Visiting Yorktown Virginia – Battlefield History and a Riverside Lunch Break

While exploring the Colonial Williamsburg area, we decided to take a slight detour on our return drive to the cabin. Our route happened to pass through Yorktown—a place we hadn’t had a chance to explore yet—so we figured it was the perfect opportunity to grab some lunch and take in a bit of history. Breaking up the drive with a stop at one of the most pivotal sites of the American Revolution felt like time well spent.

Yorktown Battlefield is part of the Colonial National Historical Park, and it marks the location where the American Revolution reached its turning point. In October 1781, General George Washington, alongside French military forces led by the Comte de Rochambeau, laid siege to British General Charles Cornwallis and his troops. After weeks of bombardment and dwindling supplies, Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781. Although some skirmishes and diplomatic steps remained, this decisive victory effectively ended the war and secured independence for the fledgling United States.

The area’s historical significance doesn’t end with the Revolutionary War. Yorktown also played a role in the American Civil War, serving at different times as a key supply port for both Union and Confederate forces depending on who controlled the town. Today, Yorktown’s quiet charm stands in contrast to the dramatic history it once witnessed.

You can see in our images, that the Battlefield Visitor Center sits just next to the historic village of Yorktown. We started our visit on foot, walking over to see the Yorktown Victory Monument, which commemorates the 1781 surrender. The area is beautifully maintained, with informative markers, open green spaces, and views that help bring the past to life.

After a bit of exploring, we realized it was a good time for lunch. We drove into the village, parked by the riverfront, and found a cozy spot to eat: Carrot Tree Kitchens. It turned out to be an excellent choice, offering a relaxed atmosphere and hearty food—just what we needed before continuing our day.

• Planning your visit:

  What is the difference between the Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown?

  The Yorktown Battlefield is a National Park Service site with the actual battlefields, tour roads, and earthworks.

  The American Revolution Museum is a living-history museum with indoor exhibits and interpretive programs, separate from the national park.

  How much does it cost to visit?

  Visiting the battlefield grounds is free, but there is an entrance fee for the National Park Service Visitor Center and a separate fee for the American Revolution Museum. A Colonial Annual Pass covers unlimited admittance to both the NPS areas at Yorktown and Historic Jamestown.

  How long does it take to tour the battlefield?

  A full tour with stops for exhibits and walking can take around three hours. You can complete a basic driving tour in about an hour.

  What are the hours of operation?

  The battlefield grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and museum facilities typically operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours can vary seasonally.

  Can you drive through the battlefield?

  Yes, there are two driving loops that take you to the main historical sites. Visitors can also download a tour app or purchase an audio guide at the Visitor Center.

• Historical Significance:

  What happened at Yorktown?

  In 1781, General George Washington's American and French forces trapped and besieged the British army under General Lord Charles Cornwallis. The British surrender on October 19, 1781, effectively ended the Revolutionary War.

  What is there to see on the battlefield?

  Key sites include the reconstructed earthworks and redoubts, the fields where the British surrendered, the Moore House where the surrender terms were negotiated, and the Nelson House, home of a Declaration of Independence signer.

  What is the connection to the Civil War?

  The area was also a battleground during the Civil War. Well-preserved Confederate and Union fortifications remain, and a National Cemetery for Union soldiers is located in the park.

• Getting around and other amenities:

  Can you walk or bike on the battlefield?

  Yes, you can walk the trail system and bike on the battlefield tour roads. A battlefield bicycle map is available at the Visitor Center.

  Is there a trolley?

  Yes, a free, accessible trolley service runs seasonally to transport visitors to the different attractions in Historic Yorktown.

  Are pets allowed?

  Pets are permitted in Yorktown and on the battlefield grounds but must be on a leash. They are not allowed on the Yorktown Beach.

  How far is the battlefield from Williamsburg?

  Yorktown is about 14 miles from Williamsburg via the scenic Colonial Parkway.

• Dining Options:

  What are some highly rated restaurants near the battlefield?

  Here is a link to a Google Search Results for "restaurants & eateries near the Yorktown Battlefield", sorted by user ratings. Once you go to that Google page, you could then re-sort the list by price, cuisine, etc.