10 Nature & Parks in Greater Williamsburg That You Shouldn't Miss

August 31, 2021 Toi Mattera

Discover the best top things to do in Greater Williamsburg, United States including Colonial National Historic Park, Veterans Park, Colonial National Historical Park, Freedom Park, York River State Park, Waller Mill Park, Greensprings Greenway Interpretative Trail, Yorktown Beach, Eco Discovery Park, Redoubt Park.
Restaurants in Greater Williamsburg

1. Colonial National Historic Park

1368 Colonial Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23081-0001 +1 757-898-2410 http://www.nps.gov/colo
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Colonial National Historic Park

Reviewed By cfuller603 - Washington DC, United States

The Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown, with a turnoff at Colonial Williamsburg. It's a lovely drive with interpretive signs along the way. Best way to do it would be to go from Jamestown to Yorktown, after driving the 3 mile interpretive circuit at Historic Jamestowne. Lovely drive with different scenery between the rivers and through the land where the colonists farmed.

2. Veterans Park

3793 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188-2513 http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Mid-County-Park-Kidsburg-18
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Veterans Park

Reviewed By christinelI6142OC - Wake Forest, United States

Just happened to see this playground/park from the road as we were leaving Jamestown Settlement to find a late lunch for my family of five. We decided to bring our lunch back to this park to picnic and play for a bit. Turned out it was just what my kids needed after a morning of history immersion (kids are ages 11, 9, and 2). They were able to blow off some steam and just have fun. This colonial Jamestown-themed playground is better than the pictures the reviews portray! We were there on a slightly rainy day when there was a break in the rain. The ground is synthetic so it wasn’t wet nor muddy. The only wet items were the slides. There is a separate area for the two main age groups (2-5, 5-12) and it is definitely the best varied outdoor play area for the younger group we’ve experienced. My 2 year old is usually left out when it comes to playgrounds but this one had no end of climbing structures, slides, toddler swings, even upright swings with special harnesses for them (out be the big kid swings), and barrels and canoes to keep with the Jamestown theme. The play structure for the older ones is similar to what you’d expect but has a few ‘extras’ such as a ship, tunnels, and off to the side is a zip line. There are also plenty of swings. Outside of the playground is a very large grassy field, perfect for walking a dog. This was such a great find!

3. Colonial National Historical Park

1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-898-2410 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/colo/index.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Colonial National Historical Park

An area of southeast Virginia where the following major historical sites/towns are linked by a 23-mile road: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

Reviewed By JohnLesko - Manassas, United States

We had a marvelous weekend getaway visiting Williamsburg during this pandemic season. We kept our distance, wore masks, washed our hands often, and walked up and down DOG street while walking out dog.

4. Freedom Park

5535 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188-7346 +1 757-259-3200 parks&[email protected] http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Freedom-Park-7
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Freedom Park

Reviewed By marydN9041UB - Salem, United States

The botanical garden is incredible. No admission to walk through this beautiful place. Parking nearby and walk about 100 yards on a paved path to the garden and cemetery. Gated to discourage the bunnies and others from munching as you enter a magical space of fairy garden, succulent spaces, wild flowers and therapy garden. Even more as the blooms are amazing as they attract the butterflies and birds. Benches are available to sit and rest throughout, the stroll through the pebble lined spaces to pavers to soil paths is amazing. The garden care takers must be proud of their creation. Roses, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, wild sunflowers, wild onions and more make you think of the magical world of Dr Seuss. The small water feature is cute as goldfish are present, the butterfly bench is perfect for a photo opportunity. Don’t miss visiting this space if you have the time. A well kept secret for nature lovers.

5. York River State Park

5526 Riverview Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188-6731 +1 757-566-3036 [email protected] http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/yor.shtml
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

York River State Park

Reviewed By 574jimc - Gloucester, United States

Took the dog with us...a great Monday afternoon together...perfect weather...we walked the trails down to Fossil Beach...enjoyed the fresh COVID free air, the sights and smells of nature! Lots of mushrooms growing alongside the trails. Well worth the visit! Restrooms were clean and sanitary as well!

6. Waller Mill Park

901 Airport Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 +1 757-259-3778 [email protected] http://www.williamsburgva.gov/rec
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 156 reviews

Waller Mill Park

Waller Mill Park is a 2,705-acre park is situated around a reservoir that was opened to the public in July 1972. The 360-acre lake is open for fishing, boating, pedal boating, canoeing and kayaking with a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake. Numerous picnic tables, picnic shelters, play fields, and playground equipment are nestled among the trees providing a scenic picnic area. Features: • Boat Rentals (kayak, canoe, pedal boats, jon boats) • Hiking Trails (wooded & asphalt) • Disc Golf Course • Picnic Shelters (4 to rent for events) • Dog Park • Playground Equipment • Boat Ramp • Kayak Ramp • Fishing Piers • Ball fields • Restrooms • Boathouse Store

Reviewed By H8809PPdaveg

We did a 1.5 mile hike. Simply beautiful park. Well maintained trail. Lots of trees marked with information about the trees. Made us appreciate the diversity in the park. A lovely day.

7. Greensprings Greenway Interpretative Trail

3751 John Tyler Hwy Parking and trailhead is behind Jamestown High School, Williamsburg, VA 23185-2420 +1 757-259-5360 http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Greensprings-Interpretive-Trail-48
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Greensprings Greenway Interpretative Trail

Reviewed By H8809PPdaveg

Several miles of walking trails combined with miles of bike trails. Saw plenty of wildlife in the wetlands - squirrels (of course), birds, deer, and these turkey vultures. Off the beaten path. And don't be confused by the address (like we were). The parking lot is just past Jamestown High School on Eagle Way.

8. Yorktown Beach

425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-890-3500 [email protected] http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/YorktownBeach/
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 435 reviews

Yorktown Beach

Reviewed By DannyWasserman - Virginia Beach, United States

Excellent Small beach overlooking the York River !! There is a small community beach for fishing , walking, beaching, or just taking in the sights and sounds of the crashing beach. It is near the Coleman Bridge and there are shoppes to peruse and enjoy the local vibe.

9. Eco Discovery Park

2054 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185-7911 +1 757-565-3699 [email protected] http://ecodiscoverypark.org
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Eco Discovery Park

Eco Discovery Park is your year-round destination for bike and kayak rentals. Bike or paddle areas where America’s founders once traveled; from Jamestown to Williamsburg and areas in between.We are located across from Jamestown Settlement and offer bike and kayak rentals, a full-service marina and a marina store stocked with cold beverages, snacks, ice cream, bait, tackle and boat supplies.Our close proximity to the Virginia Capital Trail and Jamestown Island make us the perfect location for a leisurely bike ride. If a longer mileage ride is your cup of tea, we have opportunities for you also. Take a ride on the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown and back —your chance for a long bike ride along the scenic York River. The cycling opportunities in our area are endless!If you prefer a quiet paddle along the historic Powhatan Creek, we are your kayak rental destination. Paddle the waterway where Captain John Smith and others traveled as they settled on Jamestown Island. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you view the many birds native to our area. Experience the natural beauty that surround Jamestown; explore by land or water; enjoy eagles, ospreys and herons in their natural habitat.

10. Redoubt Park

510 Quarterpath Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 +1 757-259-3760 [email protected] http://www.williamsburgva.gov/rec
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Redoubt Park

Redoubt Park, located on Quarterpath Road, was dedicated on May 5, 2007 to celebrate the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Williamsburg. The two redoubts, #1 and #2, preserved in Redoubt Park, were built by soldiers and slaves to guard Quarterpath Road and the right flank of the Williamsburg Line overlooking Tutters’ Mill Pond. On May 5, 1862, the Williamsburg Line was the scene of a battle with over 3800 Union and Confederate casualties. This inconclusive engagement left the Union in control of the Virginia Peninsula. These fortifications remain a stark tribute to those who served, defining America’s future.

Reviewed By johnr1812

Redoubt Park is a part of the Peninsula Campaign General McCelland made during 1863. A great stop for Civil War buffs. Typical of the many redoubts built by the Confederates during the campaign one can get a clear idea of what conditions and life were like for the combatants. Unfortunately, this is one of the very few redoubts that remain in near original condition. Many you have to imagine what existed over 150 years ago. But this is an excellent example.

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