Book Tourism in Historic Yorktown: Where Adventure Meets Literature

Book tourism is a growing trend in 2025 that combines a passion for literature with wanderlust. With the rise of BookTok and a craving for new experiences, book tourism is taking readers on a journey to real-world places that fulfill their book-loving fantasies.  

A great spot for this? Historic Yorktown! The waterfront destination not only boasts colonial landmarks and a rich history, but it also features an independent bookstore in the heart of it all. Whether you are looking for stories of wars past or small-town romances, this is the place for you to visit!   

Your Yorktown Bookshelf: Where to Find the Best Reads 

In the heart of Riverwalk Landing lies Yorktown Bookshop, the kind of place you randomly find but immediately love. It’s the perfect spot for a book lover to get lost in. You can expect to be greeted by friendly staff members who are more than thrilled to welcome literary enthusiasts who are traveling by. Are you looking for wartime books based on Yorktown, small-town romances, or even a book or two for your kids? This charming store has it all! It’s the kind of place that helps you slow down and savor the moment, even if for just for a little while.  

Historic Yorktown has more than one spot to shop for the best books. The Gallery at York Hall offers not only locally handmade gifts but also a curated collection of books by Virginia authors. Another great stop? The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Its gift shop features nonfiction, children’s stories, and books on the Revolutionary War—perfect for brushing up on your Yorktown history as you explore their exhibits. Yorktown offers book travelers numerous places to discover your next great story.   

The Perfect Books for Your Trip

Whether you plan to pack a book or two to bring on your trip or pick up a few during your stay, we have a few recommendations to pair with a visit to Yorktown!  

• Beach Read by Emily Henry is a romance novel, known for its humor and beachside setting— making it the perfect book to enjoy by the water. 
• America’s Daughter: A beautiful and gripping novel of the American Revolutionary War by Celeste De Blasis is a historical fiction novel set during the American Revolution.  
• Beat the Last Drum: The Siege of Yorktown, 1781 by Thomas Fleming recounts the events at the Siege of Yorktown using diaries and letters from those who experienced it firsthand.  
• Team Time Machine Witnesses the Siege at Yorktown by Jill Keppeler is perfect for young readers. It shows a kid’s point of view of the Siege at Yorktown.  

Places to Read (and Sip) in Historic Yorktown

Historic Yorktown has several spots for you to settle in with a good book, a glass of wine, and an exceptional view. If you’re starting your day early, stop by Mobjack Coffee Roasters—a café that offers both outside and inside seating—where you can enjoy specialty coffees and pastries while diving deep into your latest read.  

If you prefer a more scenic landscape, Yorktown Beach offers multiple areas where you can relax with your toes in the sand and a book in your hand, especially during the golden hour.  

For those looking to treat themselves to some reading while eating, Yorktown has many waterfront restaurants like Water Street Grille, Riverwalk Restaurant, and Coastal Thirst Beach Deli, that give you a front-row view of the York River. Enjoy wine, seafood, and even a few chapters while you’re at it.  

Book tourism isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about experiencing them as well. Historic Yorktown is full of hidden gems, perfect for unwinding and unplugging. Whether you’re a book lover or just gaining new experiences, add this stop to your book tourism bucket list and start writing a new chapter of your story here.