With four kids and 10 years between my oldest and youngest, finding a vacation destination that makes everyone happy is no easy task.
That’s why Williamsburg, Virginia is one of my family’s favorite places to go.
My history buff loves the plethora of American history sites. My thrill seeker is entertained at the area’s amusement parks. My shopper can find bargains until her heart’s content. And my beach bum isn’t too far from the sea and sand.
While there’s all that and more to do in Williamsburg, it also maintains a quaintness that I love.
Part of the reason for that is all the buildings in the town must meet strict guidelines to keep up with the colonial aesthetic.
So, no buildings more than a few stories high. No flashing neon signs.
What you’ll find instead are loads of beautiful columned, gable-roofed, shutter-clad wooden or brick houses, stores, and buildings.
And on the outskirts of Williamsburg you’ll find, well, more historical sights. But you’ll also see lots of other visit-worthy places.
Sound like a lot?
Never fear, fellow travel warriors. I’ve organized a list of the best things to do in and around Williamsburg so you can keep your traveling family happy too.
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Williamsburg’s Historic Sites
Williamsburg’s biggest claim to fame is the part it played in the colonization, and later independence, of America.
Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown constitute America’s Historic Triangle and Colonial National Historic Park. The three entities date back several centuries and were all vital in forming what would become the United States.
Williamsburg was the capital of the colony of Virginia, the most influential American colony, from 1699 to 1780. Jamestown predates Williamsburg. It was where the first English settlement was established in 1607. And Yorktown is where America gained her independence in 1781 when the last major battle of the American Revolution was won by George Washington and his men.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg gets the first spot on the list because it truly is something extra remarkable. It’s the largest outdoor living history museum in the world.
At 301 acres, it includes 89 original 18th-century buildings and hundreds more reconstructed buildings. Guests have an opportunity to step back in time and see the Governor’s Palace, courthouse, ammunition building, stores, and homes just as they looked in the 1700s.
Visitors can interact with actors in period costume who meander about the area. Or they can view reenactments that take place throughout the day.
Have kids who are less than thrilled about even the best history experiences? No worries. There are also dining experiences in colonial restaurants or Williamsburg ghost tours done in the buildings on site. These have been some of my favorite ways to sneak in learning for my kids who think they don‘t like history.
But there’s one thing that’s at the top of my list of favorite history experiences – staying in a house once owned by a famous colonist. The homes can be rented through Colonial Williamsburg Hotels. They have modern amenities but are decorated in traditional styles.
During one of our Williamsburg trips, we stayed at the property known as the Nicholas Tyler office. It was originally owned by colonist Robert Carter Nicholas and later by John Tyler when he was the Vice-President of the United States under William Henry Harrison. It’s where Tyler learned of Harrison’s death, making Tyler the 10th President of the United States. It was so cool to sleep in the same rooms as those who shaped America so long ago.
Read my review of our most recent stay in Williamsburg: Club Wyndham Governor’s Green Review: Beautiful, Spacious Home Base for Exploring Williamsburg, VA
Jamestown
Jamestown Settlement can be thought of in some ways as the prequel to Colonial Williamsburg. The site contains inside and outside exhibits showcasing what life was like here prior to colonization.
Outside you’ll find recreated villages of the Native Americans who occupied the area as well as recreations of the ships the British brought from Europe. You can also tour a life-size version of the English fort that existed in the early 1600s. And actors in period dress are happy to interact with you and answer questions about the history of Jamestown.
Inside, you’ll find a museum, theater and other exhibits.
Jamestown is well worth any amount of time you can spend there. We have found that a half a day allows us to see a lot while still saving time for other things. In some ways it’s even more interactive than Colonial Williamsburg and my whole family enjoys our time there.
Yorktown
Yorktown is often considered the final spoke on Virginia’s Historic Triangle. And it has plenty to make it stop-worthy.
The Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit. Here you can view a short film on the importance of the battle fought. You can then embark on a driving tour of the Revolutionary War battlefields.
You also don’t want to miss the American Revolution Museum located on site. Indoor exhibits house 18th century artifacts and outdoor sections re-create a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm.
If you have some extra time, be sure to walk along Main Street. Along with cozy shops and restaurants, you’ll see the Nelson, Custom, and Somerwell Houses. The first was home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the second is a colonial store, and the third is one of Yorktown’s oldest residences.
You can also find the Poor Potter Site in Yorktown. It’s where a pottery factory that played an important role in establishing colonial financial independence once stood.
Another great walk here is the shore of Yorktown Beach. The small beachfront features white sand and views of Corwallis’ Cave.
The Area’s Amusement Parks
Once you’ve explored American history until your heart’s content, it’s time to move on to something completely different.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a high thrill amusement park that has been voted as the most beautiful theme park in the country. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical that acres of roller coasters could be arranged in a way to fit that title. But it truly is very pretty with meandering pathways replicating villages in Europe.
Yet, truth be told, that’s not the main reason most come.
It’s the high speed, thrilling coasters that beckon visitors to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
We’ve found the park leans a bit toward older kids, like most non-Disney amusement parks. But there are some great options for younger kids and show-goers too. Animal lovers will appreciate the animal encounter experiences that are available. And adults will like the option to have beer and cocktails.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open throughout the year. Events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town make it a popular place even as the weather turns colder.
Know before you go: Get more tips and advice about visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg in this review!
Water Country USA
If you’re visiting Williamsburg during swimsuit weather, Water Country USA is a great addition to your itinerary. It’s the largest water park in the state of Virginia. And it’s located only about 3 miles from Busch Gardens.
Water slides, raft rides, a wave pool, and a lazy river promise entertainment all day.
Onsite food and cabana rentals ensure you can take a break from the sun for refreshments and time in the shade.
Other Entertainment
Over the years that we’ve been going to Williamsburg, the area has grown to include a plethora of things to do for families.
So, while it’s maintained the small town charm that matches the colonial feel, it also has entertainment for miles outside of the history attractions and amusement parks.
You can learn unbelievable but true facts at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Play a round of miniature golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. Or drive go karts at Go-Karts Plus.
You can also check out art at places like Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. Find your way out of an escape room. Or charter a sailboat for the day.
If all of that makes you think you just might need a rest day too, never fear. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg has you covered. I checked out the spa on a recent trip with a friend and it was wonderful.
And since Williamsburg has become one of most popular vacation destinations on the east coast, hotels have upped their game to accommodate tourists too. Many hotels offer pools, game rooms, sports courts, and other amenities like their own miniature golf courses. So having a day just at the resort is a good idea too.
Restaurants, Breweries, and Wineries
Eating our way through any vacation destination is something my family always manages to do.
That’s not hard to do in Williamsburg.
One of our favorite ways to dine is by visiting the colonial themed restaurants. It’s a great way to get in some history without revisiting some of the sites we’ve already seen (although we love to do that sometimes too).
Christina Campbell’s Tavern and Kings Arm Tavern are two great places for that. The first has a more seafood-focused menu and the second has more Southern fare. Both keep the experience as authentic as possible with servers in costumes and furnishings true to the era.
Amber Ox Public House is another go-to we love. It’s located in a cute section of town and serves New American fare. And Food For Thought is a super casual option with a fun theme – quotes fill the walls, inspire the menu, and provide great conversation starters.
Wineries, breweries, and even a meadery can be found in Williamsburg too.
Williamsburg Winery is one of the largest wineries. It has a beautiful on-site hotel as well.
Alewerks Brewing Company, The Virginia Beer Company, and Billsburg Brewery are perfect for the ale fans in your group.
And Silver Hand Meadery provides an opportunity to taste what some say is the oldest fermented beverage in existence. Made from honey, mead has been around for centuries, but Silver Hand makes it available to us modern day folks.
Shopping in Williamsburg
Williamsburg has shopping options for every type too.
Looking for souvenirs? The shops in Merchant’s Square, which backs up to the colonial section and is near the campus of William and Mary, has you covered. Merchant’s Square is also where the Saturday Farmer’s Market is located.
For even more options, check out Williamsburg Premium Outlets. The complex has over 135 stores from which to choose.
Rather go antiquing? The 45,000 square feet of Williamsburg’s Antique Mall is filled with a variety of items for collectors and novices alike.
Day Trips from Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s proximity to a few noteworthy cities and beaches is a great draw to the area as well.
Virginia Beach is a little over an hour from Williamsburg. It’s a popular Atlantic Ocean seashore with a boardwalk, lots of hotels, and beachy restaurants.
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is just under an hour away. The city became the capital when Williamsburg lost the title as the state seceded from the union during the Civil War. Today, tourists can tour the capitol building, visit fantastic museums like the Edgar Allan Poe Museum or Virginia Science Museum, and lots more.
Norfolk makes the list of day trip options from Williamsburg too. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has fun things to do, like touring the USS Wisconsin, walking the waterfront, and exploring the maritime town.
Interested in more? Here are Virginia beaches, family resorts and an alternative for history lovers:
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