Yorktown Beach
Swimming hole in Williamsburg, Virginia · Bay & Coastal
Yorktown Beach is a free public sandy beach on the York River at 331 Water Street in Yorktown, Virginia, near Riverwalk Landing. Parking is free but fills on weekends. There are no lifeguards — swim at your own risk and watch river currents.
Typical season: Late spring and early fall for warm water with lighter crowds
About Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach is a sandy public river beach on the York River in historic Yorktown, Virginia. a short drive from Williamsburg and Newport News and one of the easiest “beach Yorktown” day trips on the Historic Triangle. The shoreline sits beside Riverwalk Landing with restrooms, a grassy picnic lawn (typically open April, October, dawn to dusk), and a fishing pier nearby. Water is usually calmer than an ocean beach, which makes it popular with families. but there are **no lifeguards**, so swim at your own risk and stay inside any marked swim buoys. Admission and public parking are free; lots still fill on sunny weekends. Pair the swim with Colonial Parkway, the American Revolution Museum, or dusk dolphin spotting offshore. For more inland swimming holes statewide, browse our full Virginia directory.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
- Water type
- River beach
- Water body
- York River
- Fee
- Free beach access; free public parking (lots fill on peak weekends)
- Nearest town
- Williamsburg
- State
- Virginia
- Coordinates
- 37.23903, -76.50801
- Best season
- Late spring and early fall for warm water with lighter crowds; summer is best for swimming but busiest.
- Access difficulty
- Easy — paved waterfront access suitable for most ages and abilities.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- No camping on the beach; lodging in Yorktown / Williamsburg area.
- Land manager
- National Park Service
- Activities
- Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing (pier), paddle sports offshore
- Facilities
- Public restrooms, picnic lawn (seasonal), fishing pier nearby; free parking lots.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring and early fall for warm water with lighter crowds; summer is best for swimming but busiest.
- AccessEasy. paved waterfront access suitable for most ages and abilities.
- FacilitiesPublic restrooms, picnic lawn (seasonal), fishing pier nearby; free parking lots.
- Camping nearbyNo camping on the beach; lodging in Yorktown / Williamsburg area.
Highlights & features
- Calm York River waters ideal for swimming
- Historic location near Revolutionary War sites
- Family-friendly beach with showers and bathrooms
- Scenic wildlife and photography opportunities
- Accessible via Colonial National Historic Parkway
- Proximity to historic Revolutionary War landmarks
- Views of the York River Bridge
- A blend of natural beauty and colonial charm
How to get there
Yorktown Beach is easy from Williamsburg and Newport News. Confirm parking signs before you leave the car.
1. From Williamsburg / Colonial Parkway: follow Colonial Parkway east into Yorktown and continue toward the waterfront / Riverwalk Landing area on Water Street.
2. From Newport News / I-64: take the Yorktown exits and follow signed routes to Yorktown Waterfront (Water Street).
3. Park in free public lots near Riverwalk Landing, the fishing pier picnic area, or posted York County / NPS overflow lots when the closest spaces are full.
4. Walk to the sandy beach along the York River — restrooms and picnic lawn are at the waterfront complex (331 Water St area).
5. Swim only if conditions look safe; there are no lifeguards and boat traffic can appear outside swim zones.
Address: 331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690.
Plan your visit
Yorktown Beach works well as a day trip from Williamsburg or Newport News. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Richmond Downtown James River Swimming Spots (about 55 mi away) or browse more Virginia river spots in our directory. For the full list in Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace and other lots along Water Street. Spaces can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. A fee for parking or beach access is not specified; check local signage for current rates. The beach is easily accessible on foot from parking areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yorktown Beach free to visit?
Yes. Yorktown Beach offers free public access to the sandy beach and York River shoreline with no entrance or admission fee.
Where do you park for Yorktown Beach?
Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace (2-hour limit on the lower level) and the York County Administration Building lot on Ballard Street. A free trolley runs through historic Yorktown during peak summer months.
Can you swim in the York River at Yorktown Beach?
Yes. Swimming is permitted in the designated beach area along the York River. The water is brackish with gentle wave action; swim at your own risk as no lifeguards are on duty.
Are dogs allowed on Yorktown Beach?
Dogs are not permitted on the public beach between April 1 and October 15. Leashed dogs are allowed along the Riverwalk paved walkway year-round.
Can you swim at Yorktown Beach?
Yes. Yorktown Beach is a public York River beach with a sandy shore and typically gentle water near the Historic Triangle. There are no lifeguards — swim at your own risk and stay inside marked swim areas when buoys are set.
Is Yorktown Beach free?
Yes. Beach access and public parking are free. Lots near Riverwalk Landing fill on summer weekends, so arrive early or use signed overflow lots a short walk away.
Where is Yorktown Beach VA?
On Water Street in Yorktown, Virginia (about 331 Water St / Riverwalk Landing), on the York River. It is roughly 13 miles from Colonial Williamsburg and about 20–25 minutes from Newport News depending on traffic.
Are there bathrooms at Yorktown Beach?
Yes. The waterfront / Riverwalk Landing complex has public restrooms and a picnic lawn typically open April–October. Bring water and sun protection; shade on the open sand is limited.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Yorktown Beach is adjacent to significant Revolutionary War landmarks, offering visitors a chance to connect with America's rich colonial history while enjoying modern leisure activities.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the York River ecosystem. Avoid littering and respect the local wildlife and plant life.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.