Known as Farmers Drive, the state highway runs 5.33 miles (8.58 km) from SR 30 in Barhamsville north to SR 30 and SR 33 at Eltham.

The state highway heads northeast as a two-lane undivided road through a mix of farmland and forest.

As it approaches the York River, SR 273 veers north and parallels the river.

The state highway crosses Mill Creek before reaching its northern terminus at SR 30 and SR 33 (Eltham Road) in Eltham, a short distance west of the Pamunkey River, which forms the York River in confluence with the Mattaponi River at West Point.

[1][2] The entire route is in New Kent County.