Have You Tried the Yorktown Trolley?

Some things in life are just inherently charming, and at the top of our list are trolleys. Much more attractive than the prospect of stepping onto a bus or subway with tired commuters, a trolley strikes the balance between old-world charisma and novel appeal. 

Yorktown, Virginia, part of the Historic Triangle and a short drive from historic Williamsburg, is home to a free trolley that is one of the best ways to navigate this winsome waterfront spot. Yorktown is the site of significant historical attractions, such as the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, plus monuments including Riverwalk Landing, Watermen’s Museum and the Victory Monument. Instead of worrying about driving and parking in a new place, hitch a ride on the trolley and focus all your attention on the area’s gorgeous waterfront scenery, fascinating history, amazing culinary scene and small businesses and shops! 

Recommendations

For museums, we love The American Museum at Yorktown. The Historic Triangle is the birthplace of American history, and there is much to learn. A visit to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is as close as any of us can get to traveling back in time. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of our nation’s founding, starting at the beginning of the colonial period and through the creation of our Constitution and beyond. Outdoor living-history areas let you see what the life of a Revolutionary War soldier was like at a recreated Continental Army encampment, and a Revolution-era farm lets you witness a day in the life of a real 18th-century family. How cool is that? 

As far as dining goes, you can never go wrong if you have a view of a river as beautiful as the York River! We’d recommend Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and Petite Cafe. Located at the top of the hill on Main Street in the Historic Cole Digges House, this place has a history that dates back almost 300 years. Besides its wonderful history (historical talks and tours are a special experience here!), you’ll find delicious beverages, gourmet sandwiches, soups, paninis and fresh-baked delicacies. 

Most of the fun in Yorktown is held outside. Rent a bike and ride around town or along the river, or book a guided segway tour and learn about the area’s history. You can also tour by water on a kayak, paddleboard or even sailboat. Yorktown beach is a two-acre stretch with opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The waterfront also has a Mobi-Mat to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and strollers to allow everyone to have accessibility to the beach! 

The Yorktown Trolley
The trolley loop is approximately 20-35 minutes long and includes stops at eleven locations: Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, Yorktown Victory Monument, Yorktown Beach, Riverwalk Landing Piers, Riverwalk Landing (westbound), Watermen’s Museum (westbound), American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Watermen’s Museum (eastbound), Riverwalk Landing (eastbound), Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets (York Hall), and York County Courts & Office Complex.

Yorktown’s fleet of trolleys uses an interactive tracking system that features an infotainment system, individual adjustable air vents for heating and air conditioning, and connection to ETA SPOT, a program that lets you follow the Trolley’s location and gives an estimated time of its arrival at various attractions—so you’re always on time. In terms of transportation, you couldn’t ask for a more efficient, reliable, or fun way to get around. 

Let us know if you’ve used Yorktown’s trolley and how you like it!