planning a visit to williamsburg

Plan, Ready, Go®

Making the Most of Your Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary

If you have even the tiniest bit of interest in early American history, I highly recommend a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle. Here are my top tips for making the most of your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary .

Key takeaways

Consider purchasing multi-day tickets for the best value.
My Colonial Williamsburg “must-dos”: Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, at least one special program, and dine in at least one historical tavern.
Explore the trade shops and historical houses to learn more about 18th-century living in Williamsburg.
Don’t miss the other Historical Triangle sites and follow my recommended visit order: Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

Women standing in front of the governor's palace in Colonial Williamsburg and taking a photo with her phone.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.

Virginia’s Historic Triangle is made up of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown—three cities each with special significance in early American history and all within about 23 miles of each other.

You will have your eyes opened and your horizons broadened in unexpected ways. The top visitor draw in the Historic Triangle is Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum and the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 (when the capitol was moved to Richmond).

In the early 20th Century, W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, pitched to John D. Rockefeller Jr. the idea of restoring and preserving (and even reconstructing) the historic center of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg includes 85% of the area of the capital as it was in the 18th Century, including Bruton Parish Church.

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect from a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Would it be cheesy? Would it just be a giant tourist trap? I was so happy to find that Williamsburg was beyond what I had even hoped. It’s a wonderful combination of fun and eye-opening education that is immersive and engaging.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals.

Colonial Williamsburg ticket options

Colonial Williamsburg offers several ticketing options, which you can review on their website . If you only want to see Colonial Williamsburg, I’d suggest going for the multi-day ticket since it’s only a little more than the 1-day ticket and includes admission for three consecutive days.

Follow this itinerary if you have only one day at Colonial Williamsburg .

But if you’re in the area anyway, I highly recommend visiting Jamestown and Yorktown as well as Colonial Williamsburg. Seeing all of the Historic Triangle sites together helps to paint a more complete picture of early American history in this area.

All of the typical Williamsburg sites and shops as well as some events and programs are included in your ticket. Some programs and events require the purchase of a separate ticket, but those are clearly indicated on schedules.

Rear view of the Royal Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg

Make sure you visit the official Colonial Williamsburg website to check out the schedule of open sites, trade shops, programs, and activities. If you do purchase the Historic Triangle tickets (covering Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown), consider visiting the sites in this order:

Jamestown Settlement
Historic Jamestowne
Colonial Williamsburg
American Revolution Museum
Yorktown Battlefield

I found that by visiting the sites in this order, the information presented at each one built upon the other. You can do both Jamestown sites in one full day , but I would recommend at least two days in Colonial Williamsburg. Both Yorktown sites can be done in one day, but we could have easily spent more time at both the museum and the battlefield.

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this .

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area

Your first stop at Colonial Williamsburg will be at the large Visitor’s Center. This is where you will park (for free), buy your tickets (if you haven’t bought online already), and catch the shuttle to the Historic Area. You can also walk to the Historic Area. It’s a pleasant walk of about a third of a mile.

The Visitor’s Center includes two gift shops (yay!) and restrooms.

Unless you are staying at one of the official Colonial Williamsburg accommodations, plan to allow 30 minutes to get from your hotel to the Visitor’s Center parking and then on to the Historic area on foot or by shuttle.

The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg is approximately one mile long and about half to three-quarters of a mile wide. Make sure you pick up a map from the Visitor’s Center; it will help you tremendously in planning out your visit and it also shows all of the shuttle stops.

Must-see/must-do sites in the Historic Area

There are literally dozens of sites and trade shops in the Historic Area and we were able to experience the bulk of them during our time at Colonial Williamsburg. Here are what we consider to be the “must-see” sites.

Governor’s Palace

The Governor’s Palace is the first major building you’ll encounter once you hit the Historic Area if you walk from the Visitor’s Center. We encountered the palace while it was open for self-guided visits.

It’s a beautiful building with lovely gardens and was home to several of the colony’s royal governors as well as a couple of elected Virginia governors.

Capitol

Colonial Williamsburg’s impressive capitol is a replica building. All of the previous capitols burned down for one reason or another, but they were able to save some of the furnishings and artwork.

Entry to the Capitol was by guided tour only on our trip. We actually did the tour twice. The first time we ended up on the last tour of the day, which meant the light in the building was quite limited since the sun was going down.

When we returned on Christmas Eve morning, we were the only ones there and ended up with a nice private tour. Both tour guides were excellent.

Peyton Randolph House

Entry to this house very near the palace is also by a short, guided tour. Our guide did an excellent job of outlining how the lovely Randolph house was different from the average Virginian’s home and what life there may have been like for an enslaved person.

Charlton’s Coffeehouse

Our guided experience at Charlton’s coffeehouse included a chat with Colonel George Washington in the main room. While it was interesting, I do have to admit that since hubby and I were the only ones there it was a little awkward.

We weren’t sure if we were supposed to engage in conversation with him or just let him talk. And what do you say to George Washington anyway?? We had a lovely, quick tour of the coffeehouse followed by a sample of drinking chocolate.

Three replica 18th Century documents on display.

Trade Shops

Stop in as many of these shops as you can fit into your day. Not all of them are open daily, but shops that are open will have a flag out front and often a staff member to point you in the right direction.

You don’t need to take long at each one, but you can learn a lot about 18th-century American life (colonial life?) just by asking a few questions.

We highly recommend the armory, the blacksmith, the wig maker, the silversmith, the cabinet shop, the cobbler, the printing press, the bindery, and the apothecary. Also, keep in mind that not all of the sites and shops are right on Duke of Gloucester Street which runs through the heart of the Historic Area.

Refer to your map to make sure you don’t miss anything that’s a little off the main path.

Fifes and Drums

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to see the Williamsburg Fifes and Drums on your visit. We were fortunate enough to be there for the “Firing of the Christmas Guns” program just as the sun was going down on Christmas Eve.

I don’t think you can experience anything more “colonial” in Williamsburg than those Fifes and Drums.

Courthouse

Colonial Williamsburg offers a variety of programs in the Courthouse that are definitely worth adding to your itinerary. At least some of the evening programs require the purchase of a separate ticket, but those are clearly marked on posted and printed schedules.

If any of these had been on the schedule during the week we were there, I would have definitely wanted to do this.

Other things to do in Williamsburg

There are other tours you can do in Colonial Williamsburg.

If you’re looking for a ghost tour, you might enjoy this highly rated one .
If you’re interested in hearing stories about pirates as well as ghosts, you might like this guided tour.
Interested in doing a day trip to Washington DC? Try this full-day tour of the United States capital including bus transportation from Williamsburg. It comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour departure.

Historic tavern dining

There are four “historic taverns” in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area: Chowning’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, and Shields Tavern.

We did one lunch at Chowning’s Tavern and enjoyed a dinner at Christiana Campbell’s during our trip. Both had good vegetarian options and gladly helped hubby with gluten-free options. If you can, make a point to do at least one meal at one of these taverns.

Read More → Great Places to Eat in Colonial Williamsburg

Chowning’s Tavern does not take reservations and is a little less expensive than the others, so it’s a good lunch option. Plan to arrive as soon as it opens to be seated quickly. Otherwise, you can do what we did and put your names in for a table and take a nice break from all the walking on a nearby bench while you wait for your table.

Christiana Campbell’s , which apparently was once a favorite spot of George Washington, is only open for dinner, and reservations may be required, so make sure to check ahead.

We enjoyed our meals at both taverns.

People walking through an 18th century style shopping area.

Shopping and Dining at Merchants Square

Just beyond the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, the shopping and dining area called Merchants Square features more than 40 restaurants and retail shops.

During our trip, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Blue Talon Bistro .

There is A LOT to see and do at Colonial Williamsburg. We spent two and a half days in the historic area and still didn’t see everything. I would have gladly spent a third day there poking around into all of the corners we missed, not to mention to their two art museums.

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

There are many accommodation options all within easy distance of the Visitor’s Center or historic area.

Options range from the official Colonial Williamsburg hotels and resorts (Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, Griffin Hotel, Woodlands) to colonial houses and budget motel chains.

We enjoy Marriott hotels and got a great rate at the Residence Inn Williamsburg for our trip. It’s just a short drive from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center.

The rate comes with free breakfast and rooms have kitchens in case you want to eat in your room and save some money on your trip.

Other popular and highly rated hotels include:

Williamsburg Inn : This is the premier hotel for stays in Colonial Williamsburg, just steps away from the historic center. It’s the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated resort in the Historic Triangle. Book your room today .

Williamsburg Lodge : This is a beautiful hotel in a great location in the historic center of Williamsburg. And they offer select dog-friendly rooms. Reserve your room today .

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel : Comfortable rooms and conveniently located next to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center. Book today .

Colonial Williamsburg tips

Wear comfortable shoes. Even though there is a shuttle service that operates between the Visitor’s Center and several stops around the perimeter of the historic area, you will still do a lot of walking and standing.
Do at least one special event or program.
Enjoy at least one meal at a Colonial Williamsburg historic tavern.
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is open to the public for free, but you do need a ticket to get into any of the historical sites or trade shops. Open sites have a flag posted out in front.
Make sure to refer to your map and schedule to help you plan your day.

Final thoughts on your trip to Colonial Williamsburg

There are so many great things to do in Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle. After you explore the world’s largest living history museum you can end your day with some great food at one of the amazing restaurants.

Privacy Overview

My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Do you include history in your travels? If so, this Colonial Williamsburg itinerary is a must-do for history lovers visiting Virginia . This itinerary helps you plan before you go, identifies the best historical buildings in Williamsburg to see, along with tips for the best places to dine and stay plus other things to do while you are in the area.

Colonial Williamsburg is a meticulously researched look at life in early America. Debi Lander ( ByLanderSea ), who has visited many times over the years, has written a Colonial Williamsburg travel guide that’s perfect for boomer travelers. Enjoy!

Colonial Williamsburg, America’s oldest and largest living history experience, remains near and dear to my heart. At times, I have felt like I lived and walked along Duke of Gloucester Street when Williamsburg was Virginia’s 18th-century capital.

A mile-long stretch runs from the 1693 Wren Building of the College of William and Mary to the reconstructed Capitol. “The Revolutionary City” covers 301-acres with 88 original buildings, 500 reconstructed houses, shops, public buildings, gardens, working craftsmen, and costumed interpreters.

While visiting Williamsburg, folks stroll along car-free cobblestone paths or take carriage rides, stopping to see artisans at work and merchants behind shop counters. They hear stories about the patriots from actor-interpreters called Nation Builders.

Man in colonial garb speaks to a group of visitors at Colonial Williamsburg.

These individuals portray actual historical figures, male and female, black and white, free and enslaved—who made significant contributions in Williamsburg. In some cases, Nation Builders have made it their life’s work to study and deeply understand the character they portray.

Ask them a question, and they will respond in their persona, occasionally with exact quotes.

The opportunity to understand our nation’s past, the struggles to break away from British rule and gain freedom makes a powerful reason to visit. Equally compelling stories come from the enslaved for whom a nearer power than Great Britain held them in a greater form of bondage.

While history usually whispers, it speaks loud and clear in Colonial Williamsburg ( official website ).

However, the destination offers much more than history; it’s the kind of getaway most Boomers prefer. You’ll find a city with fine dining, world-class museums, resort-like lodging, heritage gardens, championship golf, spa, antiques, and for those who wish – lots of walking.

Williamsburg, Virginia is also ideal for taking the grandkids or the extended family. It’s a surefire winner when you add nearby Jamestown, Yorktown, and modern attractions like Busch Gardens ( purchase tickets here ).

Table of Contents

Before you go: Planning your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary

An elaborate red brick colonial building surrounded by blooming yellow and red tulips in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Before your trip, go online at colonialwilliamsburg.org and visitwilliamsburg.com . These sites will help you make plans.

Be sure to check out any special events happening during your visit—they abound most seasons.
Save time by purchasing your tickets and making dining reservations online. Also, Viator offers a wide assortment of tours and experiences. Purchase them here .
Plan for a minimum of two days for a Williamsburg visit.

While roads circle the historic district, the streets inside the tourist area are closed to traffic. Begin at the Visitor Information Center, where parking is plentiful and free. You can use the hop-on/hop-off shuttle buses to traverse the perimeter of the historic city, offering multiple stops.

Teens and adults should not miss the introductory movie, Story of a Patriot . Yes, it was filmed in 1957 but restored recently.

Where else can you catch a view of Jack Lord before his Hawaii Five-O days? You can also watch it on YouTube .

Guide to Colonial Williamsburg: the must-see historical buildings

While there is no right or wrong way to visit Williamsburg, the Capitol building offers an ideal starting point for your Colonial Williamsburg walking tour. What happened within its walls shall we say, brewed discussions leading to discontent, the Revolutionary War, and the eventual formation of the independent United States .

Capitol building

The original Capitol , completed in 1705, functioned as a two-story H-shaped structure, connecting two buildings by an arcade. Each wing served one of the two houses of the Virginia legislature, the Council and the House of Burgesses.

The building burned in January 1747, and a second built on the same site suffered the same fate.

Today’s replica Capitol, on the same foundations and per the same plans, became one of the first sites to open in February 1934. Guided tours start in the General Courtroom, the highest judicial court in the colony.

The bay features stunning woodwork and round windows. In the House of Burgesses, you can see the original 1735 Speaker’s chair. Council and Conference Rooms occupy the second floor.

Governor’s Palace

Before gaining independence, British royal rule in Virginia came locally– a royal governor. A grand brick structure, irreverently nicknamed “the Palace” by colonial subjects, was built in 1714.

The overall design sought to impress visitors with a display of authority and wealth, and it does indeed. The Palace became the home to seven royal governors until the last one fled.

Following the Revolutionary War, the structure acted as the executive mansion for the first two elected governors in Virginia— Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. In 1780, the capital of Virginia moved to Richmond .

The main building succumbed to fire in 1781 while in use as a hospital for the American wounded at the Siege of Yorktown.

A tour of the Palace, reconstructed in the early 1930s, takes you through the front door into an entrance hall. You’ll find it lined with an ornate display of swords and muskets. (Many European castles and mansions feature similar presentations.)

The first floor also includes a parlor, dining room, and an office. A grand supper room and ballroom were added to the rear. Their bright blue and vibrant green paint surprise many visitors. According to Kim Ivey, a CW curator, “Every single item installed was done so for a well-documented reason.”

The tour exits into the lavish formal gardens that invite leisurely strolls. The plots incorporate clipped hedges, rectangular parterres, and garden species used in the early eighteenth century.

Stunningly beautiful tulips fill the gardens in the springtime. Other highlights include a tree-shrouded tunnel walkway and boxwood maze that kids (and I) adore.

Some 90-acres and 25 smaller gardens remain open to the public around town.

Bruton Parish Church and Graveyard

The steepled Bruton Parish Church was designed by Royal Governor Spotswood and completed in 1715. In 1907, this original building became the first structure to undergo restoration.

Rev. Goodwin used this example to convince John D Rockefeller, Jr. to commit funds to bring back the historical city. The big dreams of these two men helped spark the restoration movement around the world.

The Bruton Parish Church and graveyard both invite explorations. Two of Martha Washington’s children rest there.

If possible, attend one of the evening candlelight harpsichord and organ concerts in the sanctuary. It’s hard to describe the lost-in-time feeling that period instruments, candlelight, old pews (maybe a seat George once occupied) create.

Raleigh Tavern

The Raleigh is open for tours , not like several others serving today’s guests with period dining, drinking, and music. Learn how the building functioned as an important social meeting place and a tavern for drinking, debate, and lodging.

One room contains a billiard table dating to 1738. Outback lies a large kitchen.

In the summer of 1956, I was a young girl visiting Colonial Williamsburg with my family for the first time. We finished a tour in the Raleigh Tavern when the clouds burst open. We scurried into the rear kitchen building, cramming in with many others.

A delightful aroma of gingerbread baking in the beehive oven surrounded us. The scent became irresistibly enticing, and everyone bought cookies handed over in brown paper sacks.

My cookie was so yummy the memory and smell still linger in my brain. Make sure to buy one!

Duke of Gloucester Street

You will walk back and forth along the lengthy street packed with homes, taverns, craftsmen, and merchant shops. Look for colorful signs hanging outside that denote the type of craft.

Stop into the 1770 Courthouse and the Powder Magazine, where the town’s artillery was stored. Peruse the outdoor Market Square, perhaps buying a tri-corner hat or sunbonnet.

You may be lucky enough to see a musket or cannon firing or the fife and drum corps. Be sure to make a reservation and take a carriage ride.

Turn off the main route onto the Palace Green lined with catalpa trees. It remains one of my favorite places to sit, rest, and contemplate the people who lived here in the past.

If time permits and your legs aren’t too weary, join a guided tour inside the nearby Peyton Randolph House or the brick home of lawyer George Wythe.

A nighttime stroll becomes one of the loveliest ways to absorb the atmosphere along Duke of Gloucester. Lanterns light the way while candlelight glow seeps from house and tavern windows.

If you’re an early riser, meander Duke of Gloucester before it comes alive for the day. The setting evokes a marvelous sleepy feel, especially when foggy. Or consider joining the college students and fitness enthusiasts jogging the mile-long stretch.

The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary

Most first-time visitors don’t get around to touring the Wren Building on the campus of William & Mary. It ranks as the oldest college building in the United States, built between 1695 and 1699, even before Williamsburg’s founding. The college itself was chartered in February 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II.

At least take a sightseeing drive around the beautiful 1,200-acre campus. The grounds incorporate ponds, bridges, and sunken formal gardens, especially enchanting in spring.

The college’s modern Muscarelle Museum of Art, with 4,000 works, might also be of interest.

Craft Houses/Demonstrations

The craftsmen working their trades fascinate all visitors, young and old. They use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in — and eventually master —woodworking, gunsmithing, or basket weaving, to name a few.

These world-renowned experts make goods for sale or for use by other institutions around the world. They welcome questions.

Children are drawn to the blacksmith, shoemaker, milliner (hat maker), and brickyard. When possible, kids can even create a brick. Did you know the bricks and nails used for Williamsburg reconstructions were handmade there, just like the originals?

Most tourists don’t understand the research behind the authenticity of this destination, rarely found elsewhere. Colonial Williamsburg presents the accurate location and design of homes and buildings where our forefathers lived and worked.

Leave the Wiliamsburg museums for a second day, but explore the newly expanded joint venture: the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. See colorful and whimsical collections of toys, portraits, weathervanes, and much more in the Folk Art Museum.

Take time to appreciate the beautifully crafted furniture, musical instruments, home goods, textiles, and artworks in the DeWitt Wallace. Don’t miss the famous Charles Wilson Peale portrait of George Washington. The site includes a fantastic gift shop and convenient café.

Dining in Colonial Wiliamsburg

Although the food served in the taverns traces back to similar fare cooked by colonists, the preparation takes place in modern kitchens. The servers, however, are dressed in period clothing.

The dishes, flatware, and goblets are authentic reproductions of 18th-century items. Minstrels frequently provide musical entertainment. Look forward to tasting Peanut Soup, Sally Lunn bread, Brunswick Stew, or a syllabub.

Christina Campbell’s Tavern : 101 South Waller St (behind the Capitol)
Josiah Chowning’s Tavern : 109 East Duke of Gloucester St (temporarily closed)
King’s Arms Tavern : 416 East Duke of Gloucester St
Shields Tavern : 422 East Duke of Gloucester St

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

To get the true feel for this historic city, I suggest you overnight in one of the Colonial Homes . I’ve done this three times, and each experience felt different and fun.

You choose between stand-alone colonial houses or a private room within a larger colonial home, known as a Tavern Room. Meticulously reproduced spaces resemble the period but with modern amenities. Rentals usually come with an admission pass.

My favorite lodging experience was spent in the Robert Carter Kitchen, tucked behind the house next to the Palace. I stayed there with my two daughters, and our little room was enchanting.

We could overlook grazing sheep, and the Palace illuminated at night. I reserved the last carriage ride of the day, and the driver dropped us off in front of “our” house! Talk about a memory.

Those looking for five-star and AAA Five-Diamond luxury should choose the iconic Williamsburg Inn ( book here ). Many presidents and even the Queen of England have slept there.

No worries, if you can’t afford the rates, drop in and tour the property. Consider indulging with an extraordinary breakfast in the elegant Rockefeller Room or lunch in the Terrace Room overlooking the golf course.

The Williamsburg Lodge (now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection) offers a relaxing retreat, just steps away from all the action. Book here .

Williamsburg Woodlands ( make a reservation ) becomes an excellent choice for a family. It conveniently rests next to the Visitor Center.

Nature surrounds the newest lodge, the Griffin Hotel ( book your room here ), but it sits out of the historic district.

Other options not managed by Colonial Williamsburg include the sprawling Kingsmill Resort ( reserve here ) or the family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge ( make a booking ).

More things to do in the Williamsburg area

Treat both your mind and body to a rejuvenating experience at The Spa ( official website ). Arrive early for your treatments and linger afterward to enjoy steam rooms, showers, and whirlpools, as well as the relaxation lounges.

Take your pick of 45-walkable holes over three courses at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club ( official website ) designed by Robert Trent Jones and his son Rees Jones.

I never miss browsing the goods in Prentis, Greenhow, and Tarpley’s, my favorite shops within the historic district. The Prentis Store showcases wares constructed using 18th-century techniques. Choose between handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, pottery, writing instruments, papers, ink, and seals.

The J. Greenhow General Store sells gifts, books, candy, historical items, toys, and trinkets. Their selection includes items imported from England for the colonists, like the delicate creamware dishes.

Tarpley’s, Thompson & Company, another fine shop, offers clothing, hats, and many of the above items.

Merchant’s Square

You will undoubtedly run into the area between the college and the historic car-free zone known as Merchants Square ( official website ). Hard to resist this retail village with over 40 modern-day shops and some fabulous restaurants, like the Blue Talon Bistro .

Be sure to check out the college bookstore or other stores selling souvenirs.

Christmas and the Grand Illumination

In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or a new colonial governor.

Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination began in 1935 with holiday candles in windows and fireworks. In the years that followed, the Grand Illumination became such a popular event that it expanded to three weekends.

Friday evenings introduced a new event, the Yule Log procession. It includes music from the Fifes and Drums, musket fire from Continental Army reenactors, and a visit from Father Christmas.

During a torch-lit march, the Yule Log progresses by wagon from the Capitol to Market Square. It then burns in a bonfire where guests gather to throw greenery sprigs into the fire and make a wish.

A grand display of fireworks is set off simultaneously rising above the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol on Saturday evenings.

Wreaths made from natural greenery with intricate designs of fruits, nuts, and pinecones decorate doorways and balconies. The homeowners and merchants go all out, hoping to win the annual local contest.

Having grown up in Northern Virginia, I am always excited to return to Williamsburg, one of my favorite places in the world. I look forward to dining in a colonial restaurant, shopping for handcrafted items, sitting in colorful gardens, and just soaking in the 18th-century ambiance.

Yes, Virginia is for lovers, and I do love Williamsburg.

How to get to Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg lies 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach on Interstate 64. Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown make up the three corners of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. A 23-mile Colonial Parkway connects the sites.

Three airports serve Williamsburg within a 50-minute drive. Start your search for flights here .

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) – a 20-minute drive.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – a 50-minute drive.
Richmond International Airport (RIC) – a 50-minute drive.

City of Williamsburg Transportation Center, located in downtown Williamsburg, offers Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, rental car, and taxi services.

Visit more Virginia history

Make a Virginia history road trip by including these destinations:

Visit historical Fredericksburg (83 miles from Williamsburg)
Tour Abingdon and the Crooked Road on a Southwest Virginia road trip (360 miles from Williamsburg)

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

Boomer travelers rely on our weekly email newsletter for fresh travel inspiration, tips, and advice. It's free! No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg has charming inns, world-class museums, and one of T+L readers' favorite resorts in the South.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do.

Best Shopping

Best Restaurants

Best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

BDphoto/Getty Images

Depending on past experience, travelers may associate Williamsburg, Virginia, with a few different things. For many, school trips and family vacations brought them to the Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg , the 18th-century living history museum with sites, tours, and exhibitions up and down Duke of Gloucester Street (more affectionately known as DoG Street). Some know Williamsburg for its adventure parks, Busch Gardens and Great Wolf Lodge water park. Others recognize it as the home of William & Mary , the second-oldest college in the United States.

No matter your familiarity, or lack thereof, with Williamsburg, one thing's for sure: There’s something for everyone. Leslie Shotwell, the guest loyalty and experience manager at Williamsburg Inn , Griffin Hotel , and Colonial Houses-Historic Lodging , notes that Williamsburg "provides experiences and fun for all ages," whether you’re interested in "leisure and relaxation" or the area’s "historical sites, world-class art museums, a variety of accommodation options … [or] beautiful arboretum gardens." It’s these factors — as well as the various culinary offerings and outdoor activities — that put Williamsburg on the list of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite cities in the U.S. in the 2023 World’s Best Awards .

While history is central to Williamsburg’s narrative and culture, the nearly 16,000-person city continues to grow and evolve. "I graduated from William & Mary in 2005 and returned full-time starting in 2014. During that time, and since then, there has been an absolute explosion in things to do, places to dine, and experiences to enjoy," says Robby Willey, co-founder of The Virginia Beer Co . "This is not just the Williamsburg you visited in elementary school."

Read on to discover where to stay and what to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Stay in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg at the luxurious, award-winning Williamsburg Inn.
Take the scenic route along the Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile drive connecting Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.
Meander down the brick walkways and into the shops in Merchants Square.
Enjoy a sandwich from The Cheese Shop — and don't forget to ask for extra House Dressing.
Explore the neighborhoods outside of Colonial Williamsburg via the Williamsburg Tasting Trail.

Courtesy of The Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg Inn

Voted by T+L readers as one of their favorite resorts in the South , the Williamsburg Inn is a stalwart character in the area. Its old-school elegance and history are complemented by its various amenities and activities — among them, a top-notch spa, a golf course, and several on-site restaurants.

Williamsburg Manor Bed & Breakfast

"There are a number of amazing bed-and-breakfasts around Greater Williamsburg (don't sleep on The Inn at Eagles' Watch ), but the brewery has a long history with the Williamsburg Manor . We used to pour at charity tailgates there, hosted by the innkeepers, ahead of William & Mary football games (with Zable Stadium a mere block away)," says Willey. The six-room B&B conveniently sits right on Richmond Road, which takes you into Colonial Williamsburg. "When my wife and I were married in 2020, my entire family stayed here … The owners are generous, the trappings are wonderful, and that food in the morning! My father-in-law still talks about the shrimp and grits he enjoyed there at our post-wedding brunch the next day. And, as we know, to get a recurring compliment from any father-in-law is no easy feat," says Willey.

Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

The decor of its rooms may be inspired by Colonial Williamsburg, but Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection has all of the modern touches you’d want in a hotel. Plus, it’s located around the corner from its sibling property, the Williamsburg Inn, so guests also have access to the spa, golf courses, and fitness center.

Kingsmill Resort

Travelers who want to experience downtown Williamsburg, but prefer something more remote and closer to the water, should consider the various accommodation options at Kingsmill Resort . Whether you’re booking a standard guest room as a solo traveler or couple, a multiroom condo as a family, or the 7,000-square-foot Estate at Kingsmill as a larger group, you’ll be able to enjoy the resort’s range of recreational activities along the James River.

WendyOlsenPhotography/Getty Images

Discover the Black history of Colonial Williamsburg.

It would be a mistake to visit Colonial Williamsburg and not make an effort to understand the role of Black and enslaved individuals in the area during the 18th century. Colonial Williamsburg provides a self-guided itinerary, titled The African American Experience , but visitors can also take the African American History in Williamsburg tour with Williamsburg Walking Tours .

Drive along Colonial Parkway.

"There's some real natural beauty in this area, and the Colonial Parkway — a 23-mile historic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown — is a great showcase of much of it. It connects you to the historic areas, but also lets you experience a wide expanse of Williamsburg — and if you end up in Yorktown, a pint of Free Verse at the Yorktown Pub is the perfect end to a long journey," says Willey. Just be sure to check for any closures on the National Park Service website before embarking on your drive.

Get a dose of collegiate nostalgia on William & Mary’s campus.

A crisp fall day is best spent wandering the grounds of William & Mary. The Old Campus, which neighbors Colonial Williamsburg, is especially beautiful. The brick paths connect the famed Wren Building, the President’s House, and several other impressive structures. If the weather permits, take a seat by one of the school’s most distinguishing features, the Sunken Garden.

Spend a day exploring the Williamsburg Tasting Trail.

There are 12 total stops on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail , a 21-and-over experience highlighting the different breweries, wineries, distilleries, and meaderies in the area. Start with a game plan, assign your designated driver, and then begin your day at Alewerks Brewing Company, Silver Hand Meadery, The Virginia Beer Co., Williamsburg Winery Tasting Room and Wine Bar, or any other spots you want to try.

Enjoy some family fun at Busch Gardens or the Great Wolf Lodge water park.

Roller coasters and waterslides can entertain everyone for an entire weekend. Grab tickets for Busch Gardens or its water park, Water Country USA. Great Wolf Lodge water park also offers day passes for its collection of wave pools, lazy rivers, waterslides, and interactive water play areas.

BackyardProduction/Getty Images

Best Shopping

"Located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg's historic area is Merchants Square ," says Shotwell. "The storefronts are diverse, as some doors take shoppers through an 18th-century experience with handmade gifts and local goods, while others are modern brands we all know and love."

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg

Perusing The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg and sampling its complimentary confections is par for the course when shopping in Merchants Square. Start with the salted peanuts, move on to the chocolate-covered variety, and round out your visit with the nut brittle.

Campus Shop

For all things William & Mary, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hats, pop into Campus Shop , a quaint storefront on Prince George Street. Even if you didn’t attend the College, you can still rep the green and gold with pride.

The Shoe Attic

If you want to add to your wardrobe while in Williamsburg, drop by The Shoe Attic for fashionable footwear from brands like Jeffrey Campbell and Dolce Vita, and try on some new pieces from Crosby by Mollie Burch or Minkpink.

Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop

A trip to Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop has no age limit; the nostalgic sweet treat experience involves peering at the candied apples, picking out some homemade fudge, and taking home a few bags of gummies and chocolates.

Paul’s Deli, College Delly, and Green Leafe Cafe

"To experience real Williamsburg, as a student or a local does, you have to grab a beer and bite at one of the downtown delis," says Willey. " Paul's Deli , the College Delly , and the Green Leafe — just across from the historic William & Mary campus — are three community staples featuring comfort food, Greek and Italian specialties, and some solid local brews." And yes, the cheese fries at Paul’s are legendary.

Blackbird Bakery

Chef David Everett has put his stamp on Williamsburg in many areas; Blue Talon Bistro , DoG Street Pub , La Piazza (housed in what was formerly The Trellis), and Blackbird Bakery all fall under his ownership. The latter is the perfect stop for a pick-me-up cup of Illy coffee, a loaf of freshly baked bread, a croissant, or a chocolate chip cookie.

The Cheese Shop, Fat Canary, and Downstairs at Fat Canary

"Everyone in Williamsburg knows The Cheese Shop and their world-famous sandwiches with House Dressing," says Willey. "[But] not everyone knows that the family who runs The Cheese Shop also runs a fine-dining experience just next door, called the Fat Canary .” Fat Canary's seasonal menu changes on a regular basis, but expect crispy oysters, pan-seared sea scallops, braised beef short ribs, and the like. Willey also shares how, "almost every night," the wine cellar beneath The Cheese Shop transforms into Downstairs at Fat Canary, what he calls a "speakeasy-style find right in the midst of Colonial Williamsburg." No need to make a reservation — "you have to catch them when they're open."

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, or Shields Tavern

Cozying up at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century taverns — Christiana Campbell’s Tavern , King’s Arms Tavern , or Shields Tavern — is an appropriate way to spend a few hours, particularly in the late fall or winter. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, "known as one of George Washington’s favorite places to dine," according to Shotwell, serves up a historically inspired menu that includes hoe cakes, chowder, and fried chicken. She adds, "Candlelit rooms with the soft sounds of tavern music complete the dining experience."

"Each season brings exciting new programs and experiences for both guests and locals to enjoy," says Shotwell. But she and Willey agree that fall is decidedly the best time to visit Williamsburg. "The eastern Virginia heat is just beginning to taper off, the leaves are turning, the Festbier is fresh, and football is back," explains Willey. "The William & Mary community is a proud one, and enjoying a day of tailgating ahead of Tribe football is a memory maker. Don some green and gold gear, grab a pregame bite at one of the delis, raise a round at a local tailgate, then join us inside Zable Stadium to root on the student athletes," he adds.

When planning a fall trip, though, travelers should make a note of William & Mary’s annual Homecoming Weekend in October. The school spirit Willey mentioned brings in alumni from across the world, and it can be harder to find accommodations or tables at the more popular restaurants.

American Airlines operates daily flights between Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), the closest airport to downtown Williamsburg, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Travelers can also fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF) or Richmond International Airport (RIC); both are about 45 minutes to an hour away. Amtrak also serves Williamsburg, with the Northeast Regional route stopping at the city’s brick depot station, a five-minute ride from Colonial Williamsburg.

The Edge District

"There are some amazing communities with some amazing shopping and dining experiences that are not located in the traditional tourist areas," says Willey. The Edge District, home to The Virginia Beer Co., can be found between Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. While there, take a distillery tour of Copper Fox or shop for antiques at The Velvet Shoestring .

Billed as a "mixed-use 'New Urbanism' community," New Town is a quick, 10-minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg and caters to visitors looking for traditional retail stores, restaurants, and a good place to stretch their legs. Barnes and Noble Booksellers , Bonefish Grill , and Regal New Town Cinemas 12 are just a few of the businesses featured on the neighborhood’s extensive roster.

Midtown Row and High Street

Richmond Road, the main thoroughfare in Williamsburg, can be broken down into a few areas. It ends or begins — depending on your point of view — at the edge of Colonial Williamsburg and continues northwest, navigating through High Street and Midtown Row, two neighborhoods made up of residences, retailers, and entertainment options. The former has a movie theater, Movie Tavern, as well as a coffee shop, Tipsy Beans Cafe , and several grab-and-go restaurants. Midtown Row is a bit closer to Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary, and has a grocery store and several dining options, including Sal’s by Victor , Amiraj , and Super Chix .

RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images

Colonial Williamsburg itself is highly walkable, but a car is helpful if you plan to drive the Colonial Parkway or explore the Greater Williamsburg area. Local transportation is also provided by the iconic Williamsburg Trolleys. There are three red and green replica trolleys that make their way from Merchants Square to High Street and New Town every day. Round-trip tickets are just 50 cents.

Travelers can also rent e-bikes through Williamsburg on Wheels , a local company that offers e-bike and Segway tours of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and the surrounding area.

Work With Me

Home » Blog » Williamsburg Virginia Guide and Itinerary

Williamsburg Virginia Guide and Itinerary

Williamsburg Virginia is a charming city known for its Colonial-era history, delicious food, and close proximity to a wide range of activities. It is one of three areas in the Historic Triangle of Virginia , along with Jamestown and Yorktown. I recently visited Williamsburg and spent 4 days immersing myself in everything the area has to offer. It didn’t disappoint!

I was a big history buff in school and I love exploring nature (if you hadn’t already gathered haha), so Greater Williamsburg’s combination of natural and historic sights was perfect! In this guide I am sharing everything you need to know to plan your own trip , including the best things to do, where to stay, amazing places to eat, and the ultimate itinerary!

Thank you to Visit Williamsburg for hosting my husband and I during our time in Williamsburg and for sponsoring this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own and 100% honest.

One of the best things about Williamsburg is that it truly is a year-round destination and is beautiful throughout all the seasons. We chose to visit during late October so we could enjoy the fall colors and cooler temperatures. It was so magical to experience the combination of green and golden trees, foggy mornings, and crisp nights! In total we spent 4 days exploring the Williamsburg area, but it would also make for the perfect long weekend destination.

My husband and I chose to take a couple’s getaway to Williamsburg, but our itinerary could easily be adapted for families. We saw all kinds of travelers during our trip, including honeymooners, families, older visitors, and those with disabilities. It’s a very inclusive and accessible destination.

In case you don’t know the lay of the land… Greater Williamsburg is most famous for the Historic Triangle of Virginia . The Colonial Parkway connects this triangle and the Colonial National Historical Park. You can see what I mean by looking at the map below. Ok, let’s jump into all the best things to see and do!

Things to do in Williamsburg Virginia

There are so many things to do in the Williamsburg area! To make it easy for you, I have broken them down into categories below. You can also refer to the map for color-coded categories and instructions on where to find each activity.

Explore Colonial Williamsburg

A highlight of your visit to Williamsburg will be exploring the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area . Spanning 301-acres, Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. Visitors can wander the beautiful streets and be transported back into the 18th century when Williamsburg was the center of government for the Colony of Virginia.

Be sure to stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street and visit The Governor’s Palace and The Capitol . Many areas of Colonial Williamsburg can be accessed free of charge, but some buildings and gardens will require you to purchase a ticket.

We opted to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Historic Area, and it was one of the highlights of our visit. Our driver was very friendly and shared knowledge about the different buildings and history. Click here for more information on Colonial Williamsburg and taking a carriage ride.

Visit Historic Yorktown

Historic Yorktown is another must-visit during your time in Williamsburg. The area is most famous for being the site of the Revolutionary War Siege of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781). This is where Lord Cornwallis surrendered his British army to General George Washington, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War .

Visitors to Yorktown can stroll Riverwalk Landing and Yorktown Beach , imagining what it would have been like as an active port in the 17th and 18th centuries. We picked up some take-out fish and chips from Yorktown Pub and ate picnic-style down by the water, so good!

We opted to take a history tour from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters to see the Yorktown Battlefield . Our historian guides, Michael and Maureen, were absolutely so wonderful. They catered the tour to our knowledge base (or lack thereof!) and we learned so much about the Revolutionary War, the Battlefields, and influential historical figures. Click here to book your own guided tour .

You can also drive around the Colonial Historical Park and Yorktown Battlefield via a self-guided tour. Admission is free in 2020 but usually a National Park entrance fee is required ($10 for adults, under 15 free). There is also a free Yorktown Battlefield Tour Guide App that you can use while driving the Yorktown Battlefield tour roads, or in the village of Yorktown.

Another fun thing to do in Yorktown is to go sailing on the Schooner Alliance , by Yorktown Sailing Charters. We opted for the sunset sail and enjoyed evening views of the York River before heading back to town for dinner.

Visit Historic Jamestown Island

Jamestown Island is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America (1607). It has now been acquired by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia and is part of the Colonial National Historical Park . Visitors can also learn about native peoples of the area, the Powhatans, and the 1619 arrival of African slaves to Virginia.

An archaeological project called Jamestown Rediscovery has established the location of the original Jamestown Fort (1607-1624) and recovered more than three million artifacts. It’s very likely that you will see archaeologists working by the James River during your visit to Historic Jamestowne (say ‘hi’ – they are super friendly!) Be sure to check out the Voorhees Archaearium (museum), Memorial Church , and the Tercentenary Monument to see some of these artifacts and other historic structures.

During your visit to Jamestown Island, I highly recommend driving or biking Island Drive . There are two options for touring, either a 3 mile one-way loop, or a 5 mile one-way loop. We opted to rent bikes from Spoke + Art Provision Co. and ride out to Jamestown Island along the Virginia Capital Trail . It was a really fun way to explore the area and get up close to nature!

Tour Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement has been created by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation to give visitors a glimpse at what this part of Virginia would have looked like in 17th century Virginia. Start off by watching the introductory film and walking through the gallery exhibits , then make your way outside to explore recreations of James Fort , the town of Paspahegh (a Powhatan village), and the three ships that sailed to Virginia in 1607. Click here for admission information and tickets.

I was impressed with the vast information available at Jamestown Settlement , including that of the Powhatan Indians, west-central Africans, and Europeans. I find that historic sites often gloss over how native peoples and Africans were treated during colonization, but here I felt like all sides of the story were available for visitors to learn about.

Explore York River State Park

We experienced a moody and foggy morning at York River State Park , but even that couldn’t hide its beauty. York River State Park is a rare and delicate estuarine environment where saltwater and freshwater meet to create a rich habitat for plant and marine life. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of hiking , mountain biking , and equestrian trails through marsh, river, shoreline, and forest settings.

We chose to hike the Beaver Trail around Woodstock Pond and then make our way out to Fossil Beach . We encountered deer, herons, frogs, and did in fact find some fossils! As we were leaving, we bumped into a friendly ranger and he said his favorite part of the park is the Taskinas Creek Trail – so add that one to your list as well!

New to hiking? Read my Beginners Hiking Guide !

Hike Waller Mill Park

Located only 10 minutes north of Colonial Williamsburg, Waller Mill Park is the perfect place to escape into nature. The park offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including 6 miles of hiking trails, boat rentals (kayak, canoe, pedal boats, jon boats), opportunities for fishing, a dog park , playground equipment, picnic shelters, and even an 18 hole disc golf course. The park has an entrance fee of $2.00 per vehicle, with the option to pay with a debit/credit card.

It was a very rainy day when we visited Waller Mill Park, so we mostly explored around the main bridge and fishing pier. I have been told that the Lookout Tower Trail (2.92 miles) is well worth it, so check that one out if you happen to visit the park.

Visit the Crim Dell Bridge

I would highly recommend visiting the Crim Dell Bridge during your time in Williamsburg. It’s located on the College of William & Mary’s campus and is within walking distance from Colonial Williamsburg.

The arched Crim Dell Bridge and surrounding foliage make for some picturesque photos . Oh, and I swear we saw about 15 squirrels during our short time enjoying the area!

Fun fact – locals say if two lovers cross the bridge together and kiss at the crest of it, they will be together forever.

Wander the Bassett Trace Nature Trail

Located in the heart of Williamsburg, the Bassett Trace Nature Trail is a peaceful nature refuge. The 2.8 mile out-and-back trail includes lush trees, streams, foot bridges, and a pond. The trail begins by the Green Wing’s Parking Lot of Colonial Williamsburg’s Griffin Hotel , and stops at the Clubhouse for the Golden Horseshoe’s Green Course . Hikers have the option to follow South England Street for a different route back from the clubhouse to the trailhead.

The Bassett Woodlands is home to a wide variety of native plants and birds, and my husband and I loved how the trail included a range of interpretive signs and markers. You can scan some of them with your phone and they provide more information about the type of tree – so cool!

Play a game of golf

Golfing isn’t really my thing… but if you’re a golfer, I hear Williamsburg is a great place to play a round! In fact, this part of Virginia is fast becoming one of the United States’ top golf destinations and has more than a dozen courses to choose from. Some options include Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe Golf Club , Kingsmill Resort , Kiskiack Golf Club , and Stonehouse Golf Club . Click here for more information about golf getaways in Williamsburg.

Places to eat in Williamsburg Virginia

We really enjoyed the food in Williamsburg and found a wide variety of places to eat . From coffee shops to seafood restaurants, steakhouses, and also ice cream shops – you could really get any type of food! For the most part, it was easy to eat outside and restaurants were all following COVID-19 health protocols. You can even take a guided food tour ! I have our top recommendations below, along with a handy map showing all of the locations.

Coffee shops & cafes

Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (best mocha I’ve ever had!)
LOKAL Vegetarian Cafe
Aromas Coffeehouse Bakeshop & Cafe
Tipsy Beans Cafe
Blackbird Bakery
Culture Cafe
Sweet Tea & Barley

Seafood restaurants

Berret’s Seafood Restaurant
Yorktown Pub (famous fish and chips)
Casa Pearl (our favorite meal of the trip!)

Grilles & steakhouses

Water Street Grille
Opus 9 Steakhouse

Other cuisines

Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant
Billsburg Brewery & Hungry Pug Food Truck

Sweets & ice cream

Kilwins Dessert Shop
Bruster’s Real Ice cream
Colonial Pancake House

Where to stay in Williamsburg Virginia

The Williamsburg area has a wide range of accommodation choices. I would highly recommend staying in the town of Williamsburg so that you are centrally located in the Historic Triangle of Virginia . From here you will be able to drive to all the best activities within a short time and have more options for places to eat.

My husband and I stayed in the Williamsburg Lodge by the Autograph Collection . Our newly renovated room was comfortable, within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, came with convenient parking, and all the staff were very friendly.

4 day Williamsburg itinerary

I have put together the ultimate 4-day Williamsburg itinerary ! It’s based on my own trip and can be tweaked to suit your own needs. As I mentioned above, this itinerary could easily be squeezed into a 3-day long weekend or could also be extended beyond 4 days.

Today will be a fairly relaxed day in terms of activities, as you will likely arrive in Williamsburg later in the afternoon and may be tired from traveling. Check into your hotel and grab something to eat if you’re feeling hungry. Change into your hiking clothes and head to Waller Mill Park . I suggest walking the Lookout Tower Trail. You could also rent a kayak (very affordable!) and take a paddle if time allows. Head back into Williamsburg and eat dinner at one of the restaurants I listed above.

Today will be mostly focused on exploring Colonial Williamsburg ! Grab breakfast and aim to be in Colonial Williamsburg by about 10am (that’s when most places have opened for the day). Start off by taking a horse and carriage ride around Colonial Williamsburg. This will help orientate you with the area and help you decide where you would like to explore in more depth.

Spend the next couple of hours walking around and touring places such as Duke of Gloucester Street , The Governor’s Palace , and The Capitol . There are plenty of places within walking distance for whenever you get hungry and would like lunch.

Drive to Spoke + Art Provisions Co. and rent bikes for the afternoon. I suggest riding the Virginia Capital Trail or the Greensprings Interpretive Trail . If you have the time you could also ride out to Jamestown Island and bike Island Drive. Head back into Williamsburg after your ride and grab some dinner.

Today will be focused on exploring the York River and Historic Yorktown . Start your day nice and early at York River State Park. Hike out to Fossil Beach or take the Taskinas Creek Trail . Keep your eyes peeled for deer and interesting birds!

Next, drive the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown. Grab some takeout fish and chips from Yorktown Pub and picnic along Yorktown Beach or Riverwalk Landing . Make your way to Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and take a tour with their amazing historians (book ahead of time). Learn about the Yorktown Battlefield , the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and historical figures.

Catch the sunset sail upon the Schooner Alliance (book ahead of time) and enjoy views of the York River and surrounding areas. Have dinner at Water Street Grille when you arrive back in Yorktown.

Today will be all about exploring Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement ! Arrive at Jamestown Settlement by around 10 am and then begin by watching the introductory film. Then spend some time wandering around the indoor exhibits and galleries. Next, explore the outdoor recreations of James Fort , the town of Paspahegh (a Powhatan village), and the three ships that sailed to Virginia in 1607.

Pack a picnic lunch or head to Billsburg Brewery and The Hungry Pug Food Truck for lunch. Make your way over to Jamestown Island to spend the afternoon exploring the archaeological sites, Voorhees Archaearium (museum), Memorial Church , the Tercentenary Monument , and more. If you didn’t already bike Island Drive on day 2, this will also be your opportunity to explore it. Head back into Williamsburg for dinner.

The above is a fairly jam-packed itinerary, but there is still more to do nearby if you want to extend your stay . Consider adding on the Bassett Nature Trail, Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park , a spa visit, and/or a game of golf.

3 day option

For a long weekend instead of 4 days, I would recommend splitting your time into three main areas : Colonial Williamsburg , Yorktown , and Jamestown . You could still explore places like Waller Mill Park but would need to consider adding that to one of your mornings before one of those three main areas.

PIN for later planning

More usa trip inspiration.

How To Visit Katmai National Park – A Comprehensive Park Guide

Best Things To Do In White Sands National Park: Epic 1 Day Itinerary

Discovering the Best Things To Do in Punta Gorda: Florida’s Hidden Gem

Ultimate Guide to Hiking Trail of Ten Falls Silver Falls State Park Oregon

Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

6 Absolute Best Hikes in Redwood National Park

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park

Related Guides

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES, EVENTS, AND MORE!

Thank you for subscribing!

Thank you for your thorough review of options for Williamsburg. I look forward to following your recommendations. I think we will concentrate on Colonial Williamsburg. May God bless you in your journeys.

Love those Autumn photos of the Williamsburg area. It looks like such a pretty place to visit. Thankyou Renee for all the handy info.

Follow Along on Instagram

The Purposely Lost

Get In Touch
FREE Travel Planner
Shop My Favorites

Find Lyndsay's Favorites

Are you ready to begin your blogging adventure? I like to say, when you learn how to start a travel blog, it's like building your dream home from the ground up.

History Travel + Local Experiences

August 27, 2022 By Lyndsay

Your Guide to 5 Days of Things to do in Williamsburg, VA

1 How to Get to Williamsburg, VA
2 Is Williamsburg, VA worth visiting?
3.1 Map for this guide
4 Where to Stay in Williamsburg, VA
5 Where to Eat in Williamsburg, VA
6 Tips for What to do in Williamsburg, VA
7.1 Spend a day exploring Colonial Williamsburg
7.2 Take a tour of the College of William & Mary
7.3 Explore the Yankee Candle Village
7.4 Go antique shopping at the Williamsburg Antique Mall
7.5 Check out the wineries and breweries along the Williamsburg Tasting Trail
7.6 Spend a day playing at the amusement parks in Williamsburg, VA
7.7 Learn about one of the first free Black settlements in the United States at Freedom Park
7.8 Spend some leisure time outside enjoying Williamsburg’s parks
8.1 Historic Triangle of Virginia
8.2 Lounge on the beaches near Williamsburg, VA
8.3 Head north to visit Winchester, Virginia
9.4 Day 4 & 5

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

Williamsburg, situated just inland of the coast of Virginia, is a beautiful city, well known for its role in Colonial-era history and its modern charm. Named in honor of King William III of England, Williamsburg served as one of the capitals of the Colony of Virginia, and then the first capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Along with its neighbors of Jamestown and Yorktown, it’s part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia, filled with Colonial history. Today, the city is well known for showcasing its rich history with Colonial Williamsburg, as well as other major attractions like Busch Gardens and the second-oldest college in the United States, the College of William & Mary.

If you love immersing yourself in history, while also having the opportunity to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.

This is an image of the front cover to The Purposely Lost's My Travel Planner.

Grab your Travel Planner

Planning your next adventure can become overwhelming. Stay organized with this free, printable travel planner!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You’ve successfully joined our subscriber list.

How to Get to Williamsburg, VA

When you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg VA, it’s helpful to know that the city is well-connected for both public and private transportation. It’s right off the I-64 highway, making it a great stop to add to a road trip.

We drove to Williamsburg from Maryland , and the drive was an easy 3 hours and 30 minutes. It’s also easy to reach after driving over from the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

It’s also accessible by train and bus. Amtrak has a station in Williamsburg that can be accessed “ from anywhere in the Northeast Corridor or points south ,” Bus companies like Ourbus and Greyhound have stations here as well.

Is Williamsburg, VA worth visiting?

Yes; if you love exploring United States colonial-era history, Williamsburg, Virginia is definitely worth visiting. The historic city is home to the largest living-history museum in the United States, as well as several amusement parks and landmarks from when the city was the capital of the colony, and then of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

How many days do you need in Williamsburg, VA?

You need to schedule a minimum of three days when you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. Depending on your interests and how quickly you like to explore, three days should give you enough time to cover Colonial Williamsburg, spend a full day in one of the amusement parks, and visit the Historic Triangle of Virginia. However, more time will allow you to explore the area more leisurely and enjoy a day trip from Williamsburg, VA.

Map for this guide

Here is a made-for-you map of all of the things to do in Williamsburg listed in this guide.

Light Green: Where to Stay
Orange: Where to Eat – Restaurants
Light Orange: Where to Eat – Desserts
Purple: Things to Do
Green: Historic Triangle of Virginia
Blue: Beaches

Where to Stay in Williamsburg, VA

If you’re looking to stay within walking distance to the major things to do in Williamsburg, one of my favorites is located within the historic district. The Williamsburg Inn ( Hotels | Booking ) is just steps away from the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and offers an indoor pool, an outdoor terrace and tennis courts, a full-service spa, and three on-site restaurants.

For a great budget option, Hampton Inn and Suites ( Hotels | Booking ) is a hotel property located in a more residential area of the city. It’s about halfway between Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If you plan to visit both locations, it’s worth checking out.

This area has plenty of resorts and timeshares, in addition to hotels. Since I went during the off-season, a few of these exclusive properties were offering stays for reduced rates. Let me just say, when I picked the hotel and saw the luxe locations for lower prices than the average 2- or 3- star hotels, it certainly made for an even better experience!

Looking for a historic United States city to visit this year? Filled with Colonial history, you'll find many things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia!

We stayed at The Historic Powhatan Resort by Diamond Resorts ( Hotels | Booking ). While it’s outside of walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg, it was an excellent option for our trip. Our suite was equipped with a full kitchenette, a washer/dryer unit, and a pull-out couch, and two bathrooms.

Not to mention the property’s amenities–an indoor pool, a small miniature golf course, a historic house to explore, and a schedule of daily activities. If you’re looking for a space that’s all your own, or you want to be able to cook your own meals while away, this is the best hotel choice for your vacation.

Fair warning to you – since they usually operate as a type of timeshare, they will kindly encourage you to attend one of their informational sessions. If you want to learn more about what a timeshare is , take a look at this guide!

However, after a two-hour informational session spent learning about their brand, we walked away with a sizeable gift card! They convince you to attend and stick around by giving discounts on restaurants, gift cards, or even a free admission ticket or two to one of the thrilling theme parks.

A phenomenal, reasonably-priced luxury option is Wedmore Place ( Hotels | Booking ) at the Williamsburg Winery. Most rooms come with their own fireplace, complimentary continental breakfast, amenities include a spa and an outdoor seasonal pool, and of course, you’re on the property of one of Virginia’s finest wineries.

For a family getaway, I recommend the hotel at the Great Wolf Lodge , especially if you were already planning to take advantage of their water park. There are several room and suite options to suit your family’s needs, five different restaurants, and free on-site parking.

Where to Eat in Williamsburg, VA

If you love breakfast food, Williamsburg is well-known for its pancake houses. Local favorites include Capital Pancakes, Smokey Griddle, and Astronomical Pancake House.

In Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll find a selection of fantastic restaurants to choose from. Check out Blue Talon, Dog St. Pub, The Cheese Shop, Fat Canary, Mello Mushroom Pizza, and Barrett’s Seafood Restaurant.

If you’re outside Colonial Williamsburg, you still have some great options! Second St Bistro, Oceans & Ale, La Casona Mexican BBQ & Grille, Baker’s Crust, Chanello’s Pizza, and Paul’s Deli should all be high on your list. Special mention for delicious, all-you-can-eat sushi found at Ichiban.

If you’re looking for a night out, favorite bars in the area are Precarious Beer Project, Green Leafe Cafe, and Amber Ox.

Last but not least, we can’t forget about sweets. Aroma’s is a great coffee shop loved by locals, and Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop, Jamestown Pie Co., Duck Donuts, and Kilwin’s are all favorites for different desserts.

Interested in trying several of these restaurants? Sample a night out on a Williamsburg culinary tour with tastings .

Tips for What to do in Williamsburg, VA

Can you walk around Colonial Williamsburg for free? Yes, walking around Colonial Williamsburg is totally free; however, you need to purchase tickets to enter several historic Williamsburg buildings .
Break up your days based on what major attraction you plan to spend your day exploring.
You can tell the difference between free spots and structures that require a paid separate ticket by whether or not there is a flag in front.
Parking at Colonial Williamsburg is free!

Things to do in Williamsburg, VA

Spend a day exploring Colonial Williamsburg

To start off our Williamsburg travel guide, we’re heading into Colonial Williamsburg!

Known as the largest outdoor living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg is more like a giant, historic neighborhood that has come to life.

The reconstruction began with the 1907 restoration of Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church, led by the Reverend Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin. Although his initial intention was to restore the church, he later expanded the project when he realized that many other historic Williamsburg buildings were decaying. Standard Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller Jr., the same man behind Rockefeller Center in New York City , financed Goodwin’s project, and together they developed Colonial Williamsburg.

Today, the site contains hundreds of restored or rebuilt buildings from the city’s Colonial-era history, situated on more than 300 acres of land. Many of these buildings are open for visitors to walk through and observe historic reenactors bustling around, carrying out everyday tasks from years gone by. You’re welcome to ask them questions and learn about what life was really like in the Colonial age.

Colonial Williamsburg offers many different walking tours, focusing on various aspects of the site, bringing history to life throughout the day. Besides, with all of this Colonial history, it’s easy to imagine that there are some eerie undertones. They offer ghost tours of its haunted past , and a Ghost Walk Junior meant for the whole family.

The living museum also offers several smaller museums on-site. Check out the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum for one of the largest exhibitions in the world of American Southern furniture and of British ceramics. And at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum , guests will find some of the most interesting pieces and pictures in American folk art.

While it’s free to wander around the ground of Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll need to purchase tickets to enter most of the historic buildings . If you only plan to spend one day exploring Colonial Williamsburg, single-day passes are available. However, if you want to take your time walking through all of the different shops and museums, consecutive three-day passes are what you need. You can explore the daily schedule of events on their events calendar .

Take a tour of the College of William & Mary

Established in 1693 and named to honor Great Britain’s monarchs at the time, the College of William & Mary is the second-oldest collegiate institution in the United States. Three United States presidents attended the College, and the elite academic honors society Phi Beta Kappa was founded on its campus in 1776.

Roam through the campus using the College’s self-guided tour instructions or request an informal, student-led tour from the campus’s Spotswood Society Tours when classes are in session for more things to do in Williamsburg.

History buffs can also visit the campus’s Muscarelle Museum of Art , a learning laboratory with an encyclopedic collection of more than 5,000 artworks and artifacts spanning the pre-Columbian to post-modern age.

Explore the Yankee Candle Village

Only 10 minutes up the road from Colonial Williamsburg, the Yankee Candle Villages is one of the best-kept secrets in Williamsburg, Virginia. One of the world’s largest candle stores, it’s home to more than 200,000 candles in hundreds of fragrances.

In addition to the thousands of candles that line the walls, there are several other family-friendly areas. Tour the candle factory, watch a candle-making demonstration, and purchase candles, scented oils, and other candle-making supplies.

And no matter what time of year you visit, children can wander through the Holiday Park, which has a Santa’s workshop, ornaments, and other exhibits and surprises for the holidays year-round.

But the Yankee Candle Village is more than just a place to shop and take a tour–it’s also a place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Popcornopolis is their gourmet popcorn shop, Yankee Candy shop offers 125 different candy varieties, Hershey’s Ice Cream is available, and they even make their own flavors of homemade fudge on-site.

Go antique shopping at the Williamsburg Antique Mall

With thousands of items on display and over 40,000 square feet of floor space, the Williamsburg Antique Mall is an antique shopping dream destination. The climate-controlled facility is a great place to go if you’re looking for something special to decorate your home.

The variety of antiques available ranges from antique furniture, pottery, and paintings, to rare collectibles, sports memorabilia, and vintage clothing and jewelry, with more than 300 shops showcasing their valuables. It’s been in business since the early 1990s, and the staff is passionate and very knowledgeable–many of the employees are also antique dealers.

The mall is open every day, there’s plenty of parking and they even have a cafe. They also now have the option to shop online , which means you can find gems even after you’ve returned home from your vacation.

Check out the wineries and breweries along the Williamsburg Tasting Trail

When you’re looking at what to do in Williamsburg, the town has some remarkable vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and even a meadery within its bounds. A selection of twelve was chosen as part of the Williamsburg Tasting Trail . You can take a day and do a self-guided tour through the twelve taprooms on your own time, or you can let a tour take care of the driving and attend an abbreviated journey through four craft breweries .

If you’re only interested in visiting the wineries, there’s also a dedicated vineyards tour with tastings included.

Or if you’re interested in a truly luxurious drinking experience, book a tasting at the Williamsburg Winery . With more than 50 acres of land, the grounds are inspired by stunning estates and impressive palaces in Europe . As one of the top wineries in the state, they offer a wide variety of wine tastings and guided tours of the facilities.

Enjoy the scenery, taste the wines, shop for souvenirs, or grab a meal at one of their restaurants. If you’re even interested in staying on the vineyard’s property, Wedmore Place ( Hotels | Booking ) has a fireplace in almost every room, as well as a seasonal outdoor pools, complimentary continental breakfast and a spa on-site.

Spend a day playing at the amusement parks in Williamsburg, VA

Looking for some family-friendly things to do in Williamsburg? Do you love amusement parks? Williamsburg has three!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is located outside the city center, and it a ton of fun for all ages. During the summer, you can travel around the park to various sections designated by international countries, where you can see performances inspired by that country’s culture. Halloween’s Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town transforms the park for its holiday season.

Be sure to check out Celtic Fyre in the Irish Pavilion for some incredible Irish dancing performances, and thrill rides like Apollo’s Chariot, or the Griffon.

Water Country USA

Just under four miles away from Busch Gardens is Water Country USA. Virginia’s largest water park is packed with 17 different water rides, play areas, a lazy river, a children’s area, swimming pools, and aquatic performances. And the 1950s/60s beach theme is a fun throwback touch.

If you’re planning to visit both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, look into tickets that combine both parks with a bit of a discount.

Great Wolf Lodge

The last amusement park in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the Great Wolf Lodge. While this indoor water park has many water rides, it also offers a ton of different activities for anyone who needs a break from the pool. A bowling alley, a ropes course, an arcade, a live-action scavenger hunt, a kid’s spa, and a 3-D movie theatre are all available for the entire family, as well as the fitness center and spa catering for their adult crowd.

The Great Wolf Lodge also has a hotel on the property. With suites and dining options, you might never run out of options for things to do in Williamsburg on your family vacation!

Learn about one of the first free Black settlements in the United States at Freedom Park

Dating back to the 1680s, Freedom Park is another outdoor living history museum located in Williamsburg, Virginia that tells the story of one of the first free Black communities in the USA.

From 1803 to 1850, the free Black settlement thrived here, and the park tells the story of its success, ingenuity, and perseverance. The three cabins on the grounds are recreations that have been furnished with historic accuracy to show how residents lived.

Freedom Park is also home to the Williamsburg Botanical Garden , GoApe Treetop Adventure Course and Treetop Junior Course with zip lines, swings, and ropes courses, and the Freedom Park Interpretive Center which showcases artifacts recovered from the park’s grounds.

Spend some leisure time outside enjoying Williamsburg’s parks

Originally part of the Powhatan Indian Confederacy and used for survival and transportation, the biodiverse Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway is a beautiful place to spend a few hours enjoying nature. The urban park and trail system in the heart of the city provides an excellent physical and mental escape.

The creek connects the James River to Jamestown Island, and the park has a scenic view of Historic Jamestown. This is a great spot for fishing and for birdwatchers to observe the many species of birds found in this environment.

York River State Park is located on the York River. Freshwater and saltwater meet here, which creates a rich and diverse habitat for animal and plant life.

Hikers can challenge themselves with elevation changes and gorgeous views of the surrounding area from Taskinas Creek Trail, or check out the prehistoric fossils at Fossil Beach on the Mattaponi Trail. Canoes, kayaks, and boats are available to rent from the visitor’s center from April through October. Otherwise, you can walk, bike, fish, or simply relax and enjoy the park’s natural beauty and scenery.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park has a huge fishing pier at its catch-and-release pond, available all day and features access to the Virginia Capital Trail, sand volleyball and basketball courts, and green space along the waterfront. The park also has more than 120 campsites to accommodate groups of any size.

Waller Mill Park is a great place to get a little exercise, enjoy being outside and even catch a glimpse of some wildlife. The park sits next to a 360-acre lake and is packed with activities. Make the most of your time in the great outdoors by taking advantage of their hiking, fishing boating rentals, fishing, picnicking and playgrounds.

Day Trips from Williamsburg

If you’re interested, I have a whole guide on great day trip ideas from Williamsburg, VA ! These are a few of my favorites.

Historic Triangle of Virginia

The other two towns making the Historic Triangle of Virginia, Yorktown, and Jamestown have their own unique Colonial history.

Established in 1607 as James Fort, the settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, is considered the first successful settlement by English colonizers in the United States. Today, you can visit Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement. Re-creations of many of the original buildings still stand on the grounds, as well as a museum, replicas of the original ships in Jamestown’s pier, and a recreated Native American Powhatan historic village.

The Battle of Yorktown was a defining instance in the American Revolutionary War. British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington in 1781. Although the war officially continued for another year, this moment is noted as essentially the end of the war. This city was also a battleground during the American Civil War. Visit The American Revolution Center at Yorktown, walk through the Yorktown Battlefields, and spend a day strolling along the river’s edge.

If you’re thinking about visiting either of these historic areas, you can purchase a combined ticket for Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to visit as often as you want for 7 consecutive days.

For a different perspective of the historic site, take a boat tour with Yorktown Sailing Charters . These authentic sailboats will cruise along the York River past Victory Monument, the Yorktown Battlefields, and you might even catch a glimpse of some dolphins or osprey while out on the water.

Lounge on the beaches near Williamsburg, VA

Both Jamestown and Yorktown have public beaches accessible by car to add to your Williamsburg itinerary. However, if you’re willing to drive about an hour away, you’ll find tons of things to do in Virginia Beach , best known for its boardwalk, aquarium, and gorgeous coastline.

Head north to visit Winchester, Virginia

The Best Day Trips in Virginia - Winchester Historic District

Located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Potomac River, Winchester, Vir has respected and protected its rich heritage in the state’s northern region. The city has many unique, significant locations to visit as well as interesting museums housed within its historic buildings.

Winchester is known for historic sites such as George Washington’s Office Museum, the Patsy Cline Historic House, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. And, spend some time strolling through the Winchester Historic District, a lovely neighborhood with over 1,100 protected buildings from the 1700s to the mid-1900s in the Late Victorian and Italianate styles.

If you’re interested in learning more about all of the incredible things to do in Winchester , take a look at my guide.

Sample 5 Day Williamsburg Itinerary

When I went, we only had three days to explore Williamsburg and the surrounding area. I definitely think we could’ve used an extra day or two to really feel like we visited every historic site we wanted to see and experienced all of the different things to do in Williamsburg.

First and foremost – breakfast at one of the local pancake houses. Then, straight to spend the day at Colonial Williamsburg ! Wander around the College of William & Mary campus, and learn about the life and culture of Colonial Williamsburg from the historical reenactors. Take an opportunity to try out a couple of the restaurants in the area, and end your day with a treat from Kilwin’s.

Next up on your Williamsburg itinerary, if you feel like you fully explored Colonial Williamsburg, visit the rest of the Historic Triangle of Virginia – Jamestown and Yorktown ! Once you’ve spent the day traversing through the other two Triangle towns, head back towards Williamsburg for dinner outside the Colonial center. Perhaps even experiencing the Williamsburg Tasting Trail ?

When you have so many to choose from, today is for the day trip. Start your day at Duck Donuts and then head to the parks! Busch Gardens and Water Country US A , and the Great Wolf Lodge are all amusement parks within easy driving distance from the center of the city.

Or, if you’re interested in going a little farther, you can spend your day on the beach. Stay close to Williamsburg with either Jamestown or Yorktown beaches, or drive an hour out to Virginia Beach.

Day 4 & 5

These days are for overflow. If you decided to take your time through Colonial Williamsburg, spend today exploring all of the other shops and buildings you didn’t get to see on your first day.

If you purchased a two-day pass, make sure you choose consecutive days; otherwise, you’ll be able to head into any building that does not have a flag out front.

If you want to spend additional days at the beach, explore a few of the surrounding parks or shops, or visit more than one of the theme parks, these days would be your opportunity to explore the rest of the things to do in Williamsburg!

The next time you have a chance to enjoy a few days in a historic center – from the largest living-history museums to amusement parks – Williamsburg, Virginia, is a great choice, filled with fantastic activities. If you’re looking for a city filled with American history, add Williamsburg to your next East Coast road trip!

What are your favorite things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia? Do you have any recommendations for a Williamsburg itinerary?

Your Guide to the Best Day Trips in Virginia
Views, Vines, and Vibrant Meads: Visiting Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery in Middletown, Maryland
Your Guide to the Best Things to do in Winchester, Virginia
Easy Day Trips from Williamsburg, Virginia
Magical Things to do in Maryland in Winter
Your Guide to Things to do at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana
Your Guide to 3 Days in New Haven, CT Itinerary
The Best Things to do in Poughkeepsie, New York
The Most European Cities in North America
The Best New England Winter Getaways
Your Guide to the Best Free Things To Do in New York City
The Best Guided and Walking Tours in North America
The Best Travel Bags and Purses You’ll Need to Explore the World
Your Guide to Create Stunning Mixbook Travel Photo Books
Your Guide to the Best Travel Essentials for Women
The Most Important Things to do Before Traveling
Your Guide to the Best Breweries in Connecticut
The Best Observatories in New York City

Planning your next adventure can become overwhelming. Stay organized with this free, printable travel planner!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

You’ll Also Love

This is an image of the Vanderbilt Mansion in Poughkeepsie, NY. Visiting Poughkeepsie? There are so many different things to do in Poughkeepsie, both in town and around the surrounding cities.

The 12+ Best New England Towns in Fall You Need to Visit

This is an image of the skyline of Lower Manhattan with One World Trade Center at sunset in New York City NYC.

Become Purposely Lost

I'm Lyndsay! Thank you so much for joining me here at The Purposely Lost.

Affiliate Disclaimer
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Accessibility Statement
United States
Travel Tips

Privacy Overview

A Weekend in Williamsburg: Your Itinerary & Guide

Sharing is caring!

After spending a weekend in Williamsburg, VA I can almost guarantee that you’ll want to go back.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a trip full of adventure, or a fun girl’s weekend, Williamsburg has something for you.

I spent a weekend here back in June and then returned this fall for five days to explore even more. This is a beautiful area with so many fun things to do and amazing places to eat.

This Williamsburg, VA itinerary will throw in a little adventure, some history, and of course I’ll tell you some of my favorite places to eat and drink.

If you are planning a trip here then I hope this helps you plan the perfect Williamsburg weekend!

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

Breakfast – Aroma’s Coffeehouse

Aroma’s is a homey coffee shop that serves one of the most incredible breakfasts in Williamsburg with large portions at a reasonable price.

I had a breakfast scramble and the ingredients tasted fresh and my eggs were perfectly fluffy. This is a very popular spot on the weekends and in peak season you need to get here early.

When school is back in you can see the William & Mary students here studying and locals meeting up.

If you get here at the right time, you can park in the Prince George Parking Deck and it’s right behind Aroma’s.

Once you finish your breakfast you’ll be a block away from Market Square and the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg.

Explore Colonial Williamsburg

So first thing – parking. I’ve already mentioned the Prince George Parking Garage which is at 230 N Henry St.

This parking deck is small so you may not be able to find a spot here, but it only costs $12 for the whole day.

There is free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center which is about an 8-minute walk to the historic area or they run free shuttles.

We tried both and the convenience of having our vehicle nearby was too good to pass up. I would gladly pay the $12 to park in the garage.

We could drop our bags off at the car and we even ran back to the hotel in the afternoon when we wanted to rest.

Once you’ve got the parking taken care of though, head into the historic district and start exploring.

You’ll want to buy a ticket for Colonial Williamsburg so you can access the various buildings and gardens. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to walk down Duke of Gloucester St.

I would make sure to visit the Governor’s Palace, George Wythe House, and the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse first.

If a show is happening at the Playhouse near the Governor’s Palace then make sure you catch that. The Colonial Gardens are also beautiful to tour.

Check out the Magazine if you want to see them shoot an 18th Century musket. They only do this at certain times so go by and check with the interpreter.

By this time it should be lunch so head back toward Market Square!

Lunch – Electric Circus Taqueria

This is the spot if you love specialty tacos. They serve other items like nachos and burritos but tacos are their main attraction.

It’s almost set up like a stationary food truck located in the back of Precarious Beer Project. You walk up to their window and order then they give you a buzzer to hold onto.

You can order a beer before you get in line for your food or wait until after. I loved the Circus Shrimp Taco. Two tacos made a good meal for me.

On a nice day you can sit outside and people watch while you wait on your food. They are also pet-friendly!

More of Colonial Williamsburg

Once you finish up with lunch, it’s time to go back out and explore more of Colonial Williamsburg.

This time you’ll be at the far end of Duke of Gloucester St toward the Capitol Building. You’ll want to visit the Peyton Randolph House then go over to the Blacksmith.

The Silversmith is also very neat and after checking them out you can get an afternoon snack at the Raleigh Bakery.

They are known for their gingerbread, but I don’t really like that so I got a chocolate-chip brownie and it was gooey and rich.

Stop in the Apothecary to learn about different medicines they used back then. Next door is the Charlton Stage so catch a show there if you hit it at the right time.

Finally, you can tour the Capitol Building and see where many influential men of the Revolution started out their political careers.

You’ll likely be tired at this point so you can either grab an early dinner or get some rest back at your hotel before you come back out to eat.

Dinner – Sal’s by Victor or Amber Ox Public House

Here are two options for dinner depending on what you are in the mood for. Sal’s by Victor is an incredible Italian spot located in a shopping mall.

Amber Ox Public House is just outside the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg and serves farm-to-table New American food.

Sal’s pizza is bomb – the crust is perfection and the red sauce couldn’t be better. Their ravioli also hit the spot.

Get the Southern Ham Board at Amber Ox or the Biscuit Board. Their biscuits are fluffy and buttery goodness.

Their menu changes seasonally but if they have shrimp & grits you can’t go wrong there.

Related : Want to explore more of coastal VA? Check out these outdoor activities near Virginia Beach.

Breakfast – Tipsy Beans Cafe

You cannot beat breakfast at the Tipsy Beans. They have great chicken & waffles, smoothie bowls, and my husband loved their shrimp & grits.

This is a popular spot with locals but each time I’ve been there hasn’t been a wait. During the warm summer months, they have a small patio where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

This is by far one of my favorite Williamsburg, VA restaurants . They have a whole page of specialty lattes – do yourself a favor and order one… or two. It’s a must-visit during your weekend in Williamsburg!

Busch Gardens (Must-Do on a Weekend in Williamsburg)

Busch Gardens Williamsburg entrance sign

If you love theme parks, then you have to visit Busch Gardens while you’re in Williamsburg. It’s one of the best theme parks in the US and has been awarded “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” for 29 years in a row in 2019.

My favorite part about this park is its roller coasters. I grew up coming to this park every summer for about five years in a row so it’s where I rode my first big coaster which is special.

After visiting Disney, Universal Studios , and Carowinds (I could go on), for the size of Busch Gardens, you really can’t beat the quality of their rides.

I love the theme of the park as well – each section is a different European country! This park probably sparked a subconscious love of travel when I was younger.

I’ve put together all my tips for Busch Gardens Williamsburg , but if you’re spending just a day here make sure you arrive early and plan to stay late.

Rides that you need to make sure you ride are Griffon, Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten, and Loch Ness Monster. That is just the beginning though!

Make sure you check out their event calendar since there is usually always something going on. If you love shows then they also have award-winning entertainment.

You’ll also want to make sure you wear the best shoes for theme parks . There’s a lot of walking so you’ll want comfy feet!

Breakfast – Blue Talon Bistro

This French-inspired cafe right next to Colonial Williamsburg will totally surprise you I think. We came here after we weren’t able to get into Aroma’s the first time and loved it.

They have a breakfast sampler platter and I can’t recommend it more. My sister hasn’t stopped talking about the ham biscuit that came with it.

We loved the atmosphere as well. You have the option to sit inside or outside and the outside area really did remind me of cafés in France.

The drink selection is a plus too – they have great mimosas!

Option 1: Jamestown

Okay, today there are two options to explore more of the Historic Triangle. The first is the historic town of Jamestown where you’ll find the ruins of the first permanent English settlement.

There are two major attractions here – Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement. Both require a fee to enter but if you have an America the Beautiful Pass then the entrance fee to Historic Jamestowne is reduced.

The Jamestown Settlement is run by the state of Virginia and they also run the American Revolution Museum over in Yorktown.

At the Settlement, you’ll find an incredible museum as well as recreations of what the colony would have looked like, replica ships, and a Powhatan Indian village.

Historic Jamestowne is part of the National Parks service and you can see what remains from the settlement from 1607. You’ll also find the Glasshouse here.

At the Glasshouse, you can watch glassblowers make various items and see remnants of the original Glasshouse that was part of Jamestowne’s first industry. The Glasshouse is free!

While you are in Jamestown, check out Billsburg Brewery before you leave. Oh and take the Colonial Parkway when traveling to and from this cute little town!

Option 2: Yorktown

Yorktown is the perfect town for a day trip from Williamsburg. It’s only about 20 minutes away and the section of the Colonial Parkway along the York River is gorgeous.

Start your day here at the American Revolution Museum where you can learn about the causes of the Revolution as well as the status of the colonies and England at the time.

There are also recreations of a Continental Army camp and a Colonial farm that you can explore outside.

Eat lunch at the Water Street Grille where you can sit out on the patio overlooking the George P. Coleman bridge.

Pop in a few of the shops on Riverwalk Landing and grab a coffee from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters up the street.

Finally, you can check out the Yorktown Battlefield which is also part of the National Parks Service. This is where the final battle of the Revolutionary War took place.

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Williamsburg

Now you know what to do in Williamsburg, but what about where to stay? Here are a few different options and price points.

For a luxury getaway check out the Williamsburg Inn . The Fife & Drum Inn is a great option if you love unique Bed & Breakfasts. Either of these would make for the perfect romantic weekend in Williamsburg!

Marriott’s Manor Club is a fantastic option in the mid-range price point.

I am a huge fan of Hampton Inns and they have two options nearby – the Williamsburg Historic District and Williamsburg-Richmond Rd . You can find great deals here but peak season is expensive.

If you want a budget hotel then check out Comfort Suites , Holiday Inn Express , or the Comfort Inn .

What is the Best Time to Visit Williamsburg, VA?

The best times to visit Williamsburg in my opinion are spring and fall. This is when the weather should be at its best and there will be fewer crowds.

You’ll want to check the schedule for Busch Gardens though if that’s something you are interested in doing. All of their attractions don’t stay open year-round.

If you visit during the summer be prepared for humid weather – especially in Colonial Williamsburg. The city also gets very crowded on summer weekends.

However, if summer is the only time you have to visit, don’t worry. That’s when all my trips to Williamsburg have been except my last one!

In winter, you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations but it will be a bit chilly outside. If you time it right though you can visit Christmas Town at Busch Gardens.

How Many Days Do You Need in Williamsburg?

You can easily spend a week in Williamsburg. We used to spend three days in Busch Gardens and loved every second of it. Colonial Williamsburg can take up two days at least.

Add in a day trip to one (or both) of the surrounding towns plus all the incredible Williamsburg wineries that you can visit and it’s easy to fill up a whole week.

If all you have is a weekend though then I still recommend you go check it out! Spending a weekend in Williamsburg will leave you wanting more and you’ll just have to plan a longer trip when you’re able.

Like my content? Join me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest ! I even have a Facebook Group.

Williamsburg, VA Itinerary Tips

Hours Vary in Colonial Williamsburg

You get to see a variety of different trades throughout Colonial Williamsburg but they aren’t all open every day of the week.

These are working tradespeople so they close on certain days so they can complete their projects. On the days that they are open you can watch them work and ask them questions about what they do.

The other buildings you can tour also have different hours so make sure you stop by the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center or Information Desk to pick up a sheet that gives you their hours.

Make Reservations When You Can

I’ve been bitten by this a few times since COVID began. Anytime you can make a reservation for something – mainly restaurants – do it!

Businesses are not fully staffed and some still have limited seating which makes it even harder to get in.

Some wineries also require reservations though the majority have done away with that requirement. Just be sure to check before you go!

Buy Tickets Online

Along the same lines, if you can buy tickets online go ahead and make the purchase. This saves time waiting in line and dealing with additional hassle.

For Colonial Williamsburg specifically, it tells you that you need to download an app but as long as you can show the tickets on your email that is all you’ll need.

At Busch Gardens, you can buy tickets online and we printed ours to make it easier getting through the gate.

Great Coupons in Go Williamsburg

All around town you’ll see brochures and magazines advertising free coupons. Pick one of these up!

The magazine is especially helpful as it suggests fun things to do in addition to the coupons. You can also find some discounts online .

These are for restaurants and attractions and every little bit counts when you’re on a budget, right?

Check the Event Calendar for Markets

When we visited during the summer there was a street market set up in the Historic Area on Saturday.

It was a fun surprise to walk through and check out all the local vendors. Make sure you check out the event calendar to see if anything like that is going on while you’ll be there.

Public Restrooms

There are public restrooms available in Colonial Williamsburg. On the end of Gloucester Street near Market Square you’ll find them at the Information booth.

Then there are some toward the middle of Gloucester Street near the powder magazine. Both of these can be seen on the map of Colonial Williamsburg.

What Are Other Fun Things to Do in Williamsburg?

Here are just a few other suggestions for things to do in Williamsburg in case you want to add to your itinerary. You can find more options here .

Williamsburg Botanical Garden

If you love plants, then a visit to the botanical garden is a must. It’s located in Freedom Park and admission is free.

For people on a budget who love the outdoors, this is a can’t-miss spot. They have multiple different gardens that showcase native plants to the Virginia Peninsula.

College of William & Mary

It’s easy to visit the beautiful campus of William & Mary because it’s right next to Colonial Williamsburg.

Make sure to check out the Crim Dell Bridge and just get lost among the gorgeous buildings. This is the second oldest school for higher education in the US!

Sunset Sail From Yorktown

I’ve wanted to do this the last two times I’ve visited but haven’t been able to swing it.

On a Historic Yorktown Cruise, you can imagine what it would be like for colonists to arrive by water and see this place for the first time!

The ship is a sailboat built like the ones colonists would have sailed over on. It’s such a unique experience and you can even help the crew set sail!

York River State Park

I love finding new places to hike when I travel and this was no exception. York River State Park provides gorgeous views of the York River and the marshland next to it.

There are lots of hiking trails here, some horse trails, and in the summer months, you can rent kayaks to take out on the water.

There is no shortage of shopping options in Williamsburg. I love the adorable boutiques that line the streets in the historic part of town.

Of course, they also have a few outlet malls but I love supporting shopping local. You’ll also find plenty of boutiques in the New Area of Williamsburg.

Taste Williamsburg

Food tours are my favorite kind of tours so I have no idea how I missed that Williamsburg has one. A food tour is a walking tour of the city where you stop at various restaurants.

Next time I visit, this will be at the top of my list! Taste Williamsburg offers three different tours one of which is a food tour.

They are led daily so be sure to check them out when you visit.

Williamsburg Tasting Trail

The Williamsburg Tasting Trail is made up of wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area near Williamsburg. Take an afternoon and have lunch at Williamsburg Winery then explore a few others nearby.

There are some wonderful wineries near Williamsburg . If you love beer then check out a couple breweries after dinner one night. Each place offers something unique!

Is Williamsburg, VA Worth Visiting?

After reading this article, I hope you know that it’s worth visiting! This is such a fun place that really brings history to life.

History isn’t the only thing that’s here though. Get your adrenaline rush at Busch Gardens, eat your way through delicious restaurants, and get outdoors at a nearby state park.

I really hope you’ll plan a weekend in Williamsburg soon and love it as much as I did!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

18 Epic Adventures in the Southeast for This Fall

Here in the Southeast we are so blessed to have the beautiful Gulf Coast, Atlantic Ocean, and the Appalachian Mountains running in between as our playground. Not to mention all the lakes, rivers, National Parks, and other outdoor places for fun. Adventures in the Southeast USA are easy to come by and this collection contains…

The Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

The best places to visit in North Carolina depends on what type of getaway you want. There are so many places in North Carolina that I love and deciding where to go for a weekend trip is always a difficult decision. It always comes down to what I’m looking for out of that trip and…

10 Best St. Thomas Day Trips (on the Island & Beyond!)

Are you looking for the best St. Thomas day trips? You’re in the right place! I’ve visited St. Thomas multiple different times and taken fun day trips each time I’ve been. Between the ferry system and tour options, taking day trips from St. Thomas is super easy. My personal favorites are St. John and the…

7 Best Asheville Walking Tours for 2024

are you looking for the best Asheville walking tours? I’ve got you covered! I’ve been visiting Asheville a few times a year for the last five or so years now but it wasn’t until recently that I started taking walking tours of Asheville. If you want to know more about the history and culture of…

Gulf Shores Kayaking: Tours, Rentals, & Tips

Are you looking for an exciting and unforgettable way to explore the waters surrounding Gulf Shores, AL? Gulf Shores kayaking is a perfect outdoor activity that allows you to experience all of the natural beauty that this Alabama town has to offer. With miles of coastline, bays, marshes, and creeks filled with diverse wildlife, kayaking…

Kayaking in Marathon, FL: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure while in the Florida Keys, kayaking is a great option. We went kayaking in Marathon, FL for one day of our Florida Keys road trip and it was one of our favorite activities! The natural beauty in the Keys is unmatched – especially if you love beach and…

Privacy Overview

More results...

Planning a Trip to Greater Williamsburg

November 13, 2018

With a trip to Williamsburg, you combine history and legend, shopping and sightseeing as well as culture and cuisine in a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to satisfy everyone.

Your Guide to Planning a Trip to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown

Weaving cobblestone streets are home to quaint specialty shops and eateries. Flowing swiftly nearby, the James River creates a picturesque setting for your visit. Historic finds are at every turn amid the enchanting scenery found in the fabric of the region.

Since the Revolution, the Greater Williamsburg area has transformed into a hub of activity for families, young adults, couples and everyone in between. People are drawn to the area for not just the historical importance, but also the shopping, dining, craft beers and wines, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment and so much more. Both locals and visitors alike can agree that the Historic Triangle offers much more than just a look into the past. With a trip to Williamsburg, you combine history and legend, shopping and sightseeing as well as culture and cuisine in a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to satisfy everyone.

Where to Stay in Williamsburg

Whether you’re traveling with the whole family, a loved one or a group of friends, the hotels, motels and resorts in the Greater Williamsburg area are sure to check off all of your must-haves. Many hotels are located nearby to popular attractions like the Williamsburg Premium Outlets , Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and more throughout the Historic Triangle. Stay close by to some of the best local restaurants or in areas with a lively entertainment and after-hours scene.

While you may spend most of your time exploring the city, you’ll certainly want to wind down once you get back to your room. Stay at a local hotel or resort with the most relaxing accommodations including room service, happy hour, complimentary breakfast and even spa services.

Colonial-Williamsburg-hotels-Williamsburg-Lodge

If you’re looking for someplace to lay your head after a day of historic tours and shopping, or lodging with so many amenities that you’ll never need to leave, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in and around Williamsburg.

Click here to read more about hotels near Colonial Williamsburg .

Putting the Historic in Historic Triangle

Throughout Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle, modern amenities meld with the past, and the future flourishes from the rich history of the area. The Historic Triangle, also known as the birthplace of American Democracy, is comprised of three cities: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. History buffs will enjoy visiting the famous battlefields, buildings and plantations that make the Historic Triangle what it is today.

Colonial Williamsburg

A centerpiece to Williamsburg, visitors from all over the country love exploring Colonial Williamsburg. History comes to life all around you. Meet the residents of the historic area. Dressed in traditional colonial attire, you can find these early-American reenactors working at the local taverns, restaurants or shops, tending to the gardens or simply providing a soundtrack to Colonial Williamsburg using handcrafted instruments. Take a hands-on approach to history by marching with the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, forging weapons as a member of the militia or carrying out household chores.

Colonial Williamsburg has a number of daily, weekly and seasonal events, shows and exhibits throughout the year that are sure to entertain the whole family.

Click here to read more about Colonial Williamsburg .

Click here to read about purchasing tickets to Colonial Williamsburg .

Historic Attractions in Jamestown

Follow in the footsteps of Captain John Smith, Pocahontas and the early colonists. Tour exhibit galleries and take part in interpretive programs with admission to Historic Jamestowne. Follow a guided tour of the island or explore sights like the James Fort sight, Jamestown Memorial Church and more statues and monuments on your own. Watch archaeologists in action as they unearth another piece of Jamestown’s past. Jamestown Rediscovery has been excavating the island to find the remains of the original James Fort, from over 400 years ago. You can find over two million artifacts uncovered by Jamestown Rediscovery at the Nathalie P. & Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium.

Less than two miles down Colonial Parkway, more history awaits. Over 400 years ago, ships arrived on the banks of the James River to establish America’s first permanent English settlement. You can find life-size replicas of the three ships, Susan Constant , Goodspeed and Discovery , at Jamestown Settlement. While you’re there, immerse yourself in the conditions experienced by the 17 th -century settlers at the museum’s recreated fort. You’ll also have a chance to explore a model of a 1607 Powhatan village and learn about the complex relationship between Virginia settlers and the Powhatan people.

Historic Attractions in Yorktown

Connected to Williamsburg and Jamestown by the Colonial Parkway, Yorktown holds over 300 years of history with the York River providing a picturesque backdrop. Take a tour of Yorktown Battlefield by visiting the National Park Service Visitors Center. Learn about the battle on land and sea through multimedia exhibits. Discover what it took to establish the United States we know today as you explore the land and recreations of the site from the Revolutionary War’s last major battle.

Continue your dive into Yorktown’s Revolutionary War history at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Indoor galleries and interactive exhibits and films tell the story of our nation’s founding. The museum’s outdoor living history areas give visitors an up-close look at a recreated Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. See the lives of 18 th -century soldiers and families through hands-on demonstrations and more.

Things to Do in Williamsburg

Although the Historic Triangle is full of fun educational opportunities, there are numerous activities to do around Williamsburg that go beyond uncovering history.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the East Coast’s most popular amusement parks, filled with fast-paced roller coasters, world-class entertainment and a full day of fun for the whole family.

On scenic grounds, thrilling excitement awaits as you swing, speed, drop and corkscrew on a number of roller coasters and rides with varying thrill levels. If you’re traveling with young children, experience the “kid-siderate” rides and attractions. The Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ is exclusively for children and their families with rides, playgrounds and a chance for kids to meet their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg also features annual events that you’ll want to return for throughout the year. Mark your calendar for Summer Nights, Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town and more.

Water Country USA

Virginia’s largest water park, Water Country USA, is the perfect place to beat the heat from May to early September.

Race on the mega water slide and make a splash as you twist and turn on a water ride. Little ones and beginning swimmers will enjoy the Cow-a-Bunga play area, shallow pools and child-sized water slides, perfect for safe aquatic fun. When you’re ready to relax, take a float along the lazy river. Kick your feet up with a frozen beverage and you’ll feel like you’re at a beach resort right in the park.

Outdoor Activities in Williamsburg

There are also tons of opportunities for outdoor excitement—from ziplining to biking and hiking. Take in the scenery while flying through the treetops on a zipline at Go Ape Freedom Park or on a walking tour in Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

Visit York River State Park for plenty of outdoor fun, including hiking, biking and horseback riding trails as well as fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

Lower your handicap at one of the area’s pristine golf courses, including one of the three 18-hole courses at Kingsmill Championship Golf in Williamsburg.

Providing a fun-filled day for all ages, Go-Karts Plus features go-kart tracks, bumper boats, an arcade, mini golf course and so much more.

Indoor Activities in Williamsburg

Neither dreary rain, blazing heat nor chilling winds should put a damper on your day in Williamsburg. There is just as much to do inside if the weather doesn’t allow you to enjoy the day outside. The thrills continue as you and your family compete in a game of laser tag or race through an indoor laser maze. Or, bounce the day away at Virginia’s largest inflatable playgrounds, Bounce House Williamsburg.

Williamsburg is also home to a number of museums showcasing everything from historic artifacts to unique oddities. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg include some of the largest collections of American and British antiques and decorative art, all under one roof.

You can spend an entire day exploring the Odditorium at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not. Filled with thousands of exceptionally uncommon exhibits and artifacts from around the world, including shrunken heads, a robot sculpture made from scrap car parts and more.

Shop Until You Drop in Williamsburg

Those looking for an extraordinary find or fantastic deal can spend an entire day shopping in the Greater Williamsburg area. Snag the best deals or discover the fabulous local arts and culture scene. You will find a wide variety of specialty shops, quaint boutiques and outlet shopping, throughout the area, offering anything and everything you are seeking.

Merchants Square is filled with a mix of old-fashioned shops and trendy boutiques. Stroll the cobblestone streets as you shop trendy apparel and elegant fashion, then make a pit stop at the local cheese shop.

Just a few miles away are the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, offering deals and savings on major retailers and designers. The outlets are a must-visit if you’re looking to score exceptional deals on today’s hottest looks and accessories.

The Historic Triangle is also known for its antiques and one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods. Charming shops await at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown. Shop for items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. These make for the perfect souvenir or a treat for yourself to remember your Williamsburg vacation.

Click here to read more about shopping in Williamsburg .

Restaurants in Williamsburg

After exploring what the area has to offer, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. You can find impeccable culinary creations, casual offerings and mouthwatering snacks throughout the Historic Triangle’s dining scene.

Merchants-Square-restaurants-The-Cheese-Shop

Seafood is a popular option that is harvested locally. Prepared a number of ways, take your pick of scallops or pan-seared rockfish. Oysters are one of the area’s most sought-after delicacies, cultivated straight from the James and York Rivers.

Enjoy classics like hamburgers and ribs, or dine on upscale dishes like slow roasted pork, prime rib and more. Even the pickiest eaters will be able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. The abundance of selections will also be able to satisfy any budget. You’ll find plenty of coupons and deals on the goWilliamsburg.guide website.

Throughout the area, you can send your taste buds on a trip around the world by visiting local restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, French, Mexican, Thai and more. You may be thousands of miles away, but the dishes will taste just as authentic right here in Williamsburg.

Area restaurants have also perfected the art of sugary selections. Indulge in a decadent dessert from a local chocolate shop. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with a freshly baked treat like donuts or pie.

There’s truly something for every type of diner in the Greater Williamsburg area so get ready for a meal that will go down in history.

Click here to read more about restaurants in Williamsburg .

Toast to Your Williamsburg Vacation

Follow up your sensational meal with an adult beverage from Williamsburg’s thriving craft beverage scene. Connoisseurs and cocktail lovers are coming from all over to grab a glass of the area’s locally-crafted beer, wine and other distilled spirits.

Known for producing award-winning wines, The Williamsburg Winery’s offers a variety of wines from rich, red merlot to crisp, white chardonnay to pleasantly sweet dessert wines. Enjoy lunch at Gabriel Archer Tavern or dinner at Café Provencal. Wherever you choose, you’ll be able to pair your favorite wine with one of the restaurant’s delectable dishes.

If beer is more your thing, imbibe with a brew at Brass Cannon Brewing Co. Or get a glass of whiskey on the rocks at Copper Fox Distillery’s tasting room near Colonial Williamsburg. Interested in sipping a sweet, unique libation? Head to Silver Hand Meadery for a glass of historic, handcrafted mead. These and other fine establishments can be found on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail .

Whether you’re in Williamsburg, Jamestown or Yorktown, your vacation is sure to be filled with family fun, exquisite eats and arousing attractions. Welcome to Greater Williamsburg!

Williamsburg

Yorktown Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Busch Gardens Bier Fest 2024

Top June 2024 Events

Things to Do this Spring in Williamsburg

Spring in Historic Yorktown

Forget Taco Tuesday, Ron makes every day a Mexican food celebration!

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport

Another Broken Egg

Mobjack Coffee Roasters

Anatolia Bar and Grill

Greensprings Vacation Resort

We reserve the right to contact you regarding your website visit either by email, direct, mail or text message. If you receive an email or text message from us you may always opt out and your wishes will be respected. Any stock images used on this website are courtesy of gettyimages.com

Change Location

Find awesome listings near you.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Fun for the Whole Family

A kid-friendly vacation that’s a ton of fun for mom and dad too? Yes, please. Williamsburg has it all, and it’s all right here.

Juneteenth Celebrations & Events

From exhibits and special events to parades, picnics, and free museum admissions, here is your source of all events and updates to celebrate and…

4th of July Events

As the birthplace of America, there’s no place like Williamsburg to celebrate the 4th of July.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature lover or not, you’re sure to get excited about all the ways you can embrace the great outdoors in Williamsburg.

Things to do

Museums & attractions, outdoor activities, food & drink, kids & families, places to stay, plan your stay.

With so much to see and experience, where to start can be overwhelming. Here’s just a snapshot to get you inspired.

The WilliamsBLOG

10 essential things to do on your first-time visit to williamsburg.

From the fascinating beginnings of our nation’s history to thrills at Busch Gardens and chills on a…

Finding Vacation Hotel Prices Inhospitable? Then There’s No Better Place to Look Than Williamsburg

The cost of a vacation is the highest it’s been in half a decade – but those are just national…

Celebrating Father's Day in Williamsburg: A Guide to Memorable Experiences

This year, ditch the grill and unimaginative socks or tie, and celebrate your Dad with a fun experience he will…

5 Restaurants to Visit in Williamsburg this Summer

If you’re into barbeque, this is your kind of town. If your taste runs more toward spicy shrimp and…

Celebrate The Fourth Of July In Williamsburg, VA

There's no greater place to celebrate our nation's independence than Williamsburg, VA! Celebrate the…

How Black History is Being Preserved in Williamsburg

As a family historian and founder of History Before Us , a project centered on capturing, preserving, and…

Where to stay

Check out our social.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg – 13 Must-Try Activities

man in costume driving horse drawn carriage through Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Are you longing to visit Colonial Williamsburg? Pack up the car and go! This historic city is a must-see for history buffs, children, and families alike.

Colonial Williamsburg immerses visitors into 18th century life in Williamsburg VA. From re-enactments of pivotal events in history to tours of restored buildings, there is so much to see and learn in this iconic city.

Wondering what to do in Williamsburg VA? Throughout your day, you’ll discover more about the daily lives of citizens, run into notable politicians and figures, and hear the stories of Native Americans and African Americans during this time period.

Don’t be surprised if you have a conversation with Thomas Jefferson or talk to Patrick Henry about the battle for the United States independence during the American Revolution!

It is easy to be overwhelmed when you first arrive at Colonial Williamsburg Virginia . However, with these 13 tips and tricks in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to visit Colonial Williamsburg, VA like a pro.

horses pulling green carriage through streets of colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Colonial Williamsburg Discount Tickets

While you do not need a ticket to walk around the city, guests must purchase a ticket to enter buildings, participate in events, go on tours, and explore other areas of the historic Williamsburg grounds.

Tripster allows you to combine your already discounted Colonial Williamsburg tickets with a hotel room for additional savings. Simply choose the number of tickets you need, find the hotel that suits your travel preferences, and save . It’s really that easy.

Plus, who doesn’t want to visit Colonial Williamsburg, experience all of the things to do in Williamsburg VA, and save money at the same time ?

Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time

One of our best tips for visiting Colonial Williamsburg is to plan ahead ! The non-profit organization that runs Colonial Williamsburg has expertly leveraged the area’s history, people, and events to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests. As a result, it’s difficult to see it all without a plan.

Before your visit, check out Colonial Williamsburg’s website for tour times, landmark locations, and the schedule of events for the day.

This will help you create a loose itinerary that you can follow throughout your day. Don’t try to over-schedule yourself or you’ll be worn out halfway through your visit!

Must-see landmarks and activities include:

The Governor’s Mansion
Tavern Ghost Walk tour
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Governor’s Palace Kitchen
The Capitol Building
Raleigh Tavern

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

The Courthouse

The College of William & Mary

Of course, these are only a handful of the things to do in Colonial Williamsburg !

Exterior of the Wythe House - Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

If you’re interested in dining in a tavern or at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s renowned dinner events, you’ll want to place your reservations as soon as possible.

These particular events and historic taverns in downtown Williamsburg are a popular choice among visitors, and walk-in seating isn’t always available.

For an authentic Colonial Williamsburg experience, a tavern meal is a must. Virginia is for lovers. So for the love birds, you might want to check out some of these romantic restaurants in Williamsburg or plan something special with this list of romantic things to do in Williamsburg .

For those who would rather not plan their day around dinner reservations, Colonial Williamsburg also has a multitude of dining options including:

Museum Cafe
Raleigh Tavern Bakery
Rockefeller Room
Huzzah’s Eatery
The Terrace & Goodwin Rooms

exterior view of Shield's Tavern in the summer in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Study Williamsburg’s History Before You Go

Want to enhance your visit to Colonial Williamsburg ? Study up on Williamsburg’s history before your trip.

While you don’t have to go back to high school history class, just browse through a few articles or documentaries to familiarize yourself with the content. With this information in mind, you’ll be able to explore the city and understand the events that took place.

If you’re looking to visit Colonial Williamsburg with kids, a quick lesson in our nation’s history will improve their overall experience too.

Colonial Williamsburg’s online resources make it easy for kids and adults to get a history lesson before, during, and after their visit.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Colonial Williamsburg is massive. On top of the sheer size of the city, there is so much to do and see in a single day.

With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure your Williamsburg, VA vacation offers enough time to truly explore this historic area.

To see all that the area has to offer, you’ll want to split your visit up into two days . This allows you to thoroughly immerse yourself in all of the history and stories of Williamsburg VA things to do without rushing through.

Also, if you’re traveling with children, visiting Colonial Williamsburg over the course of two days is ideal .

man in period clothing holding white horse with fence and trees in background at Presidents' Weekend George Washington at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Colonial Williamsburg Hours

In the spirit of allowing yourself enough time to experience all of Colonial Williamsburg, you should arrive as early as possible.

The majority of Colonial Williamsburg buildings, activities, and landmarks are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Several evening programs also run late into the night.

Plus, if you arrive right at or before 9:00 am, you can take advantage of excellent parking spots at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

A shuttle will transport you from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to the city.

Wear Comfortable Attire and Footwear

Did you know that Colonial Williamsburg is one mile long and a half-mile wide?

With this in mind, it is in your best interest to wear comfortable walking shoes when walking around Old Town Williamsburg.

Unless attending a formal event at Colonial Williamsburg, leave the high heels and fancy loafers at home.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast, too! Wearing weather-appropriate clothing will help make your visit a pleasant one. It is advised that guests wear layers or bring a light jacket.

Know Your Way Around

It’s easy to get lost in Colonial Williamsburg! Before you begin your day of exploration, be sure to grab a map.

Or, you can download the Colonial Williamsburg mobile app for directions and an interactive map. You can also use this app as a resource when planning out your visit the day before.

drummers marching in Colonial Williamsburg, VA, USA

Colonial Williamsburg Tours

To help get you acquainted with the city, orientation tours run daily from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

These tours show you around the historic area and offer advice on activities, demonstrations, food stops, and more. Special family-focused tours are available as well.

If you did not have a chance to plan your day at Colonial Williamsburg in advance, this tour is a great way to help form an itinerary on the spot.

Feel Free to Explore

While planning ahead of time can be advantageous, sometimes the most memorable vacations don’t have a set itinerary.

If you are only able to visit Colonial Williamsburg for a short amount of time, feel free to wander around the city!

Even if you do not enter the historic buildings or participate in a tour, you can still discover so much about the area, the history, and the people of Williamsburg just by walking around.

Talk to the Interpreters

During your visit, you’ll find expert interpreters scattered throughout the area. These interpreters represent iconic Williamsburg figures such as:

Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
Martha Washington
The Randolph Family
Patrick Henry
Benedict Arnold
Richard Henry Lee
Marquis de Lafayette
James Monroe

You’ll also be able to meet and talk with townspeople, businessmen, farmers, and more. Each person has a story to tell!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a conversation with an interpreter. You can ask them any question you may have about the time period, their life, or the city.

These interpreters have extensive knowledge of life in Colonial Williamsburg and about the particular individual they represent.

People dressed in colonial clothing at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA, USA

Know Which Buildings are Open to the Public

Did you know that the actors, interpreters, and other Colonial Williamsburg employees can live in the city’s restored buildings and homes?

With this in mind, Colonial Williamsburg has a clever way of indicating which buildings are open to the public and which are private residences or offices.

Aside from the door marker clearly stating that a building is a private residence, look for the Grand Union flag flying outside a building.

If you see this flag, you are free to enter the building at your leisure (assuming you have purchased Colonial Williamsburg tickets ).

Take Advantage of Kid-Friendly Activities

Convincing a kid that a trip back in time to the 18th-century will be fun may be a challenge for some parents. Fortunately, Colonial Williamsburg is filled with kid-friendly activities, tours, and attractions . While you visit Colonial Williamsburg, your children can:

Rent a Colonial Costume
Tour Great Hopes Plantation
Ride in a Carriage
Embark on the Tavern Ghost Walk
Speak with Interpreters
Play Colonial Games

Your kids will have so much fun, they’ll completely forget this is an educational experience ! After their first visit, you won’t need to convince them to go a second time.

Williamsburg Attractions

After a full day, or two in Colonial Williamsburg you might be ready to switch gears and try a few of Williamsburg’s other great attractions. You’re in luck! Williamsburg is chalked-full of a variety of activities.

From thrilling rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg , to a day in the water at Water Country USA , to a ghost tour and guided tour , to visiting nearby Jamestown Settlement there is something for everyone!

Are You Ready to Visit Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum and a beautiful National Historic Park (Colonial NHP) with miles to explore. With these tips and tricks in hand, you’re on your way to a revolutionary time at Colonial Williamsburg. Get your tickets and immerse yourself in our nation’s past!

What Did We Miss?

Do you have any Colonial Williamsburg tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Anne Mercer

12 comments about “Visit Colonial Williamsburg – 13 Must-Try Activities”

I was just wondering we are two older couples in our 60s but do have issues with walking. Our electric scooters available to rent?

Hello Michael, unfortunately, electric scooters are not available for rent. However, folding wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can one bring their own mobility scooter?

Hello Michele! Yes, most park areas are accessible, and your mobility scooter will be welcomed.

Are dogs on a leash welcome ???

Hello Deborah, pets are not permitted in most areas of Colonial Williamsburg. Per Colonial Williamsburg: “Pets are not permitted in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Rockefeller Library, administrative buildings, on carriages or ox carts, retail outlets, trade sites, historic buildings or in any site or Colonial Williamsburg owned facilities requiring an admission ticket.”

Hi Deborah, In my experience, many, many visitors have well behaved pets-on-leash and enjoy walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg…I have done it myself. Pets are not allowed in the buildings noted by a previous post, but you and your family can certainly enjoy the area with your dog. I highly recommend it. If you purchase tickets for building entry, just take turns hanging outside with your 4-footed family member! Williamsburg is very friendly. Enjoy!

Is there a website that gives a list of restaurants and taverns in colonial Williamsburg that are in the one milex 1/2 mile area.

Hello! We have a couple of resources that may help. Check out our articles highlighting the most romantic restaurants in Williamsburg and Williamsburg historical taverns .

Since Lakewood Trails has closed, is there anywhere else that offers trail rides?

Hello! There are several Central Virginia trail ride options. One, in particular, is Two River Trails . Happy horseback riding!

Can you tell us where we could book an orientation tour that you mentioned?

Have something to add? Post it here: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Book Your Trip

Tagged in this post, read more about.

Reclaiming Wonders

Colonial Williamsburg: How to Plan the Best Family Visit

Colonial Williamsburg (CW), the “world’s largest outdoor museum”, is located in the city of Williamsburg, Virginia. While Williamsburg itself is a small town, Colonial Williamsburg refers to the restored colonial town which is staffed with historical reenactors and tradespeople. Located in the Historic Triangle of Virginia close to Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg is sure to be on every family’s vacation list- and it should be!

During our family visit to Colonial Williamsburg, I felt unprepared and didn’t really know what to expect despite searching several times online for visitor information. Here is all the information I learned first-hand, so hopefully you feel better prepared for your Williamsburg, Virginia family vacation. Make sure you continue the family learning at home with my recommended book lists.

What is Colonial Williamsburg? Where is Williamsburg, Virginia? Where Should I Stay Near Williamsburg? What Type of Ticket Do I Need for Williamsburg? What Can I See in Williamsburg for Free? What is There To Do in Williamsburg? Williamsburg Tips for Families Learning and Homeschooling with Williamsburg What Should I See Near Williamsburg?

Affiliate disclosure: When you click and purchase a link in my post, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I promise to only recommend products or places that I have personally want, used, or researched. Thanks in advance for the gallon of gas. 😉

Horse Drawn Carriage with Governor's Palace

What is Colonial Williamsburg?

The capital of the Virginia Colony was moved to Williamsburg from Jamestown and would later move further inland to Richmond in 1780 during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson lived in Williamsburg for 20 years from his time as a student at William and Mary up to his time as Governor. For more than a hundred years, the structures were allowed to decay until historical preservation was undertaken. In 1926, the property was purchased to be restored and reconstructed based on historic records and archeological research through the funding of John D. Rockefeller.

Where is Williamsburg, Virginia?

Colonial Williamsburg is located in what is known as the Historical Triangle in Virginia with Jamestown and Yorktown. About three hours south of Washington DC, this historic destination is often included on family trips to the capital. Its location between the James River and York River made it an ideal early settlement location. Make sure you also take the time to look at a map to discuss proximity to Chesapeake Bay and the other larger towns of the Revolutionary Era like Baltimore and Annapolis.

~~~~> Perfectly situated only fifteen minutes from Jamestown, make sure you check out my posts “ A Family Visit to the Jamestown Settlement” and “ Historic Jamestowne: How to Plan Your Day”.

Governor's Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia - Oct 2020

What Type of Ticket Do I Need for Williamsburg?

Single Day ticket: Adult $49.99, Kids $28.99, under 6 free (2023 prices) Multi Day ticket: Adult $59.99, Kids $33.99, under 6 free (2023 prices)

To experience Colonial Williamsburg, I have two suggestions. Plan for one very full, busy day or stretch it out to up to three more relaxed days for only a smaller ticket cost

Check the Williamsburg website before your visit as the prices will change during regular seasons. There are also combination tickets, resident tickets, and discounted homeschool days.

Next time we visit, I plan to get the three-day pass if we have extra time in the area. It isn’t much more expensive and would decrease the desire to rush and “see everything”. Despite only one ticketed day during our visit, we ended back up in Williamsburg just roaming the free area several times, and I would have done more of the ticketed places if we had bought the longer ticket. It really does take more than a day to fully see everything.

What Can I See in Williamsburg for Free?

Did you know you can see Williamsburg without a ticket? If you only have a few hours in the area but don’t want to get full-price tickets, walk around and just see the free portion. This is also a good options for families with littles who wouldn’t be interested in going inside buildings… or have the patience to sit and listen.

The streets of Colonial Williamsburg are open to the public except for when they have big events or the usual evening parade. The Duke of Gloucester Street (the main street) and the surrounding areas are open all day and even has private homes. Without buying tickets, you can see the outside of all the buildings, take a carriage ride with a separate ticket, and talk to the historical interpreters who will be roaming the area. Outside many of the buildings, gardens, and activities there will be an American flag at the entrance; this signifies a purchased ticket from Williamsburg is required to go inside.

As a disclaimer, I would also point out that Williamsburg relies on tourism financial support, so I do strongly recommend this if you are going to be there for more time.

Where Do I Start My Visit in Williamsburg?

Additionally, the Visitor Center has a few shops, a small museum, and restrooms. If you are planning a full-day in Williamsburg, I suggest the Williamsburg Visitor Center to start your visit: watch the video about Williamsburg, buy your carriage ride, and grab a ride on the bus into Colonial Williamsburg.

If you return to Williamsburg for a shorter follow-up or short-term visit, consider starting on the far opposite end of CW, the area closest to the college at Merchant’s Square. This several block section has both chain and locally owned restaurants, shops, and souvenirs with paid parking garages and hourly parking lots.

Historic Interpreters at Carpentry Shop in Williamsburg - Oct 2020

How Do I Get Around Colonial Williamsburg?

Where should i park in williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg has two main entrances, one at each end. The western end where you will find William and Mary as well as Merchants Square has some free parking lots as well as paid lots. Pay attention to the signs as this is an actual neighborhood with private homes and businesses. The eastern end is where you will find the Visitor Center, its huge free parking lot, and the free shuttle that will take you to the historic area of Williamsburg. Cars are not allowed inside the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg.

How Much Walking Will I Do in Williamsburg?

Walking is by far the easiest way to get around Williamsburg. Prepare the kids for this and wear the good shoes. There is also a trail that takes you from the Williamsburg Visitor Center to the Capitol if you don’t want to get on the bus at the start of your day. The main street is a mile long. When adding in the side roads and retracing your steps to see more places, the distance will add up.

Walking the Empty Streets of Colonial Williamsburg - Oct 2020

Can I Bring a Wheelchair to Williamsburg?

If you have mobility issues, the streets of Williamsburg are perfect for using a wheelchair as they are wide and hard-packed gravel. Folding wheelchairs are available a the Visitor Center on a first-come basis. They do not have motorized wheelchairs for rent unfortunately.

The age of the historic buildings may be difficult for those confined to a wheelchair as they may be several steps including those to the second floor. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!

Does Williamsburg Have a Bus?

There is a free shuttle bus which makes a loop from the Visitor Center to the taverns to Merchant’s Square to the museums to the Palace and back to the Visitor’s Center. You can enter and exit the bus at any of these stops. This is not ticketed and runs until evening. Given the amount of walking around Williamsburg, families with little kids would benefit from familiarizing yourself with the bus system and planning to use it.

If you wish to get an overall view of the area, start with the free bus which goes around the perimeter with stops throughout. This round trip lasts about 15 minutes, and you can hop on anywhere along the route. The route is marked on the CW App. Just for clarification, there is also a Williamsburg bus marked WATA. That’s not what you’re looking for.

How to Plan a Day in Colonial Williamsburg

Planning for Williamsburg can be overwhelming! Colonial Williamsburg should be approached as you would Disney World. Know that there is a lot to see and do, some on schedule and some walk-up. However, as this historic town covers three hundred acres, you need to understand that you can’t see “everything” in one day.

If you plan on rushing from scheduled speaker to another, you will be skipping past all sorts of other activities on the way. At some of the houses, you will have to wait for your group’s turn. Not to mention, some areas like the Palace deserve more time than other locations. If you truly want to not miss anything, your visit will require several days and more planning as the schedule changes daily.

Williamsburg Explorer App

When preparing for your family trip to Williamsburg, do yourself a favor and learn how to use the Williamsburg Explorer App through the in-app tutorial. All the information you need to know for the day can be found here: an interactive map, restrooms, schedule, tram routes, and ticketing. If you aren’t sure which day you want to visit, scroll through the days on the app to see which day works best for your interests.

What is There To Do in Williamsburg?

The Governor’s Palace – This building is behind the Palace Green, several blocks off the main street. Reconstructed after a fire, this was the official residence of the governors of the Virginia Colony including Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. The bottom floor of the house is open for tours and has been meticulously researched and rebuilt. It is surrounded by formal gardens and has a hedge maze for the kids to explore.
The Capitol Building – This is where the chief justice and other state justices heard major cases of the time. Historical presenters relate the history of the building and how the court system would have worked at the time.
CW Courthouse – Don’t overlook this small building. The local justices heard cases here in the court room, juries debated in the jury room, and the clerk managed his many civic duties from his office. We learned a lot here from the presenter.
Historic Tradesmen – Watching the blacksmith, shoemaker, gunsmith, and wheelwright were my kids favorites. The artisans are actively involved in traditionally making tools and objects to be used in Colonial Williamsburg today.
Historical reenactors – These costumed interpreters guide your location visits and educate while they speak, dress, and act as their colonial real life figures. Hear about the war from the French-accented LaFayette roaming the streets on his horse. Sit in the garden with George Wythe and hear about how Jefferson behaved as a student. Watch the farmhand guide the yoke of oxen through the streets.
and so much more!

Maze Behind the Historic Home at Williamsburg, Virginia - Oct 2020

What are Some Extra Experiences at Williamsburg?

Hire a carriage ride to drive you around the colonial town. These are purchased through the Visitor Center and often sell out . Additionally, there are some private guides who offer them as well. (This needs to be planned ahead of time!)
Ghost tours at night – a kid-friendly version or the adult version
Historical trials and performances
Eat a meal at a historical tavern

Historic Homes and Garden of Colonial Williamsburg - Oct 2020

Williamsburg Tips for Families

Parking at the visitor center is free but not close to Williamsburg proper. Riding the bus could probably get you back to your car in 15 minutes. If you will need to go back to your car for kid supplies, you might consider parking in a paid lot.
Food and drinks are allowed outside throughout the town. Don’t hesitate to pack a picnic and bring your insulated water bottles ; don’t forget wipes for dirty hands! (You’l be far from restrooms).
There are signs for bathrooms scattered throughout. Look on the app.
All the roads are stroller friendly. Park the stroller outside to go in some gardens and buildings.
Wear good shoes and prepare your family for a lot of walking today.
Make sure you bring a fully-charged cell phone for photos, maps, and digital tickets. The bright screen will drain your battery so plan ahead with a portable charger (I love this one!) .
Bring small toys or games for littles to stay busy. There will be times like during demonstrations or historical talks that you will wish they had something to keep their hands busy.
The streets of Williamsburg are very sunny. Think sunglasses, sunhat , and kid-friendly sunscreen during the sunny days.

Should I Bring a Stroller to Colonial Williamsburg?

If you have littles, I highly recommend you use a stroller. There will be a ton of walking, kids would love a quick nap, and you will love having a place to store all your stuff. The wide streets and trails of Williamsburg will be easily maneuvered and, though the historic buildings may not allow strollers, it would be easy to park them outside.

Where Should I Stay Near Williamsburg?

For our family trip to Colonial Williamsburg, we based our Virginia vacation at the Historic Powhatan Williamsburg* which is only five minutes from Williamsburg. Our family of six stayed perfectly in a two bedroom suite complete with a full kitchen and washer and dryer. Historic Powhatan is a huge resort with full amenities including miles of walking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple playgrounds, and even tennis courts.

Suites and Apartments at Historic Powhatan; Williamsburg, Virginia

~~~~> Check out this direct link to the Hilton Vacation Club Historic Powhatan Williamsburg. It’s a good one!

What Should I See Near Williamsburg?

Go to Jamestown Settlement and see the rebuilt governor’s palace – tons on info on my post ! (30 minutes)
Compare the current status of Historic Jamestowne with that of the rebuilt Jamestown Settlement (30 minutes)
Compare the architecture of Williamsburg to Jefferson’s Monticello (2 hours)
Drive to Richmond and see the current Capitol that Jefferson designed (1 hour)
Headed to Washington DC, make sure you see these tips to make your DC trip easier

Tour the College of William and Mary

At the end of Duke of Gloucester Street opposite the Capitol building is the College of William and Mary. The university is the second oldest institute of higher education in the US, was started in 1693, and was named after King William and Queen Mary of England. Go walk around the historic college where Thomas Jefferson once roamed. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds. Or just introduce your kids to a college campus. There is an app available to download and give you information about the buildings.

~~~> Making a whole trip of your Virginia family vacation, make sure you read “Ultimate Road Trip to Virginia: 7 Days in American History” . It has all the details (including Williamsburg) for you to hit all the history in Virginia on your road trip.

Historic Tour of the Capitol Building in Williamsburg - Oct 2020

Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.

I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places , experience amazing road trips across the United States , and create a homeschool life along the way.

Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat . Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.

Want to work with me ? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.

Colonial Williamsburg, as the largest living museum, can be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. I hope you use my tips to help make your trip amazing!

Share this post with a friend.

Published by Bobbie || ReclaimingWonders

Travel mom. Homeschool mom. Creating Mom. I'm here to help you create a life of learning for your family. View all posts by Bobbie || ReclaimingWonders

One thought on “ Colonial Williamsburg: How to Plan the Best Family Visit ”

Pingback: Ultimate Road Trip to Virginia: 7 Days in American History / Reclaiming Wonders

Williamsburg

Travel guide.

Things to Do
Best Hotels
Things to See
Best Restaurants
Best Nightlife
Active Pursuits

Orientation

Planning a Trip in Williamsburg

Visitor Information

For advance information specific to the Historic Area, contact the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (tel. 800/447-8679 or 757/220-7645; www.history.org). Open 365 days a year, the foundation's visitor center is both a font of information and the beginning of any visit here. There also is a regional information desk in the visitor center.

The next-best source for general information about the hotels, restaurants, and activities is the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, 421 N. Boundary St., Williamsburg, VA 23187 (tel. 800/368-6511 or 757/229-6511; fax 757/253-1397; www.williamsburgcc.com), between Lafayette and Scotland streets, 2 blocks north of the Historic Area. The alliance sells one of the best maps of the area, and you can search for money-saving package deals on its website. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm.

The Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association (tel. 800/211-7165; www.gowilliamsburg.com) publishes its own visitors guide and operates a hotel and motel reservation service in conjunction with the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance.

Amtrak Trains and Greyhound buses arrive at the Transportation Center (tel. 757/229-8750 ), at Boundary and Lafayette streets.

Williamsburg is on I-64 about halfway between Richmond and Norfolk. For the Historic Area, take Exit 238 (Va. 143) off I-64 and follow the signs south to Va. 132 and Colonial Williamsburg. The visitor center will be on your left as you approach the town. Va. 199, which forms a beltway around the southern side of the city, joins I-64 at Exit 242 east of town; this is the quickest way to get to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. The scenic Colonial Parkway runs through a tunnel under the Historic Area; you can get on and off at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

The 1-mile-long-by-half-mile-wide restored Historic Area is at the center of Williamsburg. The 99-foot-wide Duke of Gloucester Street is this area's principal east-west artery, with the Capitol building at the eastern end and the Wren building of the College of William and Mary at the west end. Merchants Square shops and services are on the western end of Duke of Gloucester Street, next to the college. The visitor center is north of the Historic Area.

Richmond Road (U.S. 60 W.) runs northwest from the Historic Area and is Williamsburg's main commercial strip, with numerous motels, restaurants, and shopping centers, including the area's outlet malls. On the east side of town, York Street/Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60 E.) goes out to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Bypass Road joins these two highways on the north side of the Historic Area.

Getting Around the Historic Area

Because cars are not allowed into the Historic Area between 8am and 10pm, you must park elsewhere. The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center has ample free parking. After you have bought your tickets, you can use them to ride Colonial Williamsburg's shuttle buses from the visitor center to and around the Historic Area (only ticket holders are allowed on these buses). The buses will take you between the visitor center and the Gateway Building, behind the Governor's Palace, where guides conduct a 30-minute Orientation Walk. It's a good way to get an overview of the village. From there, the buses make a circle around the circumference of the Historic Area. The buses begin operating at 8:50am, with frequent departures until 10pm. The two lines merge after 5pm, forming one loop around the area.

You can also walk from the visitor center to the Historic Area, a 20-minute stroll via a footpath.

Getting Around Williamsburg

The easiest way to get around outside the Historic Area is by trolley and public buses operated by Williamsburg Area Transport ( WAT; tel. 757/259-4093; www.williamsburgtransport.com). Newest addition to the fleet is the Williamsburg Trolley, which runs from Merchants Square west on Richmond Road to High Street, then southwest to the New Town shopping area on Ironbound Road at Monticello Avenue near Va. 199. Fare is 25¢, with exact change required.

Not to be confused with Colonial Williamsburg's shuttles in the Historic District, WAT's buses run around the town and surrounding area Monday through Saturday about every hour from 6am to 8pm, to 10pm during the summer months. Bus fare is $1.25. Exact fare is required. The Blue Line runs west from the Transportation Center and passes a majority of the area's motels, chain restaurants, and shopping centers on Richmond Road (U.S. 60 W.). The Gray Line operates east from the Transportation Center to Busch Gardens via Lafayette Street and Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60 E.). The Yellow Line links the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to the Transportation Center and Busch Gardens from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The land is flat here, so getting around via bicycle is a great idea. Bike rentals are available from Easter through October at the Woodlands Hotel & Suites, at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center (tel. 757/220-7960 ).

Historic Taxi (tel. 757/258-7755 ), Williamsburg Taxi Service (tel. 757/254-2190 ), and Yellow Cab of Williamsburg (tel. 757/722-1111 ) are based at the Transportation Center.

Getting to Jamestown & Yorktown

Other than driving, the easiest way to get from Williamsburg to Jamestown and Yorktown from March 16 through November 1 is via the Historic Triangle Shuttle (tel. 757/898-2410 ), which follows the Colonial Parkway. The buses depart the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center daily every 30 minutes from 9am to 3:30pm, with the final return trips departing Jamestown and Yorktown at 5:15pm. The rides cost $2 each way but are free with admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, and Yorktown Battlefield. Save your admission tickets.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

All Regions
Australia & South Pacific
Caribbean & Atlantic
Central & South America
Middle East & Africa
North America
Washington, D.C.
San Francisco
New York City
Los Angeles
Arts & Culture
Beach & Water Sports
Local Experiences
Food & Drink
Outdoor & Adventure
National Parks
Winter Sports
Travelers with Disabilities
Family & Kids
All Slideshows
Hotel Deals
Car Rentals
Flight Alerts
Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
Cruise News
Entry Requirements & Customs
Car, Bus, Rail News
Money & Fees
Health, Insurance, Security
Packing & Luggage
-Arthur Frommer Online
-Passportable
Road Trip Guides
Alaska Made Easy
Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
Best of the Caribbean
Best of Mexico
Cruise Inspiration
Best Places to Go 2024

Williamsburg

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Williamsburg Trip Planner

Top attractions in williamsburg.

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

White Marsh
Gloucester Point
Barhamsville
Newport News
Shacklefords
Charles City
Providence Forge
Port Haywood
Cobbs Creek
the Isle of Wight

All related maps of Williamsburg

Map of Williamsburg
Map of Lightfoot
Map of Norge
Map of Toano
Map of White Marsh
Map of Yorktown
Map of Hayes
Map of Surry
Map of Gloucester Point
Map of Barhamsville
Map of Lanexa
Map of Mattaponi
Map of West Point
Map of Newport News
Map of Shacklefords
Map of North
Map of Charles City
Map of Poquoson
Map of Dutton
Map of Smithfield
Map of Providence Forge
Map of New Kent
Map of Port Haywood
Map of Saluda
Map of Cobbs Creek
Map of Hartfield
Map of Mathews
Map of Topping
Map of the Isle of Wight
Map of Urbanna
Map of Carrollton

Williamsburg throughout the year

Williamsburg in January
Williamsburg in February
Williamsburg in March
Williamsburg in April
Williamsburg in May
Williamsburg in June
Williamsburg in July
Williamsburg in August
Williamsburg in September
Williamsburg in October
Williamsburg in November
Williamsburg in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Williamsburg?

Get inspired for your trip to Williamsburg with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

1-Day Williamsburg Itinerary
2-Day Williamsburg Itinerary
3-Day Williamsburg Itinerary
4-Day Williamsburg Itinerary
5-Day Williamsburg Itinerary

Q&A about Williamsburg

Weather in williamsburg, add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

5 Google Maps Tips You Need To Know When Planning Your Next Trip

W hether a brief weekend escape or an extensive expedition across continents, planning a trip can be a daunting task. The challenge of selecting the ideal destinations, navigating through unfamiliar territories, and ensuring that you experience all the essential sights without overlooking anything, can quickly become overwhelming for any traveler. This is where online maps come into play, and one prominent tool that almost everyone has used at some point is Google Maps.

Google Maps goes beyond basic directions . It offers a suite of features designed to make trip planning not just easier, but also more enjoyable. You can map out itineraries, discover new attractions, get insights into local restaurants and services, and even find electric vehicle charging stations . The platform's real-time updates, user reviews, and detailed information on points of interest can help you make informed decisions while exploring new destinations. Moreover, its customization features allow you to create personalized maps that cater specifically to your travel plans, which are also shareable. Here are five essential Google Maps tips that every traveler should know. These tips will not only help you streamline your trip-planning process but also ensure that your travels are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

Utilizing Offline Maps

When you're heading out on a trip, one thing you definitely don't want to worry about is losing access to your maps when your signal drops. That's where offline maps come in handy. Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, ensuring you never get lost even when you're off the grid.

Downloading maps for offline use is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Choose Offline maps.
Tap Select your own map in the following window.
Drag the map window to your desired area.
Select Download.

Depending on the size of the area you're downloading and your internet connection speed, this process may take a few moments.

Once the download is complete, you'll be able to access the map even without an internet connection. Offline maps are not only convenient, but they can also save you time and frustration. Imagine hiking in a remote area and losing your cell signal — having the offline map ensures you can still navigate your way back to your starting point without any hassle. This is also one of the many secret Google Maps features that can come in handy.

Customizing Your Route With Multiple Stops

We all have days packed with errands or sightseeing, where we just wish we could plan the routes efficiently. Google Maps allows you to do that by customizing your route with multiple stops. It's a nifty feature that can save you time and make your trips more organized.

Follow these steps:

Open Google Maps on your device and enter your final destination.
Click on the three buttons next to your starting point and select Add stop.
You can add multiple stops by repeating this step.
Rearrange stops by dragging the three lines next to each destination.

Now, Google Maps will calculate the most efficient route for you, taking into account all your stops along the way. This is perfect for those days when you have several places to visit or errands to run, but you want to make sure you're not zigzagging all over town. It can also save you time and fuel. Plus, it's a great way to ensure you don't forget any important stops along the way.

When customizing your route with multiple stops on Google Maps, keep in mind to arrange your stops in a logical order to minimize backtracking and optimize efficiency. Additionally, consider traffic conditions and estimated travel times between each stop to plan your schedule accordingly. Lastly, ensure that all stops are accurately inputted to avoid any confusion or missed destinations along the way.

Taking Advantage Of Live Traffic Updates

This feature provides real-time information about traffic conditions, allowing you to avoid packed routes and save valuable time.

As you navigate with Google Maps, the app constantly monitors traffic conditions along your route. If there is heavy traffic, accidents, or road closures ahead, Google Maps will highlight the problematic area on the map using yellow or red markers.

To enable live traffic updates, open the Google Maps app and enter your destination. Once your route is set, Google Maps will display real-time traffic information along the way, including any incidents or slowdowns. You can then choose to follow the suggested route or explore alternative options based on the traffic conditions.

When using live traffic updates on Google Maps, keep in mind to regularly check for updates throughout your journey to stay informed about changing road conditions. You can also report problems on the road yourself on Google Maps . Lastly, be flexible with your travel plans and prepared to follow alternative routes suggested by Google Maps to avoid congestion and minimize travel time.

By taking advantage of live traffic updates, you can make informed decisions about your route and avoid getting stuck in gridlock. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, this feature can help you reach your destination more efficiently.

Exploring Nearby Attractions And Restaurants

When you're in a new area, or even just exploring your own neighborhood, Google Maps can be a great tool for discovering nearby attractions and restaurants.

To start exploring:

Open Google Maps and zoom in on the area of your interest. You should see several options below the search bar, including Restaurants, Gas, Coffee, Shopping, ATMs, and more.
Click on the option you want to explore. For instance, if you are looking for places to eat nearby, select Restaurants to see a list of dining options in the area. Each restaurant will be marked with its location on the map, along with details such as the establishment's name, its rating, and sometimes photos or reviews.
Refine your search further by applying filters for rating and distance.
After selecting a restaurant that catches your interest, click on it to view more detailed information, including its address, hours of operation, contact details, and directions on how to get there.

Google Maps also allows you to call the restaurant directly from the app if you wish to make a reservation or inquire about menu items.

You can explore all these categories by swiping right on the options pane below the search bar. To view the full list, click on the More button (three dots) at the very end.

Create A Custom Map To Share With Friends And Family

You can also easily create a custom map and share it with whoever you want on Google Maps. It's a great way to collaborate on travel plans, recommend must-visit places, or simply share your favorite local hangouts.

Open Google Maps on your computer and sign into your Google account.
Click on the menu icon and choose Saved > Maps > Open My Maps.
Start a new map by clicking the Create A New Map button.
Give your map a title and a description that encapsulates the essence of your adventure or theme. This could be anything from "Family Road Trip to Yellowstone" to "Best Coffee Shops in New York City."
Populate your map with markers. Click on the marker icon, then click on the location on the map you wish to mark. For each marker, you can add a detailed description, upload photos, and even include links for more information.
Additionally, Google My Maps allows you to draw paths and shapes, perfect for outlining routes or highlighting areas of interest.
Once your map is ready, click on the Share button. Here, you'll be prompted to set the map's privacy settings. You can choose to make it public, share it with specific people, or keep it private with a link.
Finally, invite your friends via email or simply send them the link.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

IHG ® ONE REWARDS
Sign in / Join Join -->
Travel Advisory
Manage Reservations

Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn

Brooklyn hotel near the best of the borough.

Our vibrant Brooklyn hotel is located on the charming residential streets in Williamsburg. Take in spectacular views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline across the East River. Explore the best of the borough, from the Williamsburg Bridge and Domino Park to iconic restaurants and local street art. The Metropolitan Avenue subway station is just steps away from our front door. Throughout our hotel, you'll find contemporary décor designed to deliver delightful details. With pops of green, soft pastels, and art that echoes our innovative neighborhood murals, our hotel is the heart of your Williamsburg experience.

Spray Paint can filling in New York skyline

Check in: 3:00 PM | Check out: 11:00 AM

*Minimum check in age is 21

Settle In, Then Set Out

Brooklyn is right across the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan, the beating heart of NYC. Our hotel gives you premier access to the best things to do in Brooklyn and neighboring Manhattan.

You Don't Have to Take Our Word For It

Rooms & Suites

Guest rooms, one bedroom suite, williamsburg grand suite.

Guest rooms feature unique modern designs with hardwood floors accented by colorful area rugs, artwork, plush bedding and stylish lighting all providing a sense of the trendy and hip Williamsburg neighborhood. Our spa inspired bathrooms showcase glass doors and rainfall shower heads.

Guest room with king bed and floor-to-ceiling windows

Featuring a spacious open floor plan, plus all the brilliant touches you’d expect from Hotel Indigo Williamsburg-Brooklyn, our One-Bedroom Suite gives you views of Brooklyn through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and separation between your bedroom and living area.

Enjoy the height of Brooklyn living in one of our Loft Suites. Many of our multi-level suites offer a terrace to expand your already-spacious living space, and they are all located on the 2nd floor of the hotel.

Williamsburg Suite bedroom with balcony access

Make our Grand Suite your own as you enjoy our luxurious and modern accommodations. Perfect for entertaining the suite also includes a full living room with wet bar, full-sized fridge, guest bathroom, and terrace with breathtaking city views.

Pet Friendly Hotel

Furry canine friends only. A 100 US dollar non refundable pet fee applies for animals 50 lbs or less. Waiver required. Must be crated when human is not in the room.

Delightful Details

We offer a seasonal pool with views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, a Fitness Center, garden area, firepit, and bar and lounge.

Hotel Packages Available

Full-service bar at Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn

Eat & Drink

Cocktails. Classics. Creative culinary journeys. Explore three distinct dining destinations: our Lobby Bar & Lounge, serving breakfast and all-day eats, Brook and Lyn, our new concept celebrating Brooklyn’s diversity, and ALIYA, a fun fusion cocktail den.

Curated Get-Togethers

Celebrate with friends or come together with colleagues in our vibrant meeting space. Our hotel is woven into the story of our neighbourhood, where we offer catering, two dedicated meeting spaces, and more than 20,000 square feet of flexible space.

Exterior image of Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn

Unique Amenities

Unwind after a long day by a fire pit, explore our Grafitti Garden, or host an small gathering outside. Our hotel offers unqiue amenities to suit your needs for your next stay.

Hotel Highlights

Transportation made easy, brooklyn by bike, spacious suites, meet, greet, and gather.

Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn provides guests with unbeatable, on-site subway access and convenient on-site parking. Brooklyn and New York City at your fingertips when our hotel is your home base.

Explore the best of Brooklyn on two stylish wheels. Take advantage of our complimentary fleet of bicycles and explore the undiscovered side of Williamsburg. From indie shopping to under-the-radar restaurants and bars, our corner of Brooklyn offers an authentic and memorable experience.

Stretch out and enjoy the extra space in one of our 26 spacious suites, many of which include large balconies showcasing spectacular Brooklyn views. Or, reserve a suite for a unique setting to host intimate gatherings, executive meetings, interviews, and bridal suites.

Meet, greet, and gather in Williamsburg. With the largest flexible event space in the neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Williamsburg Ballroom, chic Union Mezz Boardroom, and a variety of open-air venues are ideal for corporate groups, social events, and memorable weddings.

Explore #HotelIndigo

FAQs for Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn

Planning Your Roof

Design tools, roof damage, hiring a contractor, roofing blog, get inspired, weather resistant barriers, system components, specialized shingles, underlayments, ventilation, advanced features, get started, roofing system.

Roof Layers seperated slightly and floating in the sky with clouds.

Warranty Information

Warranty management, contractor network, resources for pros.

Photo of a laptop open to the OCConnect Resource Center

About Owens Corning

Roofing programs, our brand promise, brand partnerships.

Which AI trip planning tool is the best? Here's how Expedia's and Booking.com's compared.

Expedia Group's Romie and Booking.com's AI Trip Planner are AI-powered travel tools that can help travelers plan and manage their trips.
Both tools can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip.
However, these AI travel planners are still in their early stages and can't yet be relied on completely.

This new travel adviser can help travelers plan and manage their trip – and then come with them on vacation.

Expedia Group revealed a new artificial intelligence assistant last month that users can access anytime via their phones. Named Romie, the alpha version available now via Expedia’s iOS app in the U.S., can help build itineraries, summarize travel plans discussed in group chats, warn customers of trip disruptions and more.

Jeff Miller, Distinguished Product Manager at Expedia Group, said “travel is a complicated business and part of the complexity is about orchestrating and managing all the parts of your trip.” The company previously introduced a travel planning feature powered by ChatGPT last year, but the new assistant marks an expansion of its AI capabilities.

“Romie’s job is to meet you where you are, not wait for you to come,” he said. The feature uses the same OpenAI models that power ChatGPT, but Expedia is “open to using other tech or models” as well.

Make travel easy: We tested ChatGPT itineraries in 5 US tourist spots

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Romie is the latest AI-powered travel tool , joining other travel platforms utilizing the technology to make a seamless, more customized experience for travelers. In an Oct. 2023 Booking.com survey of more than 27,000 travelers across 33 countries, 56% said they want to use AI to help inform upcoming travels.

Last summer, Booking.com launched its own AI Trip Planner, which also uses ChatGPT to help travelers find accommodations and build out personalized itineraries.

“Imagine having a conversation (with) the AI Trip Planner and being able to render or change what you see (on the Booking.com website) to match the content of your conversation,” Adrienne Enggist, Senior Director of Product at Booking.com , told USA TODAY. “The hyper-personalization, really, can be supercharged to make your travel planning more productive, much easier.”

USA TODAY’s Nathan Diller and Kathleen Wong tested Romie’s itinerary-building capabilities against Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner to see what it’s like using AI to plan a trip to Rome from Sept. 9-12. Here’s what they found.

What is it like to use Romie?

I started by making a hotel booking on Expedia, which users need to use Romie’s itinerary-building features. iPhone users in the U.S. can opt-in to access the early version of Romie via the EG Labs section of the Expedia app, but the company does not yet have a public launch date.

I reserved a room at Suitedreams – just under $627 for three nights in September – with an “excellent” rating and over 1,000 reviews. Then I phoned a friend (or AI assistant, rather) to help with the rest.

When I clicked through to my itinerary, Romie suggested restaurants near the hotel unprompted, with distances listed. When I clicked on one, it took me to a chat function where I could see various restaurants’ Yelp ratings, hours of operation and other info. I could peruse certain details from there, but other buttons moved me to the Yelp app.

Romie cannot complete restaurant reservations for users, but I was able to add bookings to my itinerary by telling the chatbot when I’d be eating. Miller emphasized that Romie is not “just automatically charging your credit card on your behalf.”

“We don't think that experience is quite ready yet, let’s put it that way,” he said. “But we do think that we can still guide you to be able to take action for yourselves.”

Romie also recommended “some of the best things to do” in Rome, like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. The chatbot was also able to suggest bookstores when I asked and give me directions to one I selected. When I requested other activities near my hotel, Romie provided several tours I could book through the Expedia app.

I did run into some hiccups when I clicked on the Colosseum option Romie listed on my itinerary page. The AI program pulled up a “B&B in Rome 2 stops from” the landmark, even though I already had a hotel. When I clicked on the listing, it took me to what looked like an external website that suggested I book it on Airbnb – a competitor to Expedia Group’s Vrbo.

When I asked whether I needed tickets for the Vatican Museums, Romie said yes, sharing a website where I could buy them. But the URL was not hyperlinked and I could not click through, nor could I copy and paste it from my phone, meaning I’d have to manually type it into my browser.

Curious to try another method of communication, I added Romie to my phone contacts to use its text message feature. Romie was similarly able to recommend coffee shops near my hotel that way, but this time, I had to tell the bot where I was staying. Unlike in the app, it did not have my booking information.

I also requested help with booking a rental car. Romie acknowledged my parameters – my travel dates and the budget I shared – and sent me an Expedia link. However, when I clicked on it, I was shown hotel listings.

At one point, I asked for a full itinerary for my three-night trip. Romie asked about my interests – I listed food, historical sites and art – and offered a detailed plan with activity and dining suggestions for the morning, afternoon and evening. I tried that separately with the in-app chat function and was given less of a true itinerary than a list of things to do.

“Launching an early version of Romie in EG Labs provides registered participants with the opportunity to test out products and share their feedback in real-time to help Expedia troubleshoot bugs prior to public launch,” Miller said.

Romie’s other features fell outside the purview of my hypothetical trip, but Miller said the tool will get to know users’ preferences over time, with “progressive intelligence” being a key principle.

“An assistant that forgets what you told it isn't very useful, especially in a complex process like travel planning that we all know takes weeks or sometimes months,” he said. “So, that notion that Romie’s learning as it goes and remembering is very important to what we think an assistant needs to do.”

Based on my test run with the current version of Romie, I’d recommend it to travelers as a starting point for generating ideas and tracking itinerary items of interest. However, given the apparent glitches in the user experience, I wouldn’t rely solely on the tool.

– Nathan Diller

How to use AI to plan a vacation: And what you should know first

What’s it like to use Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner?

Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner is only accessible via the Booking.com mobile app in English-speaking markets, including the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Once I created an account, a pop-up screen prompted me to “start chatting” with the AI Trip Planner. The AI tool greeted me and asked how it could help my trip planning – it also warned me that it’s “still learning.”

According to Enggist, the AI language model is still in its “early discovery, early planning space.” It acts like a well-traveled friend who can provide guidance based on your answers, interests and tastes. The tool can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip.

“It’s less about generating search results and more about curating lists of things that are potentially ideal for you,” she said.

In the future, Booking.com hopes to “extend the helper all the way through the journey,” like updating your ground transportation if your flight is delayed, Enggist said.

I asked the AI Trip Planner to find me a hotel room in Rome for three nights in September, and it asked for specifics, like a preferred location or type of hotel. I said it would be my first time, and I didn’t know where to start. The tool responded with three hotel options, all of which are based in Rome’s city center, highly rated and cost between $264 and $602 for the stay.

While I could learn more about the hotels and read their reviews on the app, I couldn’t book directly through the AI Trip Planner. For that, I’d have to go to the hotel’s page on the app or website. I also couldn’t book a rental car through the AI Trip Planner.

I then asked the AI Trip Planner to come up with things for me to do during my trip, and it gave me eight “popular attractions and activities,” such as visiting the Colosseum and the Pantheon – typical Rome must-dos. I asked if the tool could help me get tickets to the Colosseum, and it told me that I had to visit the website for the Colosseum or a third-party vendor like Viator to do so.

“The AI Trip Planner makes recommendations that are more niche or more hidden gems,” Enggist said. However, I found that even when I gave more specifics about what to do – like if I were a foodie – the first results were still the most popular or famous choices, which also means crowds and often overly touristy places.

When I asked for vegan restaurant recommendations, it gave me five. Although there were no links for me to learn more or how to contact the restaurants, I was able to ask for more detailed descriptions, like what I could expect from their menu and the atmosphere.

I asked the AI Trip Planner to help me get from one of the recommended hotels to one of the suggested vegan restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised at how detailed the results were: I was told the stations and lines if I wanted to use the metro, or take a 20-minute walk “through some of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods.”

Finally, I asked the AI Trip Planner to give me a three-day itinerary in Rome if I love food and am vegan. It broke down each day into the morning, lunch, afternoon and dinner, including what to do and where to eat each meal. The itinerary is a good starting point for travelers, but since it told me to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the afternoon – which is peak visiting time – I’m not sure it accounts for crowds or long lines.

While I wouldn’t depend on the AI Trip Planner for my complete trip itinerary, I would certainly turn to it for help finding accommodations and initial ideas in the beginning stages of my trip planning.

If I were hoping to go on a beach vacation and had a budget in mind but no destination, this is where chatting with the AI Trip Planner would come in handy. I also liked how it helped narrow down my hotel options based on location and price, which is sometimes a challenging yet essential part of planning a vacation. Based on the vagueness of the AI Trip Planner when asked about day-to-day activities, I likely wouldn’t use the tool for restaurant recommendations or things to do since you need to leave the platform to book or get further details anyway.

These AI travel planners are designed to personalize and simplify the travel planning process. Although they aren't yet at the stage where you can rely on them completely, only time will tell.

– Kathleen Wong

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

The best places to visit in Canada from cosmopolitan cities to the Rockies

Apr 11, 2024 • 10 min read

Visitors to Canada are equally as wowed by the wildlife and wilderness as they are by the cultural and culinary offerings in the cities that speckle this sprawling nation.

Look for polar bears on the arctic tundra of Churchill or cruise Vancouver’s curvy coastline in a canoe while gawking at the city skyline. Feast on five-star fusion cuisine in Toronto, or take in a street-side jam session in Montréal.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to experience something new, these are the best places to go in Canada. But you'll have to plan your trip ahead because this is the world’s second-largest country – you can’t see it all in just one go.

Best for diversity

A vibrant jumble of cultures and neighborhoods , Toronto strikes you with sheer urban awe. Will you have dinner in Chinatown or Greektown? Five-star fusion or a peameal bacon sandwich? In Ontario ’s coolest city, designer shoes from Bloor-Yorkville are accessorized with tattoos in Queen West, while modern art galleries, theater par excellence, rocking band rooms, and hockey mania round out the megalopolis.

This is far and away Canada’s most diverse city, as well as its largest – about half of Toronto’s residents were born in another country.

Local tip : Snap a photo of the CN Tower (one of the top spots to visit in Toronto ). For an added thrill: check out Edgewalk, where you can shuffle around the tower’s perimeter while taking in unparalleled city views.

A couple ride bikes with fat tires over a snowy track by a lake in a moutainous area

2. The Canadian Rockies

Best for mountain views

The sawtooth, snow-topped mountains straddling the British Columbia — Alberta border inspire both awe and action. Five national parks – Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes and Jasper – offer countless opportunities to delve into the lush wilderness with ribbons of hiking trails , rushing whitewater and powdery ski slopes to satisfy travelers looking for mountain thrills.

This is one of the best places to visit in Canada in winter , but there is outdoor adventure aplenty during the summer months, too.

Planning tip: For a different perspective, take the train and experience the grandeur from the comfort of your seat: luminous lakes, jumbles of wildflowers and glistening glaciers glide by as the steel cars chug up mountain passes and down river valleys en route to points east or west.

Wondering where locals go in Canada? Check out some of our writers' favorite spots .

3. Manitoulin Island

Best for Canada’s First Nations culture

The largest freshwater island in the world, floating right in Lake Huron’s midst, Manitoulin is a slowpoke place of beaches and summery cottages. Jagged expanses of white quartzite and granite outcroppings edge the shoreline and lead to shimmering vistas. First Nations culture pervades, and the island’s eight communities collaborate to offer local foods (wild rice, corn soup) and eco-adventures (canoeing, horseback riding, hiking). Powwows add drumming, dancing and storytelling to the mix for immersive experiences that connect you with the people and the land of the country that we now know as Canada.

A crossing at Downtown Vancouver where cars wait at the traffic lights and people cross the road during the day with snow-capped mountains across the strait in the background.

4. Vancouver

Best for urban life with access to nature

Sea-to-sky beauty surrounds the laid-back, cocktail-loving metropolis of Vancouver . There are skiable mountains on the outskirts, beaches fringing the coast and Stanley Park ’s thick rainforest just steps from downtown’s gleaming skyscrapers.

For the best of both worlds, pick up provisions and a cold beer and picnic at one of the amazing city parks (it’s legal to drink alcohol at most of them during the summer).

Shop and stroll through the diverse and charming neighborhoods – you may even spot a celebrity along the way. Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver is the filming location for many TV and film productions shot throughout the year.

Planning tip: With its mild climate and beautiful beaches , Vancouver is definitely one of the best places in Canada to visit in summer.

5. Baffin Island

Best for Inuit art and incredible landscapes

The rugged landscape of Baffin Island is home to cloud-scraping mountains and a third of Nunavut’s human population. It’s Canada’s largest island (the fifth biggest in the world) and the ideal place for an arctic safari where you can spot narwhals, belugas and bears in their natural habitat. The island’s crown jewel is Auyuittuq National Park – its name means “the land that never melts,” and indeed glaciers, fjords and vertiginous cliffs fill the eastern expanse. The park is a siren call for hardcore hikers and climbers – and more than a few polar bears.

Local tip: Baffin Island is also a center for Inuit art; studios for high-quality carving, printmaking and weaving can be found in many of the small towns.

Young women roasting marshmallows on a campfire on a remote beach

6. Vancouver Island

Best for nature, surf beaches and boutique food ventures

Picture-postcard Victoria is the heart of Vancouver Island , beating with bohemian shops, wood-floored coffee bars and a past steeped in English tea culture since the 1840s. British Columbia ’s capital city is full of charm, but it’s only the kick-off point to an island that has a bounty of natural wonders to explore.

Brooding Pacific Rim National Park Reserve includes the West Coast Trail, where the wind-bashed ocean meets a mist-shrouded wilderness, and surfers line up for Tofino’s waves. With so many outdoor adventures to try, this is one of the best places in Canada for nature lovers.

Detour: Wandering foodies will want to head to the Cowichan Valley, which is studded with welcoming small farms and boutique wineries.

Find out how to see Canada by train.

7. Whistler

Best for skiing, mountain biking or summer paddle-boarding

This 2010 Winter Olympics venue is one of the world’s largest, best-equipped and most popular ski resorts, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Featuring over 200 marked runs winding down two towering mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – this alpine village is paradise for skiers of all levels.

Skiing may be Whistler ’s raison d’être, but summer visitors with their downhill mountain bikes and stand-up paddle-boards outnumber their ski-season equivalents, making the resort a year-round hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Adding more diversity, Whistler has recently developed a thriving arts and culture scene, with highlights like the Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre taking the stage as equally appealing attractions to the famed slopes.

8. Old Québec City

Best place to visit in Canada for romantics

Québec’s capital is more than 400 years old, and its stone walls, spired cathedrals and jazz-filled cafes suffuse it with atmosphere, romance, melancholy, eccentricity and intrigue on par with any European city. The best way to soak it all up is to walk the old town’s labyrinth of lanes and get lost amid the street performers and cozy inns, stopping every so often for a café au lait and flaky pastry.

The city is also home to Québec’s scenic highway, Rte 132. Circling the Gaspé Peninsula , this road winds past the sea and the mountains, as well as charming towns. More than 700,000 people drive it each summer. Of course, it has yet to approach the romantic popularity of Canada’s “honeymoon capital,” Niagara Falls, a region that draws more than 14 million annual visitors. But head for La Gaspésie instead, young lovers. Because if you’re on your honeymoon, you don’t need 14 million other people hanging around.

People dancing and enjoying an outdoor concert at Place des Arts in Montreal.

9. Montréal

Best for music lovers

As Canada’s second-largest city and the country’s cultural heart, Montréal is a marvel for music lovers. From June to August, Montréalers get high on sunshine in parks, beaches, mountaintop forests and endless festivals. The steamy outdoors is more alive than ever with arts-loving visitors filling the streets (and the cool of performance spaces), while rooftop bars turn into parties. The best jazz-influenced musicians in the world play to equally jazzed spectators at the annual Montréal International Jazz Festival , where there are over 500 performances and shows to enjoy (and countless are free). Nature is also never far away in Montréal where a network of cycling paths, waterways and islands crisscross the city. No wonder Montréalers grow up jogging, paddling canals and skating in the fresh air.

Planning tip: Check out Tourisme Montréal for the latest live music events, big and small, throughout the city.

Two people on a frozen canal holding hands; one is on ice-skates, the other is in a wheelchair

10. Rideau Canal

Best for ice skating

Opened in 1832, this 200km-long (124 miles) waterway – consisting of canals, rivers and lakes – connects Ottawa and Kingston via 47 locks. The Rideau Canal is at its finest in wintry Ottawa, where a stretch of it becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway – the world's largest skating rink.

People swoosh by on the 7.8km (4.8 miles) of groomed ice, pausing for hot chocolate and scrumptious slabs of fried dough called beavertails (a quintessentially Canadian treat). February’s Winterlude festival kicks it up a notch when townsfolk build massive ice sculptures.

Local tip: Once the canal thaws, it becomes a boater’s paradise, meaning you can appreciate it whatever time of year you visit.

11. The Prairies

Best for big-sky road trips

Solitude reigns in Canada’s middle ground. Driving through the flatlands of Manitoba and Saskatchewan turns up uninterrupted fields of golden wheat that stretch to the horizon, eventually melting into the sunshine. When the wind blows, the wheat sways like waves on the ocean, punctuated by the occasional grain elevator rising up like a tall ship.

Big skies mean big storms that drop like an anvil, visible on the skyline for miles. Far-flung towns include arty Winnipeg , boozy Moose Jaw and Mountie-filled Regina, interspersed with Ukrainian and Scandinavian villages.

Two zipliners head down a wire towards a vast cascading waterfall

12. Niagara Falls

Best for an iconic travel experience

Niagara Falls may be relatively short (it doesn’t even crack the top 500 worldwide for height), but when those great muscular bands of water arc over the precipice like liquid glass, roaring into the void below – and you sail toward it in a mist-shrouded boat – the falls never fail to impress.

While you’re there, extend your stay and head beyond the falls on a two-wheel biking adventure along the Greater Niagara Circle Route, or take a go at the Wildplay Zipline to the Falls , a pulse-pounding rush of a ride that offers unparalleled views of the falls below as you zoom through the sky.

Read on for the best experiences to be had in Canada.

13. Bay of Fundy

Best place to spot whales

It has lighthouses, boats and trawlers, fishing villages and other maritime scenery, yet Fundy is not your average Canadian bay. That’s because its unique geography results in the world’s most extreme tides, capable of reaching 16m (56ft) – about the height of a five-story building.

The tides stir up serious whale food, with krill and other plankton attracting fin, humpback and blue whales to feast, as well as endangered North Atlantic right whales, making a whale watch here an extraordinary must-do.

Canadian Polar Bear walking in the colorful arctic tundra of the Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba in summer.

14. Churchill

Best for polar bear encounters

The first polar bear you see up close will take your breath away, and there’s no better place for an encounter than Churchill , Manitoba, which happens to be right on the bears’ migration path. From late September to early November, tundra vehicles head out in search of the razor-clawed beasts, sometimes getting you close enough to lock eyes with the beautiful bears. Summer lets you kayak or stand-up paddleboard with beluga whales.

15. Drumheller

Best for dinosaur enthusiasts

Dinosaur lovers get weak-kneed in dust-blown Drumheller , where paleontological civic pride runs high thanks to the Royal Tyrrell Museum , home to one of the planet's pre-eminent fossil collections. The world’s largest “dinosaur” is here, too – a giant fiberglass T-rex that visitors can climb and peer out of (through its mouth). Beyond the dino-hoopla, the area offers classic Badlands scenery and eerie, mushroom-like rock columns called hoodoos.

Planning tip: Follow the scenic driving loops; these take you past all the good stuff.

This article was first published Jul 11, 2021 and updated Apr 11, 2024.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

From Aarhus to Zanzibar, plan your travels for July 2024 with these top places to visit.

May 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Man preparing hammock, Ingonish, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

May 26, 2024 • 7 min read

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 17, 2024 • 7 min read

A woman standing on the rocky edge near Sunwapta Falls, Alberta, Canada

May 13, 2024 • 14 min read

Man walking on Terwillegar Bridge in Edmonton, Alberta.

May 11, 2024 • 9 min read

May 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 5 min read

IMAGES

32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Williamsburg (Virginia)
Contact the Williamsburg Tourism Council
17 Fun Things to Do in Williamsburg On Your Virginia Trip
19 Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA (+ Helpful Tips & Map!)
Williamsburg
Exploring Williamsburg VA

COMMENTS

Colonial Williamsburg Official
Share the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg with Your Family this Summer! Tickets Include Entry to World-Class Museums, Historic Sites, & Blooming Gardens.
Williamsburg Virginia Travel
Always Great Deals: Search for The Best Williamsburg Hotel Prices on Tripadvisor. Find Discounts on the Best Williamsburg Virginia Travel. Tripadvisor Helps You Spend Less.
Planning a Trip to Williamsburg, VA
Get ready for your trip to Williamsburg, VA, with our help! Trust our expert opinion for deals & packages, services to make your trip smooth, and useful FAQs.
A First Timer's Multiday Itinerary
We're here to help you plan your visit so you can get the most out of your stay. Get ready to experience the living, breathing 18th-century colonial capital. A mile long and half a mile wide, the Historic Area boasts 301 acres of historic sites and trades to explore. Discover our two world-class art museums with thousands of objects on display.
Making the Most of Your Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary
Make the most of your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary with these essential tips for ticket options, top sites, dining, activities and more.
Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers
This Colonial Williamsburg itinerary is the ultimate guide for visiting the Virginia city. Find the best historic buildings to see & more!
Visitor Guide
Planning your visit? Find out what's open, where to park, how to reserve a carriage ride and more!
A Day at Colonial Williamsburg
With a plethora of activities in Colonial Williamsburg, a day trip seems impossible to plan. Our experts share tips to help you make the most out of your visit.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg
Visit Colonial Williamsburg. You're invited to meet the people who bring history to life at Colonial Williamsburg. Plan your visit to 18th-century city, where your admission ticket is the key to sites, tours, events, and more.
Itineraries
Plan a memorable day trip with our suggested itineraries to make the most of your adventure.
Trip Planning
Trip Planning; Trip Planning Topics. All Posts; Living History; Trip Planning; Behind the Scenes; Recipes; Further Learning; All Posts; Living History; Trip Planning; Behind the Scenes; Recipes; Further Learning; Tips for Your Spring Visit to Colonial Williamsburg. April 3, 2023 8 Minute Read. 22 Moments from 2022. January 2, 2023 5 Minute Read ...
10 Essential Things to Do on Your First-time Visit to Williamsburg
Jump Start Your Vacation Planning with this List of the 10 Essential Things to Do on Your First-time Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia, Travel Guide
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. ... When planning a fall trip, though, travelers should make a note of William & Mary's annual Homecoming Weekend in October. The school ...
Plan Your Trip to Williamsburg: Best of Williamsburg Tourism
Williamsburg Tourism: Tripadvisor has 215,748 reviews of Williamsburg Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Williamsburg resource.
Williamsburg Virginia Guide and Itinerary
Plan a trip to Williamsburg Virginia! This guide features the best things to do, where to stay, places to eat, and the ultimate itinerary!
Your Guide to 5 Days of Things to do in Williamsburg, VA
You need to schedule a minimum of three days when you're planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. Depending on your interests and how quickly you like to explore, three days should give you enough time to cover Colonial Williamsburg, spend a full day in one of the amusement parks, and visit the Historic Triangle of Virginia. ...
A Weekend in Williamsburg: Your Itinerary & Guide
Planning a weekend in Williamsburg? Check out this Williamsburg itinerary filled with history, adventure, and more!
How to Use the CW Planner
You can plan your trip to Colonial Williamsburg online. Use our new CW Planner to find out what events and sites are available during your visit — and included in admission! — to make the most of your time in the colonial capital.
Planning a Trip to Greater Williamsburg
With a trip to Williamsburg, you combine history and legend, shopping and sightseeing as well as culture and cuisine in a one-of-a-kind experience that's sure to satisfy everyone. Your Guide to Planning a Trip to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. Weaving cobblestone streets are home to quaint specialty shops and eateries.
2-Day Williamsburg Itinerary
4-Day Williamsburg Itinerary. 5-Day Williamsburg Itinerary. 2-Day Yorktown Itinerary. 2-Day Smithfield Itinerary. 2-Day Charles City Itinerary. 2-Day Surry Itinerary. Make the most out of your 2 days in Williamsburg by exploring these top visited places: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Casa Pearl, Water Country USA, and Josiah Chowning's Tavern.
Visit Williamsburg, Tourism & Visitors Guide in Williamsburg VA
Visit Williamsburg, the Tourism & Visitors Guide to Vacations in the Fall at Williamsburg VA. Explore attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping & events.
Planning the Perfect Williamsburg Itinerary
Planning the Perfect Williamsburg Itinerary. By Angie . ... The Jet Sisters and Visit Williamsburg are partnering to give one lucky prizewinner and three guests a fun weekend in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia! The winner will stay in a yurt at the KOA Williamsburg, experience the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement ...
Visit Colonial Williamsburg
Get ready to visit Colonial Williamsburg with our 13 revolutionary tips and tricks. You'll prepared for a historic vacation in Williamsburg, VA.
Colonial Williamsburg: How to Plan the Best Family Visit
Colonial Williamsburg is located in what is known as the Historical Triangle in Virginia with Jamestown and Yorktown. About three hours south of Washington DC, this historic destination is often included on family trips to the capital. Its location between the James River and York River made it an ideal early settlement location.
Planning a Trip in Williamsburg
Planning a Trip in Williamsburg. Visitor Information. For advance information specific to the Historic Area, contact the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (tel. 800/447-8679 or 757/220-7645; www.history.org). Open 365 days a year, the foundation's visitor center is both a font of information and the ...
Williamsburg trip planner: make a Williamsburg itinerary & map
Keep your places to visit, flight/hotel reservations, and day-by-day itineraries for your trip to Williamsburg in our web and mobile app vacation planner.
The Bridgerton Itinerary
The Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum & Gardens provide Bridgerton fans with the perfect venues to take a turn with friends, family, and loved ones. Bridgerton fans know English gardens are best viewed in pleasant company. There is no need to make haste as you stroll through the collection of more than 30 historic gardens dotting our 301-acre ...
5 Google Maps Tips You Need To Know When Planning Your Next Trip
When you're heading out on a trip, one thing you definitely don't want to worry about is losing access to your maps when your signal drops. That's where offline maps come in handy.
Hotels in Brooklyn, NYC
Meet, greet, and gather in Williamsburg. With the largest flexible event space in the neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Williamsburg Ballroom, chic Union Mezz Boardroom, and a variety of open-air venues are ideal for corporate groups, social events, and memorable weddings.
Duration® Series Shingles
Duration® Series Shingles are unrivaled by any other architectural shingles because they feature our patented SureNail® Technology - a technological breakthrough in shingle design.
How Expedia and Booking.com's AI travel tools compare
Expedia Group's Romie and Booking.com's AI Trip Planner are AI-powered travel tools that can help travelers plan and manage their trips. Both tools can recommend destinations, places to stay, and ...
15 of the best places to visit in Canada
Planning tip: With its mild climate and beautiful beaches, Vancouver is definitely one of the best places in Canada to visit in summer. 5. Baffin Island. Best for Inuit art and incredible landscapes. The rugged landscape of Baffin Island is home to cloud-scraping mountains and a third of Nunavut's human population.

Making the Most of Your Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary

Key takeaways

Colonial Williamsburg ticket options

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area

Must-see/must-do sites in the Historic Area

Governor’s Palace

Capitol

Peyton Randolph House

Charlton’s Coffeehouse

Trade Shops

Fifes and Drums

Courthouse

Other things to do in Williamsburg

Historic tavern dining

Shopping and Dining at Merchants Square

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg tips

Final thoughts on your trip to Colonial Williamsburg

More articles about the Historic Triangle

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Privacy Overview

Colonial Williamsburg Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

Before you go: Planning your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary

Guide to Colonial Williamsburg: the must-see historical buildings

Capitol building

Governor’s Palace

Bruton Parish Church and Graveyard

Raleigh Tavern

Duke of Gloucester Street

The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary

Craft Houses/Demonstrations

Dining in Colonial Wiliamsburg

Where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

More things to do in the Williamsburg area

Merchant’s Square

Christmas and the Grand Illumination

How to get to Williamsburg, Virginia

Visit more Virginia history

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

You may also like

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Restaurants

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg Manor Bed & Breakfast

Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

Kingsmill Resort

Discover the Black history of Colonial Williamsburg.

Drive along Colonial Parkway.

Get a dose of collegiate nostalgia on William & Mary’s campus.

Spend a day exploring the Williamsburg Tasting Trail.

Enjoy some family fun at Busch Gardens or the Great Wolf Lodge water park.

Best Shopping

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg

Campus Shop

The Shoe Attic

Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop

Paul’s Deli, College Delly, and Green Leafe Cafe

Blackbird Bakery

The Cheese Shop, Fat Canary, and Downstairs at Fat Canary

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, or Shields Tavern

The Edge District

Midtown Row and High Street

Related Articles

Williamsburg Virginia Guide and Itinerary

Things to do in Williamsburg Virginia

Explore Colonial Williamsburg

Visit Historic Yorktown

Visit Historic Jamestown Island

Tour Jamestown Settlement

Explore York River State Park

Hike Waller Mill Park

Visit the Crim Dell Bridge

Wander the Bassett Trace Nature Trail

Play a game of golf

Places to eat in Williamsburg Virginia

Coffee shops & cafes

Seafood restaurants

Grilles & steakhouses