8 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a historic gem full of colonial charm and modern attractions. Start your visit with a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, where you can experience life as it was in the 18th century. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Governor's Palace and the historic Bruton Parish Church.
For a more in-depth experience, consider spending a day at Busch Gardens, an amusement park with thrilling rides and European-themed sections. History enthusiasts can explore the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, both of which offer interactive exhibits and reenactments. Williamsburg also boasts a vibrant arts scene; the Muscarelle Museum of Art on the campus of the College of William & Mary features diverse exhibitions. Foodies will enjoy dining at local restaurants that offer everything from traditional Southern fare to contemporary cuisine. For a touch of nature, visit the Williamsburg Botanical Garden or take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Virginia Capital Trail. Whether you're an adventure seeker, history buff, or simply looking to relax, Williamsburg has something for everyone.
1. Colonial Williamsburg
Historic Homes/Mansions, Tours, Sightseeing
More than Full DayColonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum and historic district in Virginia, offering a captivating glimpse into 18th-century America. Visitors can explore over 300 acres of meticulously restored or reconstructed buildings, including homes, shops, and public spaces. Engage with costumed interpreters who bring the colonial era to life through demonstrations and storytelling, covering everything from blacksmithing to colonial medicine. You can visit the Governor's Palace, a grand residence showcasing colonial luxury, or the Capitol building, where revolutionary ideas were debated. Participate in interactive reenactments, such as a mock trial or a militia drill. For a more immersive experience, dine in colonial-style taverns, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and stroll through beautiful gardens. Art enthusiasts can visit the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, while families might enjoy hands-on activities at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Special events, seasonal programs, and guided tours offer endless opportunities to learn and explore.
2. Jamestown
Monuments and Memorials, Sightseeing
Half Day to Full DayJamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, offers a wealth of historical exploration and educational opportunities. Located in Virginia, you can visit the Jamestown Settlement Museum, which features re-creations of the original fort and Powhatan Indian village, along with replicas of the settlers' ships. Interactive exhibits and costumed interpreters bring the early 17th century to life, providing insights into the daily lives of the settlers and their interactions with the indigenous peoples. At Historic Jamestowne, the actual site of the original fort, archaeologists continue to unearth artifacts, and visitors can view ongoing excavations. The Archaearium Museum displays hundreds of these artifacts, giving a tangible sense of the colony’s history. Walking trails offer serene views of the James River and informative signs about the natural environment and its historical significance. For a more immersive experience, you can participate in hands-on activities like pottery making or blacksmithing, making history feel vivid and personal.
3. Water Country USA
Amusement Parks, Swimming/Pools
Half Day to Full DayWater Country USA, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a premier water park offering a refreshing escape with a variety of attractions for all ages. Thrill-seekers can plunge down high-speed waterslides like the Colossal Curl and Vanish Point, which provide heart-pounding drops and twists. Families will enjoy attractions like Hubba Hubba Highway, a lazy river with a twist, and the Big Daddy Falls, a multi-rider raft adventure. The park also features kid-friendly zones like H2O UFO and Cow-A-Bunga, which are perfect for younger guests with their interactive water play areas and smaller slides. For those looking to relax, the park offers plenty of lounge areas, private cabanas, and wave pools where you can unwind and soak up the sun. Dining options range from quick snacks to full meals, ensuring you stay energized throughout your visit. With its diverse attractions and amenities, Water Country USA promises a fun-filled day for everyone.
4. Busch Gardens
Amusement Parks
Half Day to Full DayBusch Gardens is a renowned theme park that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Located in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia, the park blends thrilling rides, live entertainment, and unique animal encounters. Roller coaster enthusiasts can enjoy heart-pounding rides like SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster, and the Cheetah Hunt, which mimics the speed and agility of a cheetah. Families can explore themed areas such as Sesame Street Safari of Fun, designed for younger guests with kid-friendly rides and interactive play areas. Animal lovers will appreciate the park's extensive wildlife exhibits, where they can observe and learn about exotic animals like giraffes, lions, and kangaroos. Busch Gardens also offers up-close animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live shows featuring skilled performers and captivating storytelling. Seasonal events, such as Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town, provide festive fun and unique experiences throughout the year. With its mix of adrenaline-pumping attractions, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment, Busch Gardens promises an unforgettable adventure for everyone.
5. Jamestown Glasshouse
Shopping, Sightseeing
1 to 2 hoursThe Jamestown Glasshouse, located within the Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early American colonial glassmaking industry. Visitors can witness live demonstrations where skilled artisans craft glass objects using techniques that date back to the 17th century. The sight of molten glass being skillfully blown and shaped into intricate forms is both educational and mesmerizing. The glasshouse also features informative exhibits that explain the history and significance of glass production in Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. You can explore the reconstructed remains of the original 1608 glass furnaces and learn about the challenges early settlers faced in their attempts to establish a profitable glass industry. The on-site gift shop offers a variety of handcrafted glass items, from delicate ornaments to functional glassware, allowing you to take a piece of history home. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, the Jamestown Glasshouse provides a captivating experience.
6. Williamsburg Premium Outlets
Shopping
2 hours to Half DayWilliamsburg Premium Outlets, located in the historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a delightful shopping experience with over 120 designer and name-brand stores. Visitors can explore a wide variety of shops, including popular brands like Michael Kors, Coach, Nike, and Ralph Lauren, perfect for finding deals on high-quality fashion, accessories, and footwear. The open-air layout provides a pleasant stroll with picturesque landscaping and comfortable seating areas. In addition to shopping, the outlets feature a range of dining options from quick bites to sit-down meals, allowing shoppers to refuel and relax. Special seasonal events and sales provide even more opportunities for savings and entertainment. Families can enjoy the child-friendly amenities, including a playground for the little ones. With ample parking and convenient access to major attractions in Williamsburg, the Premium Outlets make for a perfect day trip destination combining retail therapy with a touch of leisure and fun.
7. Williamsburg Winery
Wineries/Breweries
1 to 2 hoursWilliamsburg Winery, nestled in the heart of Virginia's historic Williamsburg, offers a captivating blend of wine, history, and scenic beauty. Visitors can embark on guided tours of the winery, where they’ll learn about the intricate winemaking process, explore the vineyard, and see the production facilities. Tastings are a highlight, allowing guests to sip and savor a variety of award-winning wines crafted from locally grown grapes. The on-site restaurant, Gabriel Archer Tavern, provides a delightful culinary experience with farm-to-table dishes perfectly paired with Williamsburg Winery's selections. The picturesque grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views and a serene ambiance. Special events, such as wine and food festivals, live music, and themed dinners, add to the charm. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing day out, Williamsburg Winery offers a rich and enjoyable experience.
8. Yorktown Battlefield
Sightseeing
1 to 2 hoursYorktown Battlefield, part of the Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here, visitors can delve into the pivotal events of the American Revolutionary War. Begin your journey at the Visitor Center, where you can explore engaging exhibits, watch an informative film, and see artifacts from the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. Take a self-guided or ranger-led tour of the battlefield to see key sites like the Moore House, where the surrender negotiations took place, and the preserved earthworks that played a crucial role in the conflict. The scenic driving tour offers a broader perspective, leading you through fields, past historical markers, and to the Yorktown Victory Monument. For a more immersive experience, walk the historic streets of Yorktown and visit the Nelson House and other colonial-era buildings. Additionally, enjoy the picturesque views of the York River, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, blending history with natural beauty.