31 Fun Things To Do In Williamsburg VA
Williamsburg is one of the most famous cities in Virginia known for museums, famous restaurants, stuff to do in Williamsburg architecture, shopping destinations, comedy clubs, events, arts, history, Lakewood trails, and many such adventures. Out of these, I have chosen 11 best things to do in Williamsburg VA which are a must for any traveler.
Let’s look at the
What To Do In Williamsburg VA
1.Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. The employees are dressed in the way people used to dress in that era. Live re-enactments make it very interesting, you will feel as if you are living in that era.
The buildings are recreated like they were in the 18th century and the employees will talk in the same manner as people used to talk then and there will be drills and political meetings.
I enjoyed carriage rides here. You can eat in taverns and do shopping but to enter the historic buildings you need to buy a ticket.
Buy the ticket for Colonial Williamsburg
2. Bounce House And Laser TAG
The amusement center is especially for kids. It is a large inflatable playground for children and there are many games for children. They organize children’s events also. You can book it for birthdays and other special occasions also.
3. Williamsburg Ghost Tour
If you want some scary entertainment then take this interesting tour of a haunted house. Take the tour.
4. Governor’s Palace
Visiting Governor’s Palace is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg VA as it was the residence of previous royal governor’s and tourists are curious about the palace and the history attached to it though the main building was burned down in the 18th-century but outbuilding is still there and replaced by replica in the 20th century.
You get to see ballroom, firearms and swords and it will remind you of the incredible history. You can also see the kind of food including beer and chocolate that were prepared at that time in the kitchen.
Read:Parks and Beaches in Williamsburg
5. Chickahominy Riverfront Park
This community park is perfect for boating and picnicking. A lot of visitors come here for canoeing, kayaking, biking, camping, and hiking. Visit the website.
It is one of the most popular cultural heritage site. There are various monuments here. Visit the website. Visit the ED Shed to learn about the real artifacts.
6. Williamsburg Premium Outlet
It is a very big shopping complex. You can shop for all top brands like Nike, Gucci, Gap, and many more.
7.Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens is one of the most famous theme parks in the world located in James City County Williamsburg. It is about 55 miles away from Virginia Beach.
It is popular for its rollercoaster rides especially Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot. They are soon going to open another one named Pantheon.
Apart from rollercoasters river cruises attracted me the most.
The Battle Of Eire is another fun virtual reality ride I would like to mention. Also, the Verbolten ride catches the attention of all the tourists. I have to admit the Alpengeist ride was a very scary experience for me.
Busch Gardens will surely remind you of Europe because of some familiar sights of France and Italy. If you like Broadway shows there are amazing shows here.
I went to Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve to see wolves. If you are with kids Land of Dragons and Sesame Street Forest are a must-watch. There are also amazing restaurants that serve delicious food.
Special Parking areas are provided for people with disabilities. It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Williamsburg, VA with kids.
Book your tickets for the combination of Bush Garden Ticket and Country Side option
Read:
Virginia Travel Guide
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8. College Landing Park
Located in Williamsburg this park is a great place to relax and see natural beauty. Visit the park.
9. Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is another living history museum. It is known for its amazing galleries that remind of European and African culture in the 16th century.
The interpreters show how life in the 17th century was and it takes you to the past. Events like military re-enactments are a major hit among tourists.
It also has replicas of the three settlers’ ships. If you want to know more about the old tribes visit the Powhatan village. The Jamestown Settlement Cafe offers amazing food too.
Book your Tour-Americas Historic Triangle, Colonial Williamsburg Jamestown, and Yorktown
10. Colonial Parkway
This 23-mile long parkway from Yorktown to Jamestown is a great sightseeing option. There is beautiful greenery in the parkway. Visit the parkway.
11. Jamestown Glasshouse
You will come to know how the glass was made in old times.
12.Yankee Candle Village
It is known for candle fragrances and beautiful accessories.
The village is also famous for amazing desserts especially Hershey’s icecream.
You will also find personalized candles for special occasions. Some of the famous events are Berry festival in June, Spring fever in May and Bunny photos.
I bought a couple of candles and they smell really good. Visiting Yankee Candle Village was a truly satisfying experience.
Must Read: Top 5 Travel Destinations In The US
13. Freedom Park
It is a beautiful park in Williamsburg. You will see the extraordinary Williamsburg Botanical Garden here. It is a great place to do hiking, camping, and biking. Check the website.
14.Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
It is a free ferry service in James River.
15.Williamsburg Winery
Experience a huge winery with some amazing restaurants and pretty tasty wine. It is a good break from all the historical sites and a great day trip. There is a lodging facility as well.
16.Bassett Hall
It is one of the famous farmhouses in Virginia. The garden in the Bassett Hall is in Colonial Revival style. It was owned by John D. Rockefeller and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Events are organized frequently here and visitors can experience the unique collection there.
Watch this video to know about Bassett Hall
Williamsburg To Virginia Beach-4 ways
17. Go Ape Treetop Zipline And Adventure Park
It is a great place for adventure lovers. There are many adventurous games like axe throwing, treetop journey, and monkey drop to name a few. Join the journey course about rope climbs and other adventures. Visit the park.
18.Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
The kids will love 4D theater, Laserace and Catfish Cove Mini Golf. There are so many exciting things for the kids here.
19.Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
This is a great way to remember history. There are guided tours that will help you know the history. The museum is a memorable experience of the American Revolutionary War. Check the website.
20.Go-Kart Plus
Go-kart Plus is a must on the best things to do in Williamsburg VA bucket list if you are with a kid. It is so huge and spread across 7 acres.
It really helps in building family memories. Go -Kart includes bumper cars and boats, a mini-golf course and a small rollercoaster.
I really had fun on the bumper cars and it reminded me of my childhood.
21.Presidents Head
It is one of the unique things to see in Williamsburg. There are 43 President heads there which is sculpted by David Adickes, a Houston sculptor.
22.American Revolution Museum At Yorktown
This living history museum tells you about the nation’s founding and the inner galleries tell about period artifacts. You will learn about the Continental Army encampment. Also, learn about Revolution Era Farm.
23.Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is known for its fine arts from the 17th-19th century. Portrait Gallery is another highlight here.
The musical event in the Hennage Auditorium was my favorite here.
It was opened in 1985 and display furniture, paintings, prints, glass and textiles from the 17th-19th century.
24.The Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex (WISC)
If you are looking for some indoor sports visit WISC. If you like indoor rock climbing called Clip N Climb, this will give you enough excitement.
The zone is 1400 feet indoor playground and includes laser tag and laser maze.
It is a nice place to spend time with kids.
See Also
25.Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
You will see American folk art here. Visit the website.
26.Virginia Living Museum
It is a great attraction for kids. There are an aquarium, planetarium and science center. The kids will learn about 250 species of animals. There are an observatory and conservation garden as well.
27.Kings Dominion
This amusement park is a great attraction for kids. There are many rides, swings and a beautiful water park. Kids will surely enjoy Planet Snoopy. They also organize many special events.
28.Archaearium Archaeology Museum
Located in Jamestown this museum is just 15 minutes drive from Williamsburg. You will see Native American paintings and arts.
29.Water Country USA
As the name suggests Water Country USA is famous for its amazing slides and pools and is one of the Williamsburg VA major attractions. It is a refreshing change from the antique museums and history.
It also has amazing restaurants and live entertainment.
Aquazoid which is more than an 800-foot long raft slide is quite popular. Colossal Curl will give you a feeling of being stuck in a tornado wave.
Cow-A-Bunga is a group of three small slides ideal for children. Rock N Roll Island is a rock and roll themed area and will remind you of 1950-60 music is another attraction here.The other attractions are Surfer’s Bay and Vanish Point.
Book you Water Country USA Ticket
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30.Lord Botetourt
This statue is very popular in social media. It will be a great Instagram moment for you as well.
31.Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne is one of the famous cultural heritage sites in Virginia. It is an archeological site and has many secrets of the colonists.
There are various monuments here. Visit the website.
Located in Jamestown Island this place is demonstrated in detail by the staff here and you will learn a lot about the history of the colonists.
You will see the remains of the old bakery, churches and row houses.
Old Town and New Town are the important historic sites and conservation staff will give detail information about Ambler Mansion ruins and Statehouse ruins.
The famous Tercentenary monument is a major landmark here.
Other attraction include Kimball Theatre,you can watch jazz performance or some classic movies
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Few other places are Presidential Pets Museum, Eastern States Hospital, Rosewell Plantation Ruins which is 40 minutes drive from Williamsburg, and Bacon’s Castle also called Allen Brick’s House which is located in Surry, one hour drive from Williamsburg.
PLACES TO EAT IN WILLIAMSBURG VA
1.Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen
One of the best things to do in Williamsburg VA is to have a good meal at Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen. They offer a variety of food.
I had Breakfast Burrito which includes three scrambled eggs, swiss cheese, and much more stuff. I also liked sides smoked applewood bacon.
Visit Baker’s Crust
2.Craft 31
If you are looking for the best gourmet burger this is the place for you with toppings of bacon and crabcakes, it is simply delicious.
Craft beer is quite popular here.
Visit–Craft31
3.Cheese Shop-Merchant Square
It offers more than 200 types of cheese and especially famous for sandwiches. I had the renowned The Legendary Cheese Shop Sandwich.
Visit–Cheese Shop-Merchant Square
4.Dog Street Pub
Dog Street Pub is a Gastropub offers casual cuisine. I had steamed mussels and fried calamari and then Belgian waffle.
Visit–Dog Street Pub
5.Beach Bakery Cafe
Beach Baker Cafe serves amazing coffee and cakes. My favorite was blueberry muffins. Later in the day, I had chopped portobello mushroom burger
Visit–Beach Bakery Cafe
Travel Essentials
Before we travel we do some shopping for our travel needs. The best option for me is amazon.com, everything in one platform.
Accommodation
I book my hotel through Booking.com or Agoda.com
Flights
I book my tickets through Trip.com or Skyscanner.com
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers from all mishaps like illness, accidents or thefts or anything so I prefer Worlds Nomad.
Tours
Get Your Guide and Viator both give a lot of options for the tours and activities including tickets.
There were still a lot of other places left to explore but these were the best. It is an ideal place for vacation.
Let me know if you visit Williamsburg and share your thought I would love to share with my audience.
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