Colonial Parkway
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Colonial Parkway

4.8
·54 reviews·Yorktown, United States

A 23-mile scenic byway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, offering stunning river views and historical insights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Colonial Parkway

Colonial Parkway

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 23-mile scenic byway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, offering stunning river views and historical insights.

4.8
(54 reviews)

"Such a beautiful way. Enjoyed a ride with my husband."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive the full length

Connects Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown. Enjoy water views & history!

☕ Stop at pull-offs

Frequent historical markers offer insights into the area's past.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown

Walk the grounds where American independence was secured. Explore historic earthworks and learn about the pivotal 1781 siege.

TikTok
Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown

Step back in time to the first permanent English settlement in North America. Discover recreated ships and colonial life.

Reddit
Williamsburg Historic Triangle

Williamsburg Historic Triangle

Williamsburg

Experience the living history of America's colonial capital. Explore meticulously recreated 18th-century buildings and trades.

Instagram
Riverwalk Landing

Riverwalk Landing

Yorktown

Enjoy waterfront shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities with beautiful views of the York River.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Scenic Drive

The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile scenic route connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Enjoy stunning water views and historical markers without traffic lights or commercial vehicles. It's perfect for a leisurely drive, but be mindful of narrow one-way streets in historic areas.

Uncover the Parkway's Past

While known for its beauty, the Colonial Parkway also holds a darker history. The unsolved 'Colonial Parkway Murders' from the late 1980s are a chilling reminder of the area's past. Be aware of this history as you explore the scenic route.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour buses thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Lexi G YORKTOWN ⭐️
@markballas1
143.7K likes • 1M views

🚗 Drive the full length

Connects Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown. Enjoy water views & history! InstagramReddit

☕ Stop at pull-offs

Frequent historical markers offer insights into the area's past. Reddit

On this day in 1781, the Battle of Yorktown began and the world turned upside down.
@hamiltonmusical
122.3K likes • 614.6K views
A short drive down the gorgeous Colonial Parkway will take you to Riverwalk Landing, a charming waterfront district featuring shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Here’s a look at all the area has to offer! #VisitWilliamsburg
visitwilliamsburg
261 likes • 5.8K views

🕵️ Be aware of history

The parkway is also known for the unsolved 'Colonial Parkway Murders'. Instagram+1

🐬 Look for dolphins

Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the water, especially near the coast. [^Review]

Colonial Parkway Murders #crime #documentary #truecrime
kerrie_droban
4 likes • 264 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive the full length

Connects Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown. Enjoy water views & history! InstagramReddit

☕ Stop at pull-offs

Frequent historical markers offer insights into the area's past. Reddit

🕵️ Be aware of history

The parkway is also known for the unsolved 'Colonial Parkway Murders'. Instagram+1

🐬 Look for dolphins

Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the water, especially near the coast. [^Review]

🚶‍♀️ Explore Riverwalk Landing

Charming waterfront with shops & dining in Yorktown. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(54 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Colonial Parkway for its stunning scenic beauty, connecting the historic triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown without traffic lights. The frequent historical markers and peaceful atmosphere are highlights. However, some are aware of and unsettled by the unsolved 'Colonial Parkway Murders' that occurred along the route.

"Parkway between James River and York River, along coast, inland forests and swamps. We passed through Isthmus on the way to Jamestown it connects Sandy Bay and James River with gorgeous water views."

Susan Ding

"When we came to the area it wasn't as crowded as we thought it would be. There were only two tour buses. The buildings were closed but parking was plentiful. Just watch for the narrow one way streets. We come to sit on the beach and watch the dolphins play too."

D H

"Very cool, no desire to eat deceased people"

Cory Clayton

What People Like

Beautiful scenic drive
Historical markers
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Unsolved murders

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Colonial Parkway is a scenic roadway that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. You can access it from various points within these historic areas. It's a 23-mile route with no traffic lights or commercial vehicles, making for a pleasant drive. Reddit

No, the Colonial Parkway is a free scenic roadway managed by the National Park Service as part of Colonial National Historical Park. Reddit

Many visitors recommend driving the entire length of the parkway to fully appreciate the scenery and historical context. Stopping at the numerous pull-offs with historical markers is highly encouraged. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular activity on the Colonial Parkway, offering a unique way to experience the scenery. However, be aware of vehicle traffic and the parkway's winding nature. Instagram

You can enter the Colonial Parkway from near Jamestown Island, from various points in Williamsburg, and from Yorktown. It seamlessly connects the three main sites of Virginia's Historic Triangle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to drive on the Colonial Parkway itself. However, entry fees may apply to specific historic sites like Jamestown Settlement or Colonial Williamsburg. Reddit

The Colonial Parkway is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the National Park Service website for any temporary closures or updates. Reddit

Yes, commercial vehicles are not permitted on the Colonial Parkway. This restriction helps maintain the scenic and historical atmosphere of the route. Reddit

Absolutely! The parkway features numerous designated pull-offs and overlooks where you can park your vehicle, enjoy the views, and read historical markers. Reddit

While the Parkway itself is free, you will need to pay admission fees for specific attractions like Jamestown Settlement or Colonial Williamsburg if you plan to explore them in detail. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Colonial Parkway connects three major historical areas: Jamestown (the first permanent English settlement), Williamsburg (the colonial capital), and Yorktown (site of the decisive Revolutionary War battle). Reddit

While there are no restaurants directly on the parkway, you'll find plenty of dining options in Yorktown (like Riverwalk Landing), Williamsburg, and Jamestown. Instagram

The parkway offers opportunities to see various wildlife, including birds and, if you're lucky, dolphins in the rivers. The diverse habitats include coastal areas, forests, and swamps. [^Review]

Yes, the Colonial Parkway is incredibly scenic and offers numerous photo opportunities, from water views to historic landscapes. Sunset and sunrise can be particularly beautiful. Instagram

Between 1986 and 1989, a series of unsolved murders, often referred to as the 'Colonial Parkway Murders,' occurred along the route, primarily targeting young couples. This has added a darker layer to the parkway's history. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colonial Parkway offers a fantastic opportunity for families to combine scenic driving with historical exploration. The numerous pull-offs along the route provide easy places to stop, stretch legs, and learn about history through engaging markers. Reddit Visiting the Yorktown Battlefield allows kids to imagine the Revolutionary War, and the Jamestown Settlement offers interactive exhibits and recreated ships that are captivating for younger audiences. TikTokReddit Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options are primarily located in the towns at either end of the parkway. Instagram

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good road trip, the Colonial Parkway is a must-drive. Its designation as a scenic byway means it's designed for enjoyment, with no commercial traffic or traffic lights to interrupt the flow. Reddit The 23-mile route offers diverse scenery, from river views to inland forests, making it a visually rewarding journey. Instagram Plan to take your time, utilize the many historical markers, and perhaps even cycle a portion of it for a different perspective. Instagram

🕵️ True Crime Aficionados

The Colonial Parkway holds a somber place in true crime history due to the unsolved 'Colonial Parkway Murders' from the late 1980s. TikTokInstagram+1 While exploring the scenic beauty, be aware of the chilling stories associated with this route. Discussions and documentaries about these cases are readily available online, offering a deeper, albeit unsettling, look into the parkway's past. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Driving the Colonial Parkway: A Scenic Journey

The Colonial Parkway is more than just a road; it's a 23-mile scenic byway designed to immerse visitors in the history and natural beauty of Virginia's Historic Triangle. Connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, it offers a tranquil driving experience free from traffic lights and commercial traffic. Frequent pull-offs provide opportunities to pause, admire the views of the York and James Rivers, and read historical markers detailing the region's rich past. Reddit Many visitors describe it as a beautiful way to travel between historic sites, enjoying the coastal scenery and inland forests. [^Review]

Key Features:
- 23 miles of scenic roadway
- Connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown
- No traffic lights or commercial vehicles
- Numerous historical markers and pull-offs

Driving the parkway is often highlighted as a highlight in itself, offering a peaceful transition between the historical attractions. It's particularly recommended for those who appreciate scenic drives and want to absorb the atmosphere of the region at a relaxed pace. Instagram

The Unsolved Mystery: Colonial Parkway Murders

The Colonial Parkway, while celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance, is also associated with a series of unsolved crimes known as the 'Colonial Parkway Murders.' Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people, primarily young couples, disappeared or were found murdered along the parkway and its surrounding areas. TikTokInstagram+1 The FBI and Virginia State Police have investigated these cases for decades, but they remain a chilling mystery. TikTok

This dark chapter in the parkway's history has led to a sense of unease for some visitors, with discussions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels touching upon the unsolved nature of these crimes. TikTokInstagram+1 While the parkway is generally considered safe and is a popular tourist route, it's important for visitors to be aware of this aspect of its history. The cases have been featured in true crime documentaries and discussions, adding to the parkway's complex narrative. TikTok

Exploring Yorktown: History and Waterfront Charm

Yorktown, at one end of the Colonial Parkway, is a cornerstone of America's founding history. It's most famous for the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, where American and French forces secured a decisive victory over the British, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. TikTok+1 Visitors can explore the Yorktown Battlefield, part of Colonial National Historical Park, to walk the historic earthworks and learn about the pivotal events that unfolded there. TikTokReddit

Beyond its military history, Yorktown also offers a charming waterfront experience at Riverwalk Landing. Instagram This area features shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the York River, providing a pleasant contrast to the historical sites. It's a great spot to relax, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Instagram Some TikTok videos even hint at local legends and potentially haunted spots near Yorktown, adding an intriguing layer to the area's lore. TikTok

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