Reviews: Riverwalk Landing Piers

Reviewed by: Karen Peck on Jun 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

During our recent visit, the location is great with the resturants and free trolly to take you to the Yorktown battle field. If the wind and waves are lite, great location but our 2 nights the wind a waves were coming off the river and we were pinned to the dock and rocked hard all night, even throwing the fenders on the dock.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Cruising Editor , Janthina, on Jun 15, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

By historical fact Yorktown is a tourist destination. The War of Independence ended with Cornwallis's surrender of to Washington in 1782. Things have never been the same since. Riverwalk Landing Piers is part of the Infrastructure that services visitors. Boats come to do tourist things and, on the day that we were there, American Cruise Line had a 100 passenger cruise ship tied up to the dock, the local schooner, "Alliance" had two trips with 20 people, and the replica of the Swedish three masted pinnace "Kalmar Nyckels" did two trips a day with over 50 people each time. All this was happening on the same dock we were tied to. The landing is not a normal "marina" for pleasure boaters.

Reading through the reviews it is clear that there are some valid issues to this stop and there are complaints that, considering the realities on the ground, are real, but not really fair.

First, let's talk about the physical facility. The docks are massive by any marina standard; floating concrete and built like a tank. We docked on a "finger pier" that was 75 feet long and about 20 feet wide with the distance to the outside face dock of 100 feet. The floating finger pier had three welded cleats on it which, for a "small" boat such as ours, meant that lines were stretched to maximums. It would have been much easier if there were another two properly spaced cleats to manage lines for us smaller boats. Contrary to some comments, there was power and water available on the dock but our power cord and hose were stretched to the maximum to reach them. Daytime dock security was non-existent due to the tourist traffic but, after hours, the dock was secured and well-lit. There is a current that runs through the docks that, at maximum, is about 1.75 mph. With no wind this is enough to make the docks "groan" but, when aboard, the noises were not really noticeable. We have been at the docks before when the weather was not so nice and the experience was not comfortable. The docks are located almost under the Rt. 17 Bridge and, during the day, there is a background noise that is always present. At night, thankfully, the noise diminishes.

Now let's look at the positives. First, the dock crew is fantastic. They were there when we called in, when we arrived, and when we left. They were also helpful with recommendations. "Location" is where you are. Restaurants, museums, stored, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, transportation by trolley bus, and even the beach, are all right in front of you. The new dockmaster's office, toilets, and showers is almost finished, and it is across the street from the village green that hosts the Saturday Farmers Market which, from our experience, is one of the better ones on the East Coast. The trolley stop is a hundred yards from the dock and takes you to either to Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center on one end to the America Revolution Museum on the other, encompassing the primary visitor stops along the way. We spent the afternoon at the American Revolution Museum and were impressed by the exhibits and films.

We spent three days at Yorktown five years ago with some rough weather but we wanted to come back again. The tide still sweeps through the marina but, with light winds, we spent a lovely day ashore.

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Reviewed by: Steven Williams , Rival, on May 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 1

Most uncomfortable marina experience we have ever had. First of all, the current rips through the marina and unless the winds are coming off the land, it is extremely uncomfortable. We felt like we were on a bucking bronco.

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Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on May 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Wish we we would have taken the time to consider all of the comments before going there. THe good: The location to visit the town and the great museums can't be beat. The dock staff were nice and greeted us at the dock. The bad: I agree now that I won't come back unless winds will be from S or SW. We had a day of decent winds, but then were hit with E and ENE winds the 2nd day that were double what the forecasts said. WHen I asked the dockhands if we should move the the other dock, they said we should be fine. Waves came into the docks right into our boat for 24 hours. The ugly: Constant pounding of waves into our stern were relentless. It was too late and too windy to move once it started. I give it 5 stars for location and 1 star for lack of protection in the right winds and lack of guidance from the office. Worst night spent on our boat in 3 years.

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Reviewed by: Chris and Cherie Technomadia on May 7, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We stayed on the newly installed moorings, and they are HUGE. A little difficult to figure out how to use their double horn cleats (no penant), but think we managed it.

As others have noted neither the mooring field or the marina itself is protected from anything but S/SW winds. We timed our visit for light S & SW winds and were mostly comfortable. Except when tidal swells come up the river, those south winds can pin you to the beam for a very uncomfortable few hours!

All and all though, we enjoyed 3 nights (currently still free, but dockmaster seemed to indicate they may be going back to charging), and loved exploring Yorktown.

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Reviewed by: Simon Rycroft on Oct 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 5

Absolutely great! Ryan was awesome. Made sure we were settled in fine. River cruise was also in. Docks were clean and well cared for. We ate at the pub and river walk restaurant. Both were great. Sunday was farmers market and autumn festival with all things to buy including fresh seafood. Trolley takes you free of charge to museums and Yorktown battlefield. We love Yorktown!

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Reviewed by: John Chant , Wild Goose, on May 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Location, location, location. This marina is right in the heart of Yorktown. A beach right on shore, Free Trolly pick up at the marina, and plenty of things to do. Saturday Farmer's Market was fabulous! However, this marina is truly a fair weather marina. Out in the open with no barriers to protect. Wind and current converge here from the north and south, making for rocky conditions most of the time. I would still return to this marina, but pray for good weather.

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Reviewed by: Richard on Sep 15, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

The mooring balls are large, commercial balls which are free however are difficultly to secure to and avoid bouncing off based on their configuration. Good for day use.

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on Aug 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

What a fun stop! Huge floating docks. I would only stay there in settled weather -- it's wide open to the huge river. Exceptional dock staff, very professional. Ryan even gave me his personal cell in case we needed anything. Enjoyed the National Battlefield, the Museum of the Revolution, and the Watermen's Museum. Saturdays there is an amazing farmer's market and the York Fife and Drums will perform. The Yorktown Pub was terrific and not too pricey. Be aware there is a current that will affect docking.

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Reviewed by: Randy H on May 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We came to Riverwalk Landing so we could easily visit Colonial Williamsburg. We stayed a few nights longer than planned because it was so nice! The dockmaster was super, his staff was super, obtaining a rental car from Newport News was easy, the American History Museum was excellent, the sights around Yorktown were great, and the Riverwalk area is well-maintained with a variety of shops and restaurant options. The only downside to this marina is the exposure to Northeast or East winds, we got rocked pretty hard for two days. Still worth it.

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Reviewed by: Alison Morrow on May 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 14.0'

Rating: 4

Brian the dock hand is fantastic. He goes above and beyond to help. Poor guy is super busy so he may be hard to get hold of. They have a very long hose to pump out which is handy. Gate is locked at night. The showers are a walk away. Yorktown pub has great food and beers. The free trolly runs from 10-5. It takes you around town and to museums and the monument which is great. Grace Episcopal Church was so welcoming. Part of the town is an uphill climb but downtown is flat.

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Reviewed by: Jane Fidler , Picnic Boat, on Apr 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great marina with floating concrete docks. We were tied inside the South entrance but in the evening, several very fast boats with huge wakes rocked the docks! I've never seen concrete docks heave (with out boat attached) so much! Town is right off the pier and there is a secure gate to enter the docks. Shower and bathroom facilities were nice, but a distance away from the piers outside the gates. We were told that new facilities were in the plans to be closer.

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Reviewed by: Julie Covert , Huron Jewel, on Nov 29, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 78'
Draft: 4.3'

Rating: 5

You'll love stopping at Yorktown if you love Revolutionary War and maritime history. This marina is designed more as a short-term stopover rather than a full-service marina, although there are a lot of amenities available, and they can accommodate large vessels.
The historic buildings and museums are terrific and a great excuse to stretch your legs; in particular, visit the Waterman's Museum.
The gate is open to the public during the day, but we didn't have any problems; those who did wander onto the docks were curious lookers, often asking questions rather than being nosy. At night it is locked with a code.
And the staff were super friendly and helpful. We look forward to returning the next time we're in the area!

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Reviewed by: Kirk Conners , Fancy Nancy, on Jul 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is an OK marina. Good concrete floating docks, but not enough cleats. Had to tie to a 4x4 attached to dock on bow line to adequately keep boat close to dock.
Small town with lots of historical stuff, mostly on the Revolution, which makes sense given it was the site of the last battle of the war.
Restrooms are good and clean, but a little bit of a walk from the docks.
Restaurants are close by, but expensive. Only ate at Yorktown Pub, and the beer was cold, so that's a plus.
Fuel was also expensive, but we didn't need so we didn't get any.
All in, would definitely stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Christopher Carmody on Jun 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great overnight stop, super-friendly and helpful staff, extremely robust/sturdy concrete floating docks, small beaches right there at riverwalk landing (can be crowded in summertime), great bar/restaurants and historical opportunities galore. Frequent events on weekends. (4/5 star) private marina bathrooms plus public ones along boardwalk. Current can be strong so slack tide, or docking into current is recommended to keep off the very robust floating docks. Mooring balls are also available for rent a few hundred yards downriver of the landing.

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Reviewed by: Franz Schneider , Rhino, on Jun 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 75'
Draft: 7.5'

Rating: 5

Excellent marina-docks are floating and very well maintained, staff are excellent, the town is a wonderful place steeped in history. The free trolley ride is worth taking and the National Park for the battlefields was most informative concerning Generals Washington and Cornwallis. Ben and Jerry's ice cream was too convenient and we were FORCED to go there three times.

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Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Jun 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Loved this stop. Marina is in a great location to the town and American Revolution Museum (an absolute MUST SEE when visiting Yorktown.) Beaches are right at the marina. Farmers market was also very good on Saturday morning. Dock staff was super helpful. Agree with slack tide comment.

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Reviewed by: Captain Gene Of Galene on May 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

May 17 2022 Monday through Thursday can dock for up to four hours no charge. Other days $5 for up to four hours. Timing for slack tide is a wise decision to make it easy. Ebb can be strong so caution is needed. Beaches right here to enjoy. The previous reviews are correct. On many Thursdays in the summer they have bands playing on the river walk, which makes it special to visit on those nights. They play from 6:30 to 9:30. It is nice to be there for the event. If you arrive for 5:30 ish you can stay for $5 to enjoy the event. The washroom showers are ok but not overly clean and are a decent walk from the slips. They usually have a blues band on around first Saturday in May. Farmers market on Saturday morning in season. Slack tide will definitely make docking safer and easier.

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Reviewed by: Michelle Dixon , Sunset, on May 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Marina is fine, docks are large floating concrete. Make sure to place your fenders out. Current is strong but plenty of room inside the docks. The dockhands are friendly and helpful. It is exposed to all winds so be aware. Plenty of places to walk and enjoy the history.

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Reviewed by: Mo Mo on Aug 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great location! Should have stayed longer! Revolutionary Museum a must. Nice docks and staff, highly recommended!

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Reviewed by: David Merchberger , Slo Pace, on Jul 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Located right downtown Yorktown. Docks and dockhands are excellent. Be sure to take the outbound current the flows through the docks into account when approaching.

Several eateries to choose from within short walking distance. The best carrot cake ever at the bakery just to the west of the marina.

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on May 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent locations right in the downtown area of Yorktown. The dockhands are first rate. They have a tall ship that sails out of there 3 times daily. If you need the shore facilities, you might not rate 5 stars, but 4. Free trolley and easy to walk. Farmers market on Saturday is also very good.

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Reviewed by: Allan Straughan on Sep 8, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is one of our favorite stops on the Bay. The only drawback is the public access to the marina in daylight hours, but the professional staff watch over the marina keeping things safe. They miss nothing! And speaking of the staff, they are professionals. They may know more about line handling than you do! The town is awesome and all of the local history is a bicycle ride away (Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown)

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Reviewed by: Timothy Keen , Slow Dance, on Aug 5, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 5

Visited the Riverwalk Landing on July 4th, 2020. This was my 3rd visit and I think it has to be one of my favorite stops on the Chesapeake. There is a lot of current, but I haven't had any real concerns in my single engine, no thruster trawler. The location is super convenient. In addition to the National Park, be sure to visit the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. It is well worth the fee. If I have any complaint about Riverwalk Landing, it is that they don't really restrict the public from pier during daytime. At night the gate is locked, but during the day it is open. I think there is a sign indicating pier access is for slip users and sailing on the schooner Alliance. There was a large crowd at the Yorktown beach on July 4th and many people wandered onto the pier. There were no problem visitors. A number of non-boaters asked me questions about cost to dock and cost to own a boat.

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Reviewed by: Andrew McLeland on Jul 3, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great marina with helpful staff and nice restaurants. Restrooms and showers are clean. Good trails for a walk or run. Sandy beaches and rich history.

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Reviewed by: Douglas Way on Sep 29, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Excellent but small marina. Waterway museum is great, very good restaurants nearby. Excellent staff.

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Reviewed by: Brian Printy on Sep 2, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Such a great place, we almost didn't stop here because i never heard much about it before. But so glad we stopped for the night. Beaches are great, we went to the American Revolution Museum, and had a great lunch and dinner. Highly recommended place to stop for a day or two. As mentioned in the previous reviews, the current is no joke, so pay attention to what’s going on before you approach your slip. And the winds from the east are crazy.

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Reviewed by: Greta on Oct 21, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This marina is a gem. Walking distance to Yorktown and the river walk area makes it perfect for visiting boaters, very convenient.

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Reviewed by: Capt. T on Sep 15, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Great place for the day with shops and a ton of American history just steps away. The York
River outgoing current at ebb tide is wicked fast and strong so watch out. Not protected from the East.

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Reviewed by: Jill and on Aug 4, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We stopped for the daytime only for a very nominal charge, then anchored in Sarah Creek for the night. Unless the wind is blowing hard, this is a great place to pull in to see all of the sights. With the strong current, the dockmaster will help you get your boat in. In addition to the Battlefield, the American Revolutionary War Museum to the north of the village is fantastic and well worth the entrance fee. The trolley transits to both locations, as well as by the historical "village". The restaurant in the hotel has great breakfasts.

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Reviewed by: Kelly Thorp , Lynx, on May 29, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Agree with Aqua Bob. Nice stop for an overnight stay. Town has a tram that takes you to the visitor center and museum. No grocery stores in walking distance. Plenty of restaurants. Dockmaster very helpful. The current in an ebb tide is very strong.

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Reviewed by: Aqua Bob , Aqua Bob, on Aug 1, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 58'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Beautiful stop if you like revolutionary war history. The small town offers a nice quiet evening but you still have the bakery near by. Watch the current coming in as it runs.

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