Williamsburg travel guide
Williamsburg Tourism | Williamsburg Guide
You're Going to Love Williamsburg
One of the largest cities in 17th-century Virginia, Williamsburg has been preserved like nowhere else on the Eastern Seaboard. On top of the historical appeal, it's also a lively college town, so what's not to love?
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Williamsburg
1. It's a Remarkable Exhibit of Living History
Williamsburg was Virginia's capital before the American Revolution, and visitors can still wander streets from before the USA even existed. Head to Colonial Williamsburg, where 88 historic buildings and fascinating tours bring history to life.
2. Visit the College of William and Mary
Dating back to 1693, William and Mary is only younger than Harvard. Tour its stunning Sunken Garden and see where Thomas Jefferson studied, gaining inspiration that helped to create a country.
3. Learn about History at Nearby Plantations
Just outside Williamsburg you'll find a clutch of plantations like Chippokes and Berkeley - all of which provide guided tours.
4. See the Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown was a crucial War of Independence battle site, seeing the final defeat of the British. Today, guided tours bring that history-changing day in 1781 to life.
5. Spend the Day at Busch Gardens
If history becomes tiresome, there are the rollercoasters, swinging ships, and bumper cars of Busch Gardens to enjoy as well.
What to do in Williamsburg
1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time
Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.
2. Governor's Palace: Experience Ageless Elegance
Governor's Palace is one of the main centers of interest in Williamsburg. It was originally built from 1706 onwards and was reconstructed in the 1930s. Find out how the Governor lived as you take a tour around the beautiful palace. Engage your eyes with some mind-blowing beauty and be swept away by the glorious architecture and top-notch design. Each ground has a pleasant surprise that will leave you in awe. See the attractive artifacts and let royal splendor blow you away.
3. Busch Gardens: Pure Fun Experience
Located in James City County, Virginia, Busch Gardens is a theme park that promises endless fun. Feel the adrenaline rush in you as you take a ride on the thrill coasters and interact with the tame animals. Be entertained by some inspiring shows and indulge in a world-class dining experience. Watch as the place comes to life as fantastic lighting turns the park into a lighted wonder at night.
4. College of William and Mary: Where Education and Entertainment Intertwine
Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg. It's the second oldest college in America, and thanks to its great location, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and so much more from here. Get a feel of the colonial era as you enjoy the serene environment. Savor great cuisine in one of the many restaurants located in and around the college.
5. Muscarelle Museum of Art: Ignite your Artistic Flame
Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum within the College of William and Mary campus. Discover your creative side as you tour the excellent exhibits, broaden your knowledge on the various forms of art, engage the friendly guide in a series of questions and learn more from the clear and detailed wall texts. Discover some intriguing mysteries of art and draw inspiration from the beautiful pieces displayed.
1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time
Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.
2. Governor's Palace: Experience Ageless Elegance
Governor's Palace is one of the main centers of interest in Williamsburg. It was originally built from 1706 onwards and was reconstructed in the 1930s. Find out how the Governor lived as you take a tour around the beautiful palace. Engage your eyes with some mind-blowing beauty and be swept away by the glorious architecture and top-notch design. Each ground has a pleasant surprise that will leave you in awe. See the attractive artifacts and let royal splendor blow you away.
3. Busch Gardens: Pure Fun Experience
Located in James City County, Virginia, Busch Gardens is a theme park that promises endless fun. Feel the adrenaline rush in you as you take a ride on the thrill coasters and interact with the tame animals. Be entertained by some inspiring shows and indulge in a world-class dining experience. Watch as the place comes to life as fantastic lighting turns the park into a lighted wonder at night.
4. College of William and Mary: Where Education and Entertainment Intertwine
Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg. It's the second oldest college in America, and thanks to its great location, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and so much more from here. Get a feel of the colonial era as you enjoy the serene environment. Savor great cuisine in one of the many restaurants located in and around the college.
5. Muscarelle Museum of Art: Ignite your Artistic Flame
Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum within the College of William and Mary campus. Discover your creative side as you tour the excellent exhibits, broaden your knowledge on the various forms of art, engage the friendly guide in a series of questions and learn more from the clear and detailed wall texts. Discover some intriguing mysteries of art and draw inspiration from the beautiful pieces displayed.
1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time
Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.
Where to Eat in Williamsburg
For a great atmosphere in historic surroundings, head to the King's Arms Tavern, where old-style American cuisine reigns supreme. Alternatively, give Fat Canary a try. It's the finest gourmet eatery in town. Meals will come to at least $25 in both places.
When to visit Williamsburg
Early to mid-spring is probably ideal, with warm weather, beautiful blooms, and attractions like Busch Gardens opening up on a daily basis.
How to Get to Williamsburg
Plane
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) has plenty of domestic connections. From there, a taxi will cost about $60.
Train
Amtrak runs direct trains from New York City, Philadelphia, and Richmond into Williamsburg.
Car
I-95 runs north and south along the Eastern Seaboard. To get to Williamsburg, just take I-64 at Richmond.
Bus
Greyhound runs a daily service into Williamsburg Bus Station. It costs around $13 to travel from Richmond.
Airlines serving Williamsburg
Where to stay in Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg - first settled in 1632, Williamsburg became Virginia's main city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Astonishingly, most of it survived in Colonial Williamsburg.
Popular Neighborhoods in Williamsburg
Downtown Williamsburg - the core of the modern city is a thriving commercial center and hosts William and Mary, still one of the country's leading higher education institutions.
Grove - just south of the city, Grove is where you'll find Busch Gardens as well as Woods Golf Course.
Where to stay in popular areas of Williamsburg
Most booked hotels in Williamsburg
How to Get Around Williamsburg
Public Transportation
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) runs buses across the city. A standard fare is $1.50.
Taxi
There are no mandated taxi rates in Williamsburg. However, Uber XL charges a meter drop of $1.25 followed by $1.20 per mile. Most companies will be slightly more expensive than that.
Car
Rental outlets include Enterprise and Hertz. Packages can be found for as little as $20 per day.
The Cost of Living in Williamsburg
Shopping Streets
Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg is a good place to head for gifts, with boutiques like J. Fenton, Binns, and the Everything Williamsburg souvenir store.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in central Williamsburg include Farm Fresh and Aldi. As an indication, 12 eggs will cost around $2.40.