About the Port
Yorktown sits at the mouth of the York River in coastal Virginia, best known as the site of the 1781 siege that ended the American Revolutionary War. Its compact waterfront and adjoining battlefield are within easy walking distance of the pier, with earthworks, monuments, and colonial-era buildings tracing the campaign that secured independence. The town anchors one point of the Historic Triangle, alongside Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Beyond the battlefield, Yorktown's small-scale streets reflect its 17th- and 18th-century origins as a Chesapeake tobacco port. Nearby, Jamestown Settlement recounts the founding of the first permanent English colony in America, while colonial Williamsburg preserves a restored 18th-century capital. Together the three sites offer a layered look at early American history, from settlement through revolution, all reachable from Yorktown's riverside dock.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Yorktown.
Tour Yorktown Battlefield
Walk the preserved earthworks and redoubts where Washington's and Cornwallis's forces met in 1781, a short stroll from the pier; ranger talks and self-guided trails cover the siege's final days.
Visit Jamestown Settlement
See recreated ships, a Powhatan village, and a colonial fort telling the story of England's first permanent American colony; plan for a short drive or shuttle and a couple of hours to explore.
Wander Colonial Williamsburg
Step into the restored 18th-century capital, with costumed tradespeople and original buildings lining the Duke of Gloucester Street; allow at least half a day given the travel time from the dock.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Yorktown
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 11 | $27,825 | |
| Oct 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 21 | $56,695 | |
| Sep 24, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 10 | $7,276 |