The Complete Guide to Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia

Trace the roots of American history and make new memories in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

The capital of Virginia from 1699 until 1780, Williamsburg is known for its historic hotspots, including Colonial Williamsburg — the largest living history museum in the world — and William & Mary, the second oldest college in the country. As part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, the past is truly brought to life. But you’ll also find plenty of outdoor adventure, kid-friendly fun, and local breweries and restaurants when you visit the “Colonial Capital.”

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg comes alive in spring. Warmer temperatures and lush greenery make for a delightful stroll through the grounds of the Governor’s Palace or a drive down the Colonial Parkway, and Williamsburg is always a highlight during Historic Garden Week. 

Although there are a number of indoor attractions in Williamsburg, a large amount of your adventure will likely involve the outdoors. Keep weather in mind as you plan and dress in layers — there’s a chance you could experience all four seasons in one day. 

WHERE TO STAY

Wedmore Place: A Boutique Winery Stay $$ 

Romantics will love this boutique hotel at The Williamsburg Winery. A European-style country hotel, Wedmore Place has 28 unique rooms and suites, each carefully furnished and decorated with pieces to reflect specific provinces. 

Kingsmill Resort: Flexible Accommodations and Outdoor Adventure $$$ 

Embrace the area’s natural beauty when you stay at Kingsmill Resort. The property includes guest rooms, condos, cottages on the James River, and a four-bedroom luxury estate. During your stay, get out on the water on a jet ski, paddle board, or pontoon boat, enjoy a round of gold on one of three courses, and unwind at the spa. 

Williamsburg Lodge: A Quick Walk To Colonial Times $$$

You’ll find the Williamsburg Lodge just down the street from the offerings of Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to comfortable rooms and suites, the hotel has amenities including a fitness center, spa, golf course, and indoor and outdoor pools.  

Griffin Hotel: Convenience & Serenity $$ 

This official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel provides a serene escape, but can also be your ticket to local fun. Spend an evening by the fireplace, walk the grounds, or book a massage. Guests can also get complimentary court time at the Williamsburg Inn Tennis Club.

Williamsburg Inn: Travel Back In Time With Luxury $$$$ 

Another official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel, this four-star resort has been an icon of the area since 1937. The Williamsburg Inn has 62 guest rooms, serene outdoor areas, and decor that looks straight out of the Regency Era. 

Great Wolf Lodge: Splash Into Family Fun $$$

Dive into the fun at Great Wolf Lodge, which features a massive indoor waterpark, miniature bowling alley, MagiQuest live-action game, laser tag, and an outdoor adventure ropes course. The standard family suite has two queen beds and a living area, or go for a KidKamp suite with a tent-themed sleeping area for the kids. 

WHERE TO EAT

The Cheese Shop

This Merchants Square staple is a must for visitors. Order sandwiches on fresh baked bread for lunch, then stock up on specialty cheeses, meats, beer, and wine — and don’t forget a few jars of the original House Dressing. 

Fat Canary

Located next to The Cheese Shop, this upscale restaurant comes from the same family and focuses on seasonal, high quality ingredients. Make a reservation to dine at the bistro or drop in to the bar downstairs (which is fittingly named The Downstairs). 

The Amber Ox Public House

Enjoy from-scratch Southern fare with a seasonally changing menu of eclectic, contemporary, and classic eats. 

King’s Arms Tavern

Stay immersed in history through your meal as you enjoy colonial recipes, order from servers dressed in period attire, and dine by candlelight. 

Blue Talon Bistro

Get a taste of France in Coastal Virginia at this brasserie where slow food and comfort are the priorities. 

Precarious Beer Project

Choose from over a dozen brews on tap and grab a meal from the two on-site eateries, Old Dominion Burger and Electric Circus Taco. 

Aromas Coffeehouse

Swing by this bakery and cafe for a fresh cup of joe or a refreshing smoothie. The spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Gabriel Archer Tavern

Dine on-site at The Williamsburg Winery’s Gabriel Archer Tavern, which serves European-inspired fare and features a two-level deck overlooking the vineyards. 

Casa Pearl

This converted gas station has a lively retro vibe and a creative menu of oysters and tacos. 

Cochon on 2nd

The rotating menu from Chef Neil Griggs focuses on local ingredients and innovative dishes, particularly pork and seafood. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & LANDMARKS

Colonial Williamsburg

Venture to the beginnings of the United States at Colonial Williamsburg, where 18th century history comes to life. The reenacted town brings history to life with 301 acres of colonial experiences, costumed interpreters, and historic sites. Don’t miss the Governor’s Palace, home to Virginia’s first two elected governors, and the free Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, which spotlight folk and decorative arts.  

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Get your thrills in at this European-themed amusement park, complete with roller coasters, rides, animal experiences, and live entertainment. There’s also two themed children’s areas: Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. 

Water Country USA

Virginia’s largest water park has tons of slides and pools. Race down Nitro Racer: Supercharged, brave the epic drop of Vanish Point, and experienced a lazy river like no other on Hubba Hubba Highway. 

William & Mary

Spend time strolling the campus of the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country, officially chartered in 1693. Only Harvard has William & Mary beat, although the plans for the Williamsburg school date back even further, to 1618. Tour the grounds and see the Wren Building, constructed before Williamsburg was even founded. 

Virginia Capital Trail

This 51.7-mile multi-use trail runs from James City County all the way to Richmond. Take off from the Jamestown Settlement Trailhead and explore miles of attractions and natural beauty. Runners, walkers, bikers, strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed dogs are all welcome. 

Colonial National Historical Park

See where America began when you visit the sites of Colonial National Historical Park. The sites are all inside Virginia’s Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, and the park includes the 23-mile Colonial Parkway, a scenic road connecting each city. 

Freedom Park

The many historic lives of this centuries-old site include being the site of an 18th century cemetery, a Revolutionary War Battle, and one of the nation’s first Free Black settlements. Now, it’s a 600-acre forested park with two miles of multi-use trails, an outdoor classroom, and an interpretive center with artifacts from the past. 

Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

You’ll find this high-flying adventure at Freedom Park. Take a treetop journey where you’ll encounter obstacles, bridges, and a zip line. There’s also an outdoor escape room and an axe throwing experience. 

Williamsburg Botanical Garden

Located at Freedom Park, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden features over 800 species of native vegetation across 20 distinct garden areas, each designed to inform visitors about conservation and sustainable gardening practices. The garden is free to explore and open 365 days a year. 

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

Merchants Square

Located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg, this planned shopping district may actually be the first of its kind in the country. Merchants Square has over 40 shops and restaurants and dates back to 1927. You’ll find apparel, jewelry and accessories, and more specialty goods to take home as souvenirs. 

Williamsburg Premium Outlets

Hunt for deals from your favorite brands at Williamsburg Premium Outlets. The shopping center opened in 1988 and features over 130 stores, including Nike, Adidas, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Haunting Fun on a Ghost Tour

With a city as historic as Williamsburg, there’s bound to be some spirits floating around. Learn their stories with an official Haunted Williamsburg tour, or book a tour with a private company like The Original Ghost Tours or Williamsburg Ghost Tour. 

Cheers to Local Brews

Enjoy pours from a local brewery like Billsburg Brewery, The Virginia Beer Company, Alewerks Brewing Company, and Strangeways Brewing. 

Raise a Glass at Williamsburg Winery

Book a barrel cellar tour or sample a flight of wines in the Susan Constant Hall tasting room. 

Sample Spirits at Copper Fox Distillery

Owner Rick Wasmund went to Scotland and experimented with the aromas of local fruitwoods to create the ideal American Single Malt Whisky — try it for yourself and catch live music at the distillery. 

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Williamsburg Live

When: June 20-22, 2025

Where: Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg Lawn

This summer festival brings artists of national and international renown to the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, along with food trucks and craft beverages. This year, get tickets to see The Beach Boys, The Band Perry, and The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA. 

Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival

When: May 3, 2025

Where: Jamestown Beach Event Park

Sip and sample craft brews, ciders, and more beverages from area breweries, plus catch live music and eats from local food trucks. Proceeds from this fest benefit nonprofits doing work in the Williamsburg area. 

2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival

When: 2nd Sunday each month, May-December

Where: N. Boundary St. between Richmond Rd. and Lafayette St., Armistead Ave. and Henry St. 

Stroll the streets of downtown and Colonial Williamsburg and shop from hundreds of local artisans, enjoy live music performances, and grab dinner and dessert from food trucks. Don’t miss face painting and craft projects for kids. 

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

When: Thursdays-Sundays, April 24-June 22, 2025

Where: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Feast on specialty menu options and unlock exclusive wine and liquor tastings at this amusement park festival. The festivities are included with park admission, so you can experience dozens of international flavors during your day of thrills. 

Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination

When: Weekends December 5-21, 2025

Where: Williamsburg Campground 

Welcome the winter holiday season with decorations, performances, s’mores over the campfire, and an impressive fireworks display. Staying at the campground? Make sure your site is decked out and you could win the Christmas Site Decorating Contest.  

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

…Towns to Explore

Norfolk | Around an hour south of Williamsburg is Norfolk, a waterfront city known for its compelling naval history as well as its arts and dining scene. Spend some time exploring the city’s museums, including the maritime science museum Nauticus and the immense Chrysler Museum of Art. 

Newport News | You’ll find waterfront history and outdoor adventure in Newport News, just 30 minutes south of Williamsburg. From wildlife displays to Civil War history, there’s attractions for all kinds of museum lovers. Bonus: Download a pocket guide of the Toast the Coast trail to try out a variety of local distilleries and breweries during your visit. 

Virginia Beach | This oceanfront city is about more than kicking back and feeling the sand between your toes. Although there’s plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach, Virginia Beach also offers vibrant nightlife, an established arts scene, quality restaurants, and tons of family fun.  

Hampton | Home to America’s first continuous English-speaking settlement, Hampton has history to spare and a variety of cultural and recreational activities to delight you. Don’t forget your beach chair — Buckroe Beach has calm waves, free parking, and plenty of sand. 

Richmond | Head west for a trip to Virginia’s capital city. Spend the day strolling historic neighborhoods, taking in masterpieces at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or kayaking down the James River. Cyclers could even make the trip from Williamsburg to Richmond via the Capital Trail. 

…More Outdoor Fun

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry | Take a memorable trip across the James on this free ferry, which carries people, cars, bikes, motorcycles, campers, and more across the river every day. Take in views of the shoreline during the crossing, which has been up and running for over 90 years. 

Norfolk Botanical Garden | Virginia’s largest botanical garden has more than 60 themed areas to explore and regularly puts on special events like Dog Days and plant sales. 

Yorktown Battlefield | Part of Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Walk the land where General George Washington led his forces against the British Army. 

…Noteworthy Attractions

Jamestown Settlement | Teleport to the 17th century through this living history museum, where America’s colonial past comes to life through immersive films, exhibits, and outdoor re-creations. 

Historic Jamestowne | Explore the original site of England’s first permanent settlement in North America and dig into the archaeological findings of the area. 

Mariners’ Museum and Park | Dive into the country’s maritime history in Newport News at America’s National Maritime Museum, home to indoor exhibits and a massive collections library. The free park features 550 acres of land including wooded walking trails and lakeside adventure. 

Nauticus | This Norfolk museum invites visitors to discover the maritime industry and history through experiential exhibits. Don’t miss your chance to tour the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the United States Navy. 

Fort Monroe | Nicknamed Freedom’s Fortress, Fort Monroe is a Union-built fort that provided a safe haven for thousands of enslaved people during the Civil War.

Chrysler Museum of Art | Founded in 1933, this Norfolk art museum offers free admission and daily tours of its extensive galleries. 

Virginia Living Museum | Meet the native plant and animal species of our Commonwealth at this expansive museum. You’ll feel like you’ve visited all of Virginia after your journey through the coastal aviary, mountains gallery, and planetarium. 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to Williamsburg to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!