Location: Williamsburg
Top Things to do in Williamsburg
Top 10 Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia (VA)
Want a vacation full of thrills, adventure, fun and romance? Greater Williamsburg has just the thing — from the wild rides at Busch Gardens to the incredible living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg. Travelers can also set sail on the York River, and hike or bike their way through the area’s many trails. For quieter times, Riverwalk Landing offers no shortage of opportunities to indulge in culinary delights and premium shopping.
Restaurants in Williamsburg
1. Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 663 reviews
Reviewed By kellydM575DY
A short (15ish minute) ferry ride across the James River affords a unique, from the water view of the Jamestown settlement much as it must have looked to settlers to the new world.
2. Historic Jamestowne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,335 reviews
Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.
Reviewed By Seabiscuit47 - Washington DC, United States
This was a pleasant and educational surprise. It is well worth the short walk from the visitor center to the ruins, archeological dig and museum. The interpretive introduction by the volunteer, in character as John Rolfe was both fascinating and humorous. The archeology museum is a wonderful source of artifacts and reconstruction of 17th century life in the settlement. The small restaurant onsite serve nice sandwiches/wraps and has a patio on the banks of the river.
3. Colonial Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,204 reviews
Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.
Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States
We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!
4. Water Country USA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,457 reviews
Keeping cool during a summer packed with thrills is easy at Water Country USA®. Virginia's largest water park offers fun for the entire family with resort-style amenities and more than 40 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions. Experience a rush aboard Colossal Curl™, the park’s first family thrill ride and the first of its kind in North America. Unwind and relax on a journey down the park’s lazy river or catch a wave at the Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool. Little ones can have a “splashtastic” good time in one of the park’s KIDsiderate® play areas designed just for them. Water Country USA also offers swim lessons and classes to help guests stay safe and feel confident in the water. With something for everyone, Water Country USA is hot destination for a cool summer.
Reviewed By bwat - Raleigh, United States
This was our first visit to Water Country USA and we had a blast! They do a great job of keeping the park clean and beautiful. They also did a great job of having a variety of activities in a spot for all ages and thrill levels. If you have a variety of ages in your group, there is just about something for everyone within close proximity. We were only there from about noon until 7 PM and did not get to do everything. We will definitely be back!
5. Governor's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,486 reviews
The luxurious palace of the loyalist governor, complete with meticulously replicated late 18th century furnishings.
Reviewed By 857jillk - Hermon, United States
We recently spent a full day at CW and started off our day with the Governor's Mansion tour. I would highly recommend this, it was a great tour, very interesting, and they give you a lot of information that you can relate back to in subsequent tours in other areas of the park. It took about 20 minutes and it is all air conditioned. Unfortunately we went on a Sunday so the kitchen was closed.
6. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,696 reviews
Take your family to a place where fun comes naturally, Williamsburg, Virginia, home to Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA. Challenge one of Busch Gardens’ seven world-class coasters or discover family fun playing at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park, is just three miles west of Busch Gardens and features state-of-the-art water rides and resort-style amenities. Guests are in for an epic journey on the park’s wildest family thrill slide, Colossal Curl™. True to its name, this mega water slide will deliver a high-adrenaline, family-friendly, action-packed adventure.
Reviewed By AshleighC405 - LaVale, United States
I loved every minute of Christmas Town, I was in awe the moment I walked into England, it felt like I actually was in the United Kingdom, it was designed so nicely and what made me in even more awe was seeing some of the staff dressed like the 1800's England and caroler's were walking around the area and were friendly, although while walking by I don't think I ever heard them sing, but they looked like they were enjoying their job. This is the first time in 20 years that I've been to Busch Gardens and I did not remember a thing when I was little, so this trip felt like it was the very first time. I loved that you can see some of the animals during Christmas Town. The animals you get to see are the baby Clydesdale's, Bald Eagles and Wolves. I loved how there were themed area's to different European countries and the buildings were accurate replica's of these different countries. While still on that subject, for Christmas Town they were decorated to how each country would decorate/celebrate which was really neat and Germany had a very nice touch with most of the songs playing over the speakers were Christmas Carols sung in German! The park is very clean and the staff are very nice and friendly as well. Loved that 2 roller coasters were opened the weekend I was there. Those were Verbolten and Invadr. I loved all the theming of Verbolten, it was themed almost like something at Universal or Disney. I loved every second of Verbolten!!! The crowds at the park weren't too bad and lines moved quickly. The best things to do to see the lights are to ride Aeronaut Skyride (an aerial view of the lights), Nacht Tower aka Mach Tower (Another aerial view) and the Christmas Town Express train! I highly recommend Christmas Town Express, so many lights it was amazing! There's also a synchronized light show there called O' Tannenbaum in Oktoberfest section right in front of the Festhaus. The only con was there weren't many places for food opened, but other than that it was an amazing time at Christmas Town and plan to come back sometime in spring or summer so I can make a review of the park again. Oh, one more thing the park is beautiful at Christmas Time!
7. Jamestown Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,238 reviews
Reviewed By ItineraryLady - Montclair, United States
Extensive indoor museum with tons of displays and information, as well as a recreation of an Indian village, Jamestown fort, and the three ships that carried the English to Jamestown. Glad we visited. ps - the giftshop prices are loads better than those at Colonial Williamsburg, so while the selection is not quite as extensive, you might want to go here first before buying anything at CW.
8. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
19th-century folk household objects (toys, kitchenware, paintings, furniture, etc.) are on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Reviewed By I4669MGjohnn - Jamestown, United States
Folk art ain't Fine art. It was created by common people for use by common people. This eclectic collection puts the fun into art. The portrait art gallery gives lessons thru placards, on why most portraits follow a certain patterns, i.e. - why no one smiles, why clothes all look alike. Another gallery displays iron work like fireplace screens, stoves etc. and displays how iron works were created. Other galleries include handmade German toys, weather vanes, early advertising signs, a room with painted decorative features painted on the walls instead of wallpaper, a Navajo rug exhibit, and sailing ship portraits. I found this museum a wonderful learning experience. This museum is one part of the Art Museums of Williamsburg. The other museums are the Decorative Art Museum and the Public Hospital Museum. The museum is entered through the Public Hospital where you then crossover to another building that houses the Folk Art museum. On the lower level is a collection of firearms used by troops from both sides of the American Revolution, a fire pump used in colonial times, harpsichord and grand piano and a display of the creation and purpose of coffee houses. A small cafe is available and there is also a fine gift shop. The museum is undergoing a massive reconstruction and many of the galleries are closed. What remains is still worth the visit. Admission is included in the price of the Colonial Williamsburg tour package or can be purchased for $14.99 onsite to see only the three museums. See colonial fork art at its finest.
9. Jamestown Glasshouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 651 reviews
Reviewed By KG6MC - Greenville, United States
One of the highlights of our trip, The glasshouse opens early (8:30 AM) and it is fascinating to watch the glass makers in period costumes make reproductions of historical objects for sale in the attached Gift Shop. We found the articles quite reasonably priced for what they were.
10. Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
A successful, stress-free visit begins at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. Our friendly staff will help you purchase Colonial Williamsburg tickets, redeem online tickets, and find information on current events and activities. Whether you have an itinerary of your own or need help starting one, we’ll steer you in the right direction.
Reviewed By 18marilyn - Weare, United States
Free parking, buy tickets or just walk to Colonial Williamsburg to tour the streets without entering the buildings.
