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Colonial Williamsburg is the heart of the city of Williamsburg, which played a key role in the American Revolution as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1789. This historic district is home to many of the attractions you’ll find here, but this destination isn’t only for history enthusiasts. While it’s a paradise for anyone who has an interest in American history, you’ll find many things to see and do here.
Stroll Duke of Gloucester Street
What is It? Duke of Gloucester Street is the main street running through Williamsburg, featuring many shops, eateries, and attractions along what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as “the most historic avenue in all America.”
Why Do It? A stroll along this street will bring you through what’s like a living outdoor museum where you can witness colonial-style reenactments and experience 18th-century life while taking advantage of countless photo-ops.
Good to Know: The street covers eight blocks between Blair and Boundary streets and is closed to motor vehicle traffic along its mile length.
Experience 18th-Century Dining at the Colonial Taverns
What is It? There are multiple colonial taverns in Williamsburg where you can experience what dining was like back in the 18th century, including King’s Arm Tavern, which opened in 1722 and continues to provide high-quality dining complete with musical entertainment from the period. Raleigh Tavern and Wetherburn’s Tavern are popular too.
Why Do It? How often do you get the chance to dine like they did nearly 300 years ago? It’s a great way to immerse yourself in history while tasting authentic dishes that Washington or Jefferson might have once enjoyed.
Good to Know: Raleigh Tavern was the hot social hot spot for members of the House of Burgesses, but George Washington’s favorite was Christiana Campbell’s Tavern which still serves his special seafood dish.
Tour the Governor's Palace
What is It? The Governor’s Palace is the original home of the Royal Governor. It was constructed in 177, but it burned down to the foundations and was replaced in 1934 with a replica. It was Williamburg’s social hub, popular for balls and gala dinners, and following the Revolution, home to Virginia’s first two governors.
Why Do It? A tour will bring a look at the elegantly appointed rooms, which include a display of period swords and firearms.
Good to Know: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore outdoors too, which includes terraced formal gardens with a hedge maze. Peek into the kitchen and scullery, and you can watch as period foods are prepared.
Learn About 18th-Century Trades From Skilled Artisans
What is It? In Colonial Williamsburg, you can even watch tradespeople who use real 18th-century techniques and tools in their crafts, some of which have been around since the start of civilization.
Why Do It? This is one of the only places where you can truly experience America’s earliest years and even meet the people who help to build the country.
Good to Know: The skilled artisans that you’ll get to know are actual apprentices, journeymen, and masters. They’ll even allow you to get hands-on and experience each trade, including everything from blacksmithing and brickmaking to farming, weaving, shoemaking, and much more.
Visit the George Wythe House
What is It? The George Wythe House is considered to be Williamburg’s finest private home, built for prominent attorney George Wythe in the 18th century. Wythe was one of the most influential men of the Revolutionary era. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a mentor to Thomas Jefferson, along with other Virginia patriots and leaders.
Why Do It? It’s another opportunity to get a firsthand look at life during 18th century Williamsburg, with the home furnished and decorated in period pieces.
Good to Know: Along with the house are outbuildings, including a kitchen, smokehouse, dovecote, and stable, as well as lovely formal gardens.
Pick Up a Piece of History in Merchants Square
What is It? Merchants Square is the place to go to pick up unique historical items like locally-made waistcoats, caps, straw hats, petticoats, and more.
Why Do It? It’s an opportunity to bring a slice of historic Colonial Williamsburg home.
Good to Know: In addition to historical items, there is a wide range of souvenirs and other products with the Colonial Williamsburg logo on them.
Experience Thrills and Much More at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
What is It? Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a combination amusement park with thrill rides, an entertainment venue, and a zoo.
Why Do It? If you’re a parent who wants to show the kids a good time, perhaps a break in between all the history, or you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy here. You can even hop aboard a historic Loch Ness Monster roller coaster. All the rides have themes, like a water ride through the ruins of Pompeii and the Turkish delight with spinning tea cups, while the Alpengiest is one of the fastest and tallest coasters in the world, with speeds of up to 67 miles per hour. You can also enjoy close encounters with many animals, including exotic birds, Clydesdale horses, and wolves. You can even marvel at the border collies that herd sheep in the Highland Stables.
Good to Know: Families with tinier tots won’t want to miss Sesame Street Forest of Fun or the Land of the Dragons.
Paddle Through York River State Park
What is It? One of the top 10 parks in the entire state, York River State Park is a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve known for its estuarine environment that includes an abundance of plant species and marine life, Native American and Colonial artifacts, and even fossil beds.
Why Do It? You can learn more about the use, preservation, and history of York River and the Visitor Center as well as enjoy a variety of outdoor activities with over 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding trails. This is one of the top spots in the area for paddling too.
Good to Know: Canoes, tandem, and solo kayaks are available for rent if you don’t have your own vessel.
Get Your Art Fix
What is It? Art lovers can check out two excellent museums that share one building. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery displays British and American decorate arts dating from the 17th through 19th centuries, while the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is one of the most extensive collections of American folk art with sculptures, paintings, and more created by skilled self-trained craftsmen and artists.
Why Do It? There’s so much to see for anyone who appreciates art, it’s a place truly not-to-be-missed.
Good to Know: There are actually three museums in the building, with a living history museum in addition to the art institutions. While the building the museums are housed in is connected to Colonial Williamsburg, it isn’t part of the Revolutionary City historic area.
Jamestown Settlement
What is It? The Jamestown Settlement is the site where the English made their very first long-term settlement close to what is now Williamsburg. It was a major milestone towards establishing a new land for settlers. Today, it’s a recreation of the settlement where visitors can learn more about American history.
Why Do It? One of the most fascinating places to visit for history buffs, in the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center you’ll find an exhibit with over 1,000 artifacts that were discovered right here since excavations began, along with exhibits revealing the site’s history dating back to prehistoric times. In the Archaearium, which focuses on archaeology, there are more than 4,000 artifacts.
Good to Know: Tourists can explore the archaeological site, which is still active and includes over 30 different dig sites with the remains of churches, barracks, row houses, a bakery, a blacksmith shop, and wells. Mark your calendar for special events that include interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations.
Berkeley Plantation
What is It? A National Historic Landmark that’s the most historic of all the plantations that lie along the James River.
Why Do It? This was the very place where in 1619, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated, and during the Civil War when it was the headquarters of Union General McClellan where “Taps” was composed.
Good to Know: Guides in period costumes conduct tours of the mansion daily. It’s furnished with a fantastic collection of 18th-century antiques and artifacts. Self-guided tours are available as well and you can also explore the terraces with flowering gardens that lead to the James River, the Harrison family graveyard, the monuments to Taps, and the First Thanksgiving.
Take a Yorktown Sailing Charter
What is It? A two-hour sailing adventure where you can even take the help and steer the ship or just relax and enjoy the scenery while watching for osprey and dolphins while cruising along the York River.
Why Do It? Anyone with an interest in history or who yearns for the romance of the past will enjoy this family-friendly experience.
Good to Know: Book your reservations in advance for the sails that depart three times each day from the Riverwalk Landing Pier.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting at Williamsburg Winery
What is It? A critically acclaimed winery that includes several restaurants, a tasting room, and an inn.
Why Do It? Wine enthusiasts give high ratings to the Williamsburg Winery, which has been popular for nearly 35 years. There are two main tastings, including a reserve and a fine wine tasting and a reserve wine tasting, that are available for guests year-round.
Good to Know: At the restaurant, guests can enjoy delicious meals that are paired with the winery’s tasty wines.
Splash Around in Water Country USA
What is It? A Seasonal waterpark open from late May through early September with pools, including a wave pool, a floating river, and 15 different slides with heart-pounding options and more gentle rides for little ones along with areas for relaxing.
Why Do It? It’s a fun spot for the entire family that provides a cool respite from summer’s heat.
Good to Know: There are multiple dining venues throughout the park, but you can also bring your own food with picnic tables near the entrance.
