15 Top Attractions and Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA (2023)

Colonial Williamsburg, one of America's most well-known living historic cities, is not a reproduction or group of buildings collected from other locations. Thewas the capital of the Virginia colony(and later the state of Virginia) from 1705 to 1779 and today recreates those times in their original locations, often in the original buildings. Others are carefully remodeled or restored to their original locations.

But Williamsburg isn't just for history buffs, it's not about the colonial era and the revolution either. Attractions and activities include two excellent art museums, a large theme park and a water park.

Even if you don't come to Williamsburg for its history, you'll enjoy walking around the restored area, where you'll meet people in 18th-century attire and engage in everyday life more than two centuries ago.

Discover exciting things to do with our list of top Williamsburg attractions.

Also see:Where to stay in Williamsburg

1. Colonial Williamsburg: Revolutionary City

Set against a backdrop of more than 100 original and reconstructed 17th-century buildings, costumed performers recreate the excitement of the era leading up to and during the American Revolution in a thriving colonial capital.

In addition to the everyday life of artisans, shopkeepers and villagers, there are daily re-enactments of militia drills, trials, political gatherings and other activities, many of which take place outdoors. Others are beautifulmain building, which for 80 years was the political center of Virginia, one of England's largest and wealthiest colonies.

There are also candlelit tours, carriage rides, and tours for special interests like gardens (there are over 100 of these in Colonial Williamsburg). Be sure to check the daily schedule to find the activities and tours that interest you, as some are not often repeated.

As long as you can walkHerzog von Gloucester Streetthrough the center of the restored zone, eating at the taverns and visiting the shops, none of the historic buildings or gardens can be entered without a ticket, and even the street may be closed to ticket holders for one of the many costume parades and celebration-edicts.

Tourists can secure tickets atAdvance payment,Granted access to all Colonial Williamsburg museums, including historic sitesgovernor's palace, re-enactments and other attractions.

Adresse: 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

2. Governorspalast

The original royal governor's house was completed in 1722 but burned to the ground and was replaced by a replica in 1934. The Governor's Palace was the social center of Williamsburg, host to gala dinners and balls, and was built to impress the places with authentic authority. After the Revolution, it was home to Virginia's first two governors.

Inside, along with the beautifully decorated rooms, you will see an exhibition of firearms and swords from the period. Outside, explore the formal terraced gardens, which include a maze of hedges, and a peek into the kitchen and scullery allows you to watch seasonal food being prepared.

3. George-Wythe-Haus

The finest private residence in Williamsburg, the George Wythe House was built for a prominent lawyer in the mid-18th century. Today it is decorated and furnished with period pieces so you can see what life was like in 17th Century Williamsburg.

George Wythe was one of the most enlightened and influential men of the Revolutionary era, a mentor to Thomas Jefferson and other Virginia patriots and leaders. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. But the house's remarkable history doesn't end there.

It was General George Washington's headquarters before the British siege of Yorktown and French General Rochambeau's headquarters after the victory at Yorktown. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson and his family stayed here while he was a delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. Along with the house are outbuildings which include a kitchen, smokehouse, dovecote and stables and beautiful formal gardens.

4. Dine in colonial taverns

In colonial Virginia, taverns were places where locals and travelers would gather for news, food, and socializing. Some of these in Williamsburg are still active restaurants where you can get a glimpse of 18th-century social life and sample authentic dishes that Jefferson or Washington might have enjoyed here.

Tavern Raleighwas a popular social gathering place for members of the House of Commons, and was equally popularWetherburns Tavern, on the street. Balls and festivals were held in both taverns and around 200,000 artefacts were found on the Wetherburn site during the restoration.

Taverna King's Armswas opened in 1722 and provided the nobility with the finest furniture and services. Today it continues that pattern as the main dining room in the historic district with 18th-century musical entertainment.

Much more informalChownings Taverne, which first opened in 1766 and catered to a less noble clientele. Today, the restaurant maintains that spirit, serving traditional English food and hosting evening gambols with colonial games and music. George Washington's favorite wasChristiana Campbells Taverne, and you can still try Christiana's special fish dish here, like him.Paint Tavernserves a varied home-style menu in a casual atmosphere.

Some of the taverns are also considered centers of paranormal activity and feature in many of the city's ghost stories. Tourists looking for a spooky treat can grab onetwo-hour night ghost and witch tourWilliamsburg,which is led by a costumed guide who will share local legends and show you some of the city's most haunted spots.

5. Play at Busch Gardens

Whether you're a parent, a thrill seeker, or just looking for a carefree day, there's something for you at this vibrant combination of adventure park, zoo, playground, and entertainment stage. Meet the Muppets, cruise the Rhine, clap to Bavarian brass bands, ride a teacup or hop on the historic Loch Ness Monster roller coaster.

The rides have German and European themes - a water ride through the ruins of Pompeii, the Verbolten and the hair-raising 195-foot Alpengeist, one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters, with inversions at speeds of up to 67 miles per hour. Less adrenaline-pumping visitors can watch border collies herding sheep at Highland Stables, meet Clydesdales, interact with colorful exotic birds in a free-flight aviary, and learn about wolves and other predators at Wolf Haven.

Kids will love Land of the Dragons and Sesame Street Forest of Fun. To save time, tourists canBuy mobile tickets atAdvance paymentto ensure your family gets the most out of their day at the park.

Adresse: One Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:https://buschgardens.com/

6. Historic Jamestowne

The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center houses an exhibit of over 1,000 artifacts discovered at the site since excavation began, as well as exhibits that trace the history of the site since prehistoric times. The largest collection, however, is in the Archaearium, an archeology museum that houses over 4,000 artifacts.

The exhibits include descriptions of the development of the recovery process and explain what the objects tell us about the daily life of the region's indigenous people and their first European settlers. Tourists can also explore the active archaeological site, which has 33 separate dig sites including remains of terraced houses, barracks, a blacksmith shop, bakery, churches and wells.

A highlight of a visit to historic Jamestowne is theHerd. One of the first attempts at manufacturing in America was glassblowing in Jamestown, but despite access to all raw materials, the effort failed due to a lack of skilled glassblowers. Remains of the glass furnaces were discovered and today glassblowing is demonstrated in a reconstructed glassworks producing glassware as it was made in the early 17th century.

Admission includes a free walking tour led by an archaeologist or scholar. In addition to the regular tours, special tours are offered that provide an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the discoveries and techniques used.

Adresse: 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia

Official page:Historicjamestowne.org

7. Jamestown Agreement

Adjacent to historic Jamestowne on Jamestown Island, the Jamestown Settlement recreates portions of the first successful English settlement on mainland North America. Designed to bring to life the artifacts and remains found in nearby site digs, the Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum.

Attractions include a replica of the original James Fort, a Powhatan Indian village, and authentic replica colonist ships.Susan Constant, Godspeed, zdiscovery. These replicas make it easier to relate archaeological finds to the lives of the people who settled here.

Costumed interpreters demonstrate the skills needed for everyday life as a settler, and in the replica town of Paspahegh you can see how the Powhatan prepared food and made tools and clothing. The historical recreation is based on archaeological evidence, artifacts and descriptions left by the colonizers themselves.

Interpreter demonstrations and a range of interactive displays make the Jamestown development a particularly good place for families with children.

Adresse: 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:https://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/

8. DeWitt Wallace Gallery of Decorative Arts und Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum of Folk Art

Two excellent art museums share a building connected to Colonial Williamsburg but not part of the Revolutionary City historic district. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery features American and British decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Specialties include the world's largest collection of Southern United States furniture, one of the largest collections of English china outside of Britain, and an important collection of English silver.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum contains one of the most complete collections of American folk art, which includes sculpture, paintings, toys, wood carvings, embroidery, quilts, and decorative items created by untrained artists.

The fresh designs, bright colors and creative ideas that are expressed in these works show an exuberance and spontaneity that make them particularly appealing. Combo museums require a separate Revolutionary City Sights ticket.

Adresse: 325 Francis Street, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:www.geschichte.org

9. Bruton Parish Church

The parish of Bruton dates back to 1715 when it replaced an earlier smaller building. At this time, the Church of England was the established church in the American colonies, and the General Assembly paid the benches of the governor, council, and citizens. The transept cruciform design, the first in Virginia, was designed by Royal Governor Alexander Spotswood.

There are plaques on the pews with the names of the dignitaries honored there: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Madison and others. The original 1761 bell is still in use, the same one that rang in 1776 at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and in 1783 at the signing of the treaty that ended the American Revolution.

Bruton Parish is an active Episcopal church with regular services but is open to visitors at other times with volunteers to point out historical details. Check out the schedule of nightly candlelight shows; like admission to the church, concerts are free.

Adresse: 201 W Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:https://www.brutonparish.org

10. Craft Shops

Some of the most fascinating spots in Williamsburg are the many craft shops, where costumed artisans practice and demonstrate the skills required in any thriving 18th-century town. Step inside to see authentic tools, clothing, and utensils being handcrafted, and chat with artisans.

Among the most interesting are the Blacksmith Shop, the Geddy Foundry and Jewelery Shop, the Harness and Saddlemaker's Workshop, the Shoemaker's, the Gunsmith's Workshop, the Cartwright's and the Carpenter's Workshop. You can see fashion hats made in the milliner's shop; see human, goat and horse hair wigs at Wigmaker's Shop; and watch the cooper at work with casks and buckets in his shop at the Ludwell-Paradise Stable.

At Boticário you will learn how pharmacists acted as doctors, treating patients and performing surgeries.

11. Berkeley-Plantage

Berkeley, the most historic of all the plantations along the James River, has received multiple National Historic Landmark status. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated here in 1619, and Taps was composed here in 1862 when it served as Union General McClellan's headquarters during the Civil War.

Berkeley was the hometown of President William Henry Harrison. But today's tourists will remember it mostly for its beautiful Georgian architecture and rooms furnished with priceless antiques. Be sure to visit the restored boxwood terraced gardens overlooking the James River.

Endereço: 12602 Harrison Landing Road (off Rt. 5), Charles City, Virginia

12. Plantation of High Hopes

Along the restored housesHerzog von Gloucester StreetThey were the homes of the wealthiest leaders, but most Williamsburg residents didn't live like that in the 18th century. Most lived and worked on small plantations owned by non-wealthy farmers. They lived in small houses or huts; many were slaves. Great Hopes Plantation is a more recent addition meant to represent the lifestyle on one of these small family farms.

As well as replicas of their buildings, you can see rare breeds of livestock that would have known them, tour their gardens, and see demonstrations of their cooking. The interpreters are busy with everyday tasks - tending plants, caring for animals, making tools, cooking and housework - and are happy to tell about the life of the smallholders and their work.

13. College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary was founded in 1693 and is the second oldest college in the United States after Harvard. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler all took courses here. OWren buildingIt is the oldest active educational building in the United States, originally built in 1695 and rebuilt after a fire in 1732.

The first floor of the Wren building is open, and student-led tours of the campus are filled with history and stories about the college. You can tour the building where British General Cornwallis resided and watch free organ concerts in the chapel. OMuscarelle Art MuseumStage-visiting exhibitions, and sculptures can be seen throughout campus.

Adresse: 200 Stadium Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:www.wm.edu

14. Bassett Hall und Casa Brush-Everard

The 18th century home of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller was built by a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The house has been restored to how it looked in the 1930s and 1940s. A 15-minute film sets the scene, and a tour of the Rockefeller home provides insight into the family that made Colonial Williamsburg possible. Be sure to visit the extensive flower gardens.

Another fine example of one of the oldest homes in Williamsburg is thisBrush-Everard-Haus,restored to 1773 condition and authentically furnished to illustrate the life of Thomas Everard, an apprentice turned farmer and community leader. The house is particularly noted for its beautifully crafted staircase with carved stair brackets and turned balustrades. You can also see the original kitchen and smokehouse.

Adresse: 522 East Francis Street, Williamsburg, Virginia

15. Immerse yourself in Water Country USA

When the kids have had enough of restored colonial homes and antiques and the summer afternoon heat hits the adults, everyone will enjoy a visit to nearby Water Country, a water park with pirate rides and miniature golf filled with water hazards.

Visitors can cruise the Hubba Hubba Highway, which isn't quite the calm river it seems, and get wet on one of the water slides or in the wave pool. This park is affiliated with the Megaparkbush gardens, and families who want to visit both parks can use combo tickets.

Adresse: 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, Virginia

Official page:www.watercountryusa.com/en/williamsburg

Where to stay in Williamsburg for sightseeing

We recommend these convenient Williamsburg hotels near major historical attractions:

• WilliamsburgInn: This luxury hotel reflects colonial Williamsburg in its decor and spacious rooms, which are furnished with beautiful historical reproductions. After sightseeing, unwind in the spa, fitness center or indoor and outdoor pools. Bike rental is available.
• Woodlands Hotel & Suites - Colonial styleWilliamsburgLocation: Traditionally furnished rooms are in the middle price segment and the hotel offers mini golf, table tennis and an outdoor pool.
• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Williamsburg-HistorischTor: This 3-star hotel features modern decor, an indoor pool and free parking.
• Comfort Inn WilliamsburgTor: Budget rates include breakfast and there's an outdoor pool.

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Historic Virginia:History buffs have much to explore in this part of Virginia, and two great historic centers are within an hour's drive of Williamsburg. CoastalNorfolk, known for its naval base and military history, is packed with related attractions including the BattleshipWisconsin. Inner,the vibrant city of RichmondFirst a large colonial city with strong ties to the independence movement, it was later torn apart by war as the Confederacy tried to keep it out of Union hands for over five years during the Civil War.

Virginia's Neighbors:The District of Columbia sits right on the border between the states of Virginia and Maryland.Washington, D.CIt is home to some of the country's most well-known American landmarks and popular tourist attractions, from the Lincoln Memorial to the vast collections of the Smithsonian Institution. A bit further,Baltimore, MarylandIt's home to even more museums, from art to cryptology, as well as many family attractions like the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.

Romantic Getaways:One of Virginia's top travel destinations for younger couples isVirginia Beach, popular for its festive atmosphere and countless activities. Those looking for a different vacation experience might want to look further south to findRomantic getaways in North Carolina.