Yorktown Beach is a delightful little strip of beach along the York River. It spans two acres, and has a large sandy area and gentle water.
Despite being along a river, people who visit Yorktown Beach look like they’re going to the ocean. You’ll see umbrellas, sunbathers, beach toys, and more. The sand is a soft white, perfect for relaxing on or playing in.
There is parking right across the street from the Yorktown Beach, making it very easy to get to. The parking lot isn’t huge, and does fill up. In this case, there is a larger parking garage towards Yorktown Center, but it is a little bit of a farther hike to the beach. If you don’t feel like walking, Yorktown has a free shuttle you can ride on to get all over the town, including to the beach.
When you’re done at the beach, there is an outdoor shower station where you can rinse off. And, if you need to use the restroom, there are public restrooms right by the beach for your convenience.
Next to the Yorktown Beach are several eateries and shops in an area called Riverwalk Landing. You can pick up lunch to eat or even buy some sand toys in case you forgot yours.
You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks or bicycles at Patriot Tours & Provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Yorktown Beach
You may still have some questions about Yorktown Beach. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, with hopefully all the answers you need.
Can you go swimming at Yorktown Beach?
You can definitely swim at the Yorktown Beach. The water is gentle and almost waveless most days. Since the Yorktown Beach is on the Yorktown River, there aren’t a lot of waves unless the wind kicks things up.
Yorktown Beach is a great place to bring young children to swim because it has a very gentle slope. You can walk out for a good distance before the water gets deep. This makes it a fun and easy place to have young children.
But, Yorktown Beach isn’t only for little kids. Big kids will love exploring the marine life, splashing around, and enjoying the sand.
My children loved exploring the marine life at Yorktown Beach. They found sea snails, hermit crabs, fish and more.
Since the water is so gentle, even my littlest child was able to splash in the water without fear of being knocked over.
One important note though. My kids feet got really cut up out in the water. My oldest said that there was a lot of coral that cut them. I’m not sure what it was, but something sliced their feet several times. My recommendation is to get water shoes before going into the water.
Is Yorktown Beach a Real Beach?
I may offend some native Yorktown, VA folks, but in my opinion, Yorktown Beach is not a real beach.
Don’t get me wrong. Yorktown Beach is wonderful, and expansive. As you sit on the sand, you can almost forget that you’re sitting on a river’s edge. The sand is great and the water is huge.
But, the lack of waves is the biggest giveaway that Yorktown Beach is not a real beach. But, Yorktown Beach is a great substitute for a real beach. It is about as close to a real beach as you can get, without actually being at the ocean.
Does Yorktown Beach have a Boardwalk?
Yorktown Beach doesn’t have a boardwalk, per say, but it does have an area to walk around.
Adjacent to the Yorktown Beach is shopping and dining area where you can get a meal at a sit down restaurant, pick up ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s, grab a cup of coffee at the cafe, or buy some Yorktown souvenirs or beach toys.
The shopping and dining area is nice to walk around at, but doesn’t have the same kitschy sort of feel most boardwalks have. Depending on your preference, this may be a good thing!
Does Yorktown Beach have Jellyfish?
Yorktown Beach can have jellyfish in the water. You won’t encounter one every time you go, but it is not unusual to find one there.
Is Yorktown Beach Saltwater?
The water at Yorktown Beach is considered brackish. This means that it is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. The result is water that is slightly salty.
I will say though, being up there, you can smell the salt in the air. My children remarked that it was the saltiest water they had ever been in (and they’ve spent a lot of time in the ocean!).
Is Yorktown Beach Handicap Accessible?
The Yorktown Beach is equipped with a Mobi-Mat and Mobi Chair for visitors in wheelchairs. In addition, the fishing pier is ADA accessible.
Final Thoughts on Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach is a great place for people of all ages. It has the feel of a real beach, even if it is actually on a river. The water smells salty, the sand is soft, and the view is gorgeous.
Yorktown Beach has all the amenities that you need: bathrooms, outdoor showers, free parking, food, and shopping.
If you’re looking for an easy beach day for the family, Yorktown Beach makes for a laid-back, fun experience for everyone.
