Williamsburg, VA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Development Counsellors International
Photo provided by Development Counsellors International
Photo provided by Development Counsellors International
Photo provided by Development Counsellors International
Williamsburg which includes a garden

This historic town is filled with scenic hiking and biking trails, but is best known as the home of Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living museum in America.

At Williamsburg, see history recreated at a 301 acre (121 hectare) village with historically furnished buildings and costumed interpreters. Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living history museum in America. Step back in time at this fully operational 18th-century city. Trace the historic footsteps of people such as first president George Washington, military strategist Benedict Arnold and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.Visit the Colonial Williamsburg Resort to shop for gifts or souvenirs, including reproduction flatware and furniture from the 18th century. Enjoy a round of golf on the resort’s course or relax with a pampering treatment at the spa. For couples seeking a romantic excursion or families looking to rest their legs, take a leisurely tour by horse-drawn carriage. Sit back and relax while learning about the Revolutionary City from a Colonial Williamsburg “citizen” who will serve as your guide. There is an admission fee to enter Colonial Williamsburg, which is open 365 days a year. Some features within the village, such as the guided tours, are included with your admission ticket.While many visit Williamsburg to learn about the past, you’ll find many other attractions and activities as well. There are dozens of hiking trails in and around the city. Visit Freedom Park and hike through the 600-acre (243-hectare) preserve passing through historic sites, forests, creeks and open green space. For a more challenging workout, head to the 52-mile (84-kilometer) paved Virginia Capital Trail. Walk, jog or cycle this scenic path across the Virginia landscape.Just outside the city is Busch Gardens, a theme park with thrill rides, animal exhibits and shows. Ride the roller coasters, which include Griffon, with its 205-foot (62-meter), 90-degree free fall. View the mysterious gray wolf at the Wolf Valley exhibit and see exotic animals at Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve. Williamsburg Area Transport (WAT) runs trolley and bus services that stop at the city’s attractions, including Busch Gardens. There is a shuttle bus service in the Colonial Williamsburg village.

Where to stay in Williamsburg

Governor\'s Palace featuring an administrative buidling, a park and heritage elements

Colonial Williamsburg

If you're spending some time in Colonial Williamsburg, Governor's Palace and Golden Horseshoe Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Colonial Williamsburg
Default Image

Kingsmill

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

While visiting Kingsmill, you might make a stop by sights like Kingsmill Plantation Golf Course and Colonial National Historical Park.

Kingsmill
Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

3.5 out of 5
3601 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA
$109 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$124 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf resort in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,894 reviews)
"I would love to come back anytime this my place right here"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

3 out of 5
105 Visitors Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA
$148 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$168 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Williamsburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our one night stay and the staff were all fantastic. Breakfast has limited seating so be sure to get there early. Internet/wifi was spotty but was possibly due to stormy weather in the area."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
Vacation Village At Williamsburg

Vacation Village At Williamsburg

3 out of 5
4870 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA
$102 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
$117 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,575 reviews)
"Although we only stayed one night, we hope to spend more time there in the future. For our family of four, this setup was perfect.with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as the kitchen, dining and living rooms. We also liked that it is close to a grocery store and the outlet mall. Next ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Vacation Village At Williamsburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker

King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker

4 out of 5
191 Cottage Cove Lane, Williamsburg, VA
Stay at this 4-star condo in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (70 reviews)
Great location but the experience was lacking.
"We didn’t realize when we booked that this is a time share, as soon as you check in they want you to book a tour (90 minutes). We politely declined but the clerk pushed and pushed and her nice went to rude. We booked a 2 bedroom townhouse, either they switched our room or they call a condo a townhouse ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

King’s Creek Resort by Spinnaker
Anvil Campground

Anvil Campground

2.5 out of 5
5243 Mooretown Road, Williamsburg, VA
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Williamsburg Premium Outlets ...
8/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
"We stayed this past week with our two dogs, and it was a wonderful family vacation. We stayed in the Blacksmith Cottage, which was fully-furnished with everything we needed. The kitchen was clean and well-stocked with pots and pans, and the oven and fridge were great to have. The bathroom was clean ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Anvil Campground
Kings Creek Plantation by TripForth

Kings Creek Plantation by TripForth

3.5 out of 5
191 Cottage Cove Lane, Williamsburg, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
"This was probably the best property that I've stayed at, maybe ever. I had a family of 8 and the two apartments that we shared were perfect. I will be staying here again"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Kings Creek Plantation by TripForth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Williamsburg

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to getting around Williamsburg. An extensive public bus network connects the center with the suburbs, while Colonial Williamsburg operates a shuttle service for ticket holders between its Visitor Center and nearby hotels and attractions. The Williamsburg Trolley, a vintage streetcar, is another great way to get between popular tourist areas. Visit the Williamsburg Area Transit AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Williamsburg rental cars.

Best time to visit

The busiest time of year in Williamsburg is the summer, when temperatures reach an average high in the mid 80s F (low 30s C), although it can be quite humid at this time of year. For more pleasant weather, smaller crowds and cheaper hotels, visit in spring or fall. Winter is also a good time to visit, as it is not too cold but the town gets into the festive spirit in the lead up to Christmas.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Williamsburg