creation, while authorized by the Continental Congress in 1781, commemorates the 1781 victory over the British under Lieutenant General Cornwallis at Yorktown wasn't constructed until 1884. The monument is easy to access with parking available directly across the street and sits atop a rise with lush vegetation behind it and a view overlooking Yorktown River and Chesapeake Bay beyond that. Best of all, it's free. Enjoy.

The Yorktown Victory Monument is a powerful and iconic tribute to one of the most decisive moments in American history—the victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, which effectively ended the Revolutionary War. Located near the waterfront in historic Yorktown, Virginia, the monument stands tall and proud, offering visitors a tangible connection to the nation’s founding and the sacrifices that secured independence. Commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1781 but not completed until 1884, the monument features classical architectural elements and is crowned by a statue of Liberty holding a sword and a laurel wreath. Its base is engraved with key events, names, and acknowledgments of American and French alliances. The monument itself is not only beautiful but also steeped in meaning, serving as both a commemorative piece and a symbol of international cooperation and perseverance. Surrounding the monument is a peaceful park-like setting with views of the York River, adding to the reflective atmosphere. Informational plaques help provide historical context, making it accessible for all ages, whether you're a history buff or a casual visitor. The monument’s location also places it near other significant landmarks, including the battlefield and colonial-era structures, allowing it to serve as a starting point for deeper exploration. Although it is not reported to be haunted like other Yorktown sites, the monument carries a strong emotional and historical resonance. It reminds visitors of the cost of freedom and the unity required to achieve it. Whether visited during a quiet morning or as part of a historical tour, the Yorktown Victory Monument offers a solemn, inspiring, and educational experience. In short, the monument is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, providing a striking visual centerpiece to the story of victory, independence, and remembrance at Yorktown.

This monument is quite lovely and tall. Make sure you walk all around and see all sides. Also anyone in DAR Daughter of American Revolution can see the other dedications plaques around it. If its a beautiful day grab a snack and sit there and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay

The monument and the adjacent riverfront beach are my favorites places to visit and stroll around. The views are lovely, crowds are thin to manageable during most times. There is frequently a pleasant breeze, and enough greenery and lagoons to relax and take in the vibes.

This monument is quite spectacular and should definitely be part of a visit to Yorktown. I didn't know much about it prior to my visit but it's a must see!

I drove 20 hours from Texas the day before to visit historical sites in the area. This was the last stop of the day. A cool front had passed through, so it was cool and windy with a beautiful blue sky. With next year being the 250th Anniversary of our nation; I have been feeling more patriotic than normal lately. Standing on the hill near the monument, overlooking the water, and imagining British ships firing inland… wow. Beautiful monument.

Beautiful historical monument! It's worth it to stop by. Small parking lot across the street.

Clean beach with nice sand and some ocean view. Kids loved watching ships and boats. Bathrooms were okay. It's a decent alternative to an ocean beach. Our kiddos enjoyed riding the trolley here! Pub nearby for when you get hungry, and very near downtown.

A very cute area to walk around, has some construction going on, so must be nicer once it's completed

It is a nice place to enjoy a walk, a nice meal and some shopping. The beach is right there. There is also a free trolley that takes you around. We had a delicious and healthy meal at the carrot tree cafe there .

Old town of Historic Yorktown where Liberty was won. The town has put a lot of work into developing a fabulous quaint walkable town with shops and restaurants and marina. Right near the famous battlefield and museums. Wonderful!

My husband and I went with another couple a few weeks for a late lunch. We had reservations so we were seated upon arrival. The atmosphere is really pleasant as it's not loud, it's rather quiet. The staff were very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable about food item ingredients. Three of us had the crab cake sandwich was one of the best we've had. My friend had a burger which looked delicious and she said it was so good. For dessert, I highly recommend the Chocolate Mousse, it's to die for! They make everything in house and it's quality food. We'll definitely go back again.

Gorgeous 😍 views, beautiful place to spend an evening strolling outside with your loved ones, there's no better place to be than in your own beautiful energy surrounded by love and the Mother Earth's amazing creation 🌎✨️ ❤️ 💕

Well, I was representing the American Red Cross, at there annual " First Responder's Day " event, and it was a wonderful time, the people were great an the event organization people, were very hospitable.

This was a history lovers Paradise! The museum of the American Revolution is fantastic! Water Street grille is the perfect location for lunch. Right on the York River. Coffee at the Mobjack coffee roasters is a must! Just driving around and looking at the old architecture is the most fun!

Incredibly beautiful woods. Amazing and humbling to be around so much history. One of those places that really makes you proud to be an American and greatful for the brave men who fought to establish this country.

Always offers a great perspective to be where major events actually happened. The N.P.S. visitor center held some interesting artifacts. The actual town was also interesting. Best to study up before you go.

Great for explorers who love walking to all the sites and museums. I recommend taking a the free trolley first to get an overall view of the grounds and then walking to see the sites.

Great way to learn about the history of the last major conflict of the revolutionary war. Not a lot of original fortifications remain but it's worth a stop if you're already in the area. Definitely watch the park video and download the audio tour before you start the driving tour.

Several tid bits here: 1. This is a FEDERAL park. Any NPS passes get you in. 2. The museum here is fine, but if you're in a crunch - see the Yorktown State Museum and skip this museum. 3. Drive the Battlefield loop to see right where the events happened. Yes, it's a big field, but the significance of what happened here is enough to make any one bow their heads in respect. Not to mention; several of history's greatest men walked these fields so to walk in the steps of greatness is awe-inspiring. 4. To our knowledge, you can drive the loop at no cost. You have to pay to go in the museum, but the stops on the loop were available to anyone driving along the Historic Colonial Parkway. 5. Be sure to at least see Surrender Field, Moore House and Redouts 9 & 10 - purely from their historical significance. 6. Kids 15 and under are free. Adults are $15 each.

This was a remarkable visit. It was my first time seeing different areas in this massive battlefield that decided the capitulation of the British forces to George Washington in 1781 that ended the American Revolutionary War.

A true hidden gem of Yorktown! The entire family enjoyed seeing the highly detailed models of ships throughout the ages. During our visit, we had a chance to speak with the craftsman who made many of the models and he was extremely kind and friendly. Thank you and we will certainly return!

We had a wonderful time at the Pirate Festival in Youk County, Va. today! Lots of vendors, food trucks and a funny puppet show!

Small museum with detailed exhibits and passionate employees. Both the desk attendee and the model shipbuilder loved to teach us and strike conversation. It was so lovely. Don't miss this gem!! 💎

This museum is a hidden gem! We were the only ones in the place most of the time while we were there and the gentleman there was extremely friendly. He explained to us a lot of history of the Chesapeake Bay and Captain John Smith (no, the real one) and Blackbeard and all sorts of other info about the area around Yorktown and the Watermen's history. All of that (and more) is there and scores of model ships that are made in the museum. Also, since I am in the military, I showed him my ID card and got in for free. This was a great experience!

Director of education Mike was a great source of info. Thank you for letting us into the windmill and wood shop. We will definitely be back again soon!

Didn't make it inside before the trolley came & wisked us away & we got distracted. Bummer it was closed before we made it back around. Outside was beautiful!

My youngest had a field trip here to learn about the bay, they had fun. It's not super child oriented but they were informative and the area is clean and nice.

Yet another NPS location in Yorktown that was closed! Is the National Park Service having some funding issues, and can they not supply enough people to be at these historical locations that they manage? The website of NPS states that the building would be open for tours on the first floor, provided there is staff available. We traveled to Yorktown from northeast Ohio and found most of the locations in Yorktown managed by the NPS to be closed, and we had purchased passes to all of these locations. Yet, we found the buildings locked up and nobody around. Why?

Didn't get to see the inside. It was cool seeing the cannonball stuck in the side of the home but then I come to find that it is rebuilt and not original. So that kind of takes away from the authenticity in my mind. Didn't get to see the inside so I'm leaving two stars instead of one because that could have been awesome.

I haven’t visited yet but I’m from the Nelson family lineage and my whole family still lives in the area!! My father went to see it a few years ago!! Beautiful.

What an incredible place to visit while touring Yorktown. Some of the more prominent local names were here. What was once a house and hospital is now a site to be seen! Cannonballs are imprinted into multiple places on the side of this house. Truly a neat place to see!

General Thomas Nelson - a hero of the Revolutionary War. His house, along with several other nearby buildings and monuments, are preserved for tours and visits. On one side there are still preserved cannonballs embedded in the side from the fighting.

Beautifully kept property. It wasn't open so I didn't see the inside but the outside was well worth stopping.

I wasn't part of a guided tour and only viewed the outside structure, however I certainly felt the presence of the landmark.

We enjoyed it. Its a nice compact small to medium sized museum with a mini settlement area. The cannons firing was fun. Staff were really friendly. Not super busy but we went at the start of off season but still warm. Id recommend it!

We stopped on a Sunday morning on our way to Yorktown and were pleasantly surprised by how much the museum has improved. The historic objects are displayed in a pleasant and well-organized way, and the presentation style — with interactive elements, holograms, and electronic displays and tables — makes the visit far more engaging. The outdoor farm and encampment feel like visiting a second museum for the price of one. The staff, dressed in 18th-century attire, bring history to life with fascinating presentations. Special mention goes to the musket-fire demonstration, the medical station, and the farm kitchen — all of which add an authentic touch to the experience. The indoor galleries are already excellent, but paired with the outdoor living-history areas, the value is unbeatable. Adult admission is $20, and it’s absolutely worth it. This is truly one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited. Highly recommended!

We really enjoyed seeing the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The museum is filled with memorabilia from the Revolution and great video stories of the period and people. There is also a Revolutionary Era farm and Continental Army camp set up with guides to explain the surroundings. A very nice museum.

Really great museum with a lot of theatrical/movie elements that make the storyline events easy to follow. It's fun to hear about the battle of Yorktown right on the actual site! The layout is a large entrance lobby with a cafe to the right and ticketing and a gift shop to the left. Buy your tickets and walk down the corridor to see all the exhibits, then exit out the end of the building for an outdoor camp and farm experience. The indoor exhibits are really state of the art and outside are a lot of reenactors with artillery and lifestyle demonstrations, even folks working in the kitchen and on the farm. Behind it all is a large picnic area. The Yorktown museum is a sister site to Jamestown Settlement, and they have a lot of the same feel, though Yorktown is smaller than Jamestown overall. You can get a combo ticket for both and I think a ticket to include Williamsburg as well. If you buy online, there is a deal for access to Yorktown & Jamestown for a week for the same price as a day. Don't forget to look around the nearby beach area and the NPS buildings, and walking, biking, or driving along the Colonial Parkway connecting Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg.

It was a well put together assortment of written documents, other information in the form of short movies in different areas among historical paintings and some antique plates, bottles, chairs and some furniture. Some really cool guns and statues. The real treat was outdoors! Super cool 1700's lay out of how troops lived down to the tents, camp site items one would have seen. They had a working dirt oven, and also a small village with working people describing what it was like and what they would be doing to keep the farm working.. very authentic! Down to their outfits! Even had canons and gun shooting demonstrations!

Well worth the ticket prices! Educational, Historical Fun! Great exhibits inside the museum, at least 5 videos that you can sit down and watch, one is even in 4D. Interactive exhibits to touch, read, and learn... Cafe luncheons, beverages, snacks on site. Also a well stocked gift shop. Colonial encampment, cannon, howitzer and mortar demonstrations, a colonial farm and house, a few work areas. Good mix of indoor and outdoor activities. One of the better history museums.

Enjoyable place to visit with both typical static museum displays and living history enactors. Walk outside and interact with the revolutionary war camp--doctors, musket and cannon firing, kitchen barn, and garden. Worth the visit!

Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown, Virginia, is a beautiful and historic landmark that offers a powerful sense of reverence and reflection, even when its doors are closed. Originally established in the 1600s and rebuilt after the Revolutionary War, the current church structure dates back to the early 1800s and stands as a testament to centuries of faith, resilience, and community. With its striking brick architecture and quiet surroundings, the church immediately captures your attention as you approach. During our visit, the building itself was unfortunately closed to the public, so we weren’t able to explore the interior. Still, the peaceful atmosphere of the grounds and the church’s historical presence made the stop well worth it. We were able to walk through the burial grounds surrounding the church, which are rich with history and lined with centuries-old gravestones that tell the stories of Yorktown’s past generations, including soldiers, prominent citizens, and early settlers. The cemetery is well-maintained and evokes a quiet solemnity, shaded by mature trees and filled with weathered stones, some dating back to the 1700s. It’s a reflective place where history feels very present. Walking among the graves, you can’t help but feel a connection to the generations who lived, fought, and died in this historic town. The burial grounds alone make the site a meaningful stop for anyone interested in local or early American history. The church is known in local lore for reported paranormal activity, including ghostly sightings and unexplained sounds. While we didn’t experience anything firsthand, the atmosphere—especially near dusk—carries a weight that fuels the imagination. The blend of sacred space and historical tragedy lingers in the air, making it a compelling place for both history lovers and those interested in the supernatural. Overall, even without access to the interior, Grace Episcopal Church offers a powerful experience. The burial grounds, architectural beauty, and deep sense of history make it a must-visit when exploring Yorktown. We hope to return one day when the church is open to take in the full story of this remarkable site.

I stayed here on my last night of the Transamerica bicycle route. The Adventure Cycling maps have details to contact John, the pastor. The accommodations are incredible. I’m very thankful they open their doors to cyclists.

Absolutely stunning and the organist was so knowledgeable and sweet

Amazing playground open to the public

The church was closed when we arrived, but it looked nice from the outside, and the grounds were well-maintained. Took a photo of the grave of Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Nelson, which was the purpose of our visit. We will definitely stop by in the future if we happen to be in the area in order to see the inside of the church.

I recently returned to this area after being out of state for many years. Grace Church is the home of my Soul. It's very quiet, peaceful, and centering. I came Good Friday to walk the Labrynth and light a candle in the memory of those whom I've loved, who've passed in April. I left feeling loved, whole, and embraced by Grace. Beautiful experience!

Beautiful old church on the banks of the York River overlooking Yorktown. He will also find a old veterans cemetery. In the summer they have concerts on Sunday afternoon in the cemetery. People bring their lawns chairs wine and cheese platters sit back and relax and enjoy the tunes.

We did not have the ability to enter the building, and after searching online for about 20 minutes, we are not even sure if you are able to get into the building. This house is on the self-guided audio tour and does have some interesting historical information. It was extremely hot when we recently visited Yorktown, so we are guessing that there was nobody around due to the heat. There are several other buildings up and down the same street that we stopped at as well. Again, there was nobody around when we were there in the middle of the day, so we are not certain if they are normally open or not. There was a trolley bus that kept going around to the different areas, but we did not take that tour.

Lovely, convenient place. Very comfortable, spotlessly clean room with beautiful view. Delicious breakfast. Helpful, knowledgeable, gracious staff ready to help with the unexpected. When Tom learned I was going to have road service try to fix my tire, he did it! Where else would a lodger have been so fortunate! I plan to return and recommend Hornsby House highly to any traveler.

We had a wedding at the Hornsby House and rented the entire place for the weekend. We could not have picked a better venue! The rooms are very spacious, extremely clean and very pretty. Tom, the property manager and proprietor is so helpful, and Very easy to work with. Lexi, his assistant does it all, Great cook, and girl Friday. Our family highly recommends this as a weekend away or venue. You will not be disappointed

What a gem!!! Great room, breakfast, hosts and location. It is very close to the “beach” and town. Our room was fantastic. We had our morning coffee on the terrace every morning followed by a fantastic breakfast and a stroll around town. We visited the coffee shop, the beach and went to the farmers market. On our last day at breakfast we got a history lesson about the Inn and the town. Our hosts were all so welcoming. We will definitely be staying here again. 10 out of 10!

Very enjoyable, beautiful, and comfortable place to stay. The breakfast every day was delicious. I liked the honor bar, and bits of chocolate in bowls in every room. Felt very much at home there. I recommend staying there if you are visiting Yorktown.

The Hornsby House was the perfect place to stay for our family. They accommodated us at the last minute. The room was extremely clean. High-End bedding and pillows and beds. Comfortable. Beautiful. We received a world-class breakfast in the morning.

This was my 3rd time at the Hornsby House Inn. I just love it there. The family history in the house is wonderful. The rooms are beautiful. The sit down breakfasts with the other guests is my favorite part of the day. The food is always amazing and the conversation can’t be beat. I love that the inn is a short walk to the beach and restaurants. Can’t wait to go back!

The Hornsby House Inn is everything you want in a historic stay: beautiful, comfortable, and full of character - with hosts who truly make you feel at home. The rooms are spacious and inviting, and the location couldn’t be better. You’re right in the heart of Yorktown, just steps from the Victory Monument and Riverwalk. What sets this inn apart is the hospitality. The team is incredibly attentive and kind, making sure every guest feels cared for. Breakfast is served family-style and always delicious. Also, they’re more than happy to accommodate any dietary needs without making a big fuss. It’s thoughtful, seamless, and much appreciated. One of the highlights of our stay was having David Bowditch join us some mornings. His stories about the home, his family, and the history of Yorktown brought the experience to life. Be sure to read Marian Hornsby Bowditch’s Articles of Conduct to her Sons (1959) - a copy is available to take with you, and it’s full of timeless wisdom. And then there’s Tom - gracious host and, as it turns out, a surprisingly skilled hummingbird wrangler. When one made its way inside, he calmly and carefully guided it back out, no easy task and definitely not in the job description. Just one more example of the warmth and kindness of this wonderful team. This isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place you’ll remember. We can’t recommend it highly enough.

If you walk by, take a look. Do not go out of your way to visit the cave. Located across the street from the free fishing pier at Yorktown beach.

We only drove down to see the cave since there were reported paranormal claims. You are not able to go inside, and it is extremely shallow any ways. If you are in the area, at the beach, stop and take a look. Apart from that, there's nothing particularly noteworthy. I'm sure it makes for an interesting story during a ghost walk; however, just to stop during the daytime was somewhat uneventful. Luckily, we hit an open parking spot for our 10-minute stop.

Went as a group without a guide. I'm not sure if there were any available or if it was an option. Just a shallow cave. With bars across thw entrance. The history about it is interesting. And the view looking out over the water is pretty.

On the left-hand side, when entering the beach area. 4 spots for 10 minutes of parking in the front. Small cave for storing provisions would not be worth visiting just to see the cave. Nice location close to the beach for sunbathing. Little dirty. Guests should not be littering.

Not anything significant to see. It’s a hole in the rock with bars in front. It’s got graffiti and garbage and smells like campfire and pot. The history around it is pretty cool. And the picnic area and walkway around it specifically is beautiful. Stop by here if you’re walking the historic Tobacco Road or scenic waterline; but don’t come here just for this.

It's important to read up on the misconceptions regarding this landmark (in that it was likely only used for food crop storage prior to the Civil War, and that Cornwallis likely used Nelson House to seek refuge which would explain all the interesting "character" the house has acquired from that time period.) The notches in the cave exterior is the result of it being used for military purposes in which it was fortified for the Confederates. Still an interesting landmark in spite of the misnomer.

Historic title for a slight hole in the hill. Yorktown is a delightful place to learn about the last significant battle of the Revolutionary War. The town council has done an impressive redo and restoration of the waterfront. It's a happening place wih quaint shops and yummy eateries. Swim in the Chesapeake. Take a trip on one of the reproduction ships. Ride the historic route our war heroes marched. The battlefields are well marked. See you there!!

My first trip to Yorktown and pleased to have stayed at Yorktown Cottages! The garden cottage was lovely, comfy, clean and well appointed. It is within walking distance to museums, restaurants and an amazing coffee shop. Easy to locate, ample parking, and a short drive from historic Williamsburg.

Perfect location, charming decor, and very clean & comfy cottage. I stayed here for a girls weekend with 2 other adults. It was on a quiet street but also walking distance to the Yorktown beaches and shops. I enjoyed walking to the coffee shop and waterfront every day. It was also really close to Williamsburg and other towns. The interior was spotless and had everything we needed. We did a mix of eating out and cooking in, and the kitchen had everything we needed. The living room tv area and the front sitting areas were great for hanging out or reading. Can’t wait to stay here again!

Wonderful location of the heart of Historic Yorktown. Cottage was clean and very well appointed for what ever my family needed. Highly recommend as host was eager to please!

This place is simply magnificent! The managers are also very dedicated and wonderful. Great job at making the entire experience pleasant. Everything was wonderful, we will be back ASAP!

Very comfortable, clean, and spacious cottage in a great and quiet spot in york town.

My mom, sister, and I stayed here for a girls weekend getaway and it was all we needed. Such a beautiful and cozy cabin

My touchscreen mislead me here when in reality there was another Yorktown Cottages (or Villages) several miles from there.