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
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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
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Lightfoot

Shopping, gardens, and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Lightfoot. Make a stop by Williamsburg Pavilion Shops Shopping Center or Swing Kingz while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Lightfoot
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Norge

The restaurants and gardens are a few reasons travelers visit Norge. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Go-Karts Plus and Williamsburg Pavilion Shops Shopping Center, a few notable attractions nearby.

Norge
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Downtown Williamsburg

If you're spending some time in Downtown Williamsburg, Merchants Square and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Williamsburg
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West Williamsburg Heights

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Williamsburg Heights and surrounding area, you can visit Merchants Square and Governor's Palace.

West Williamsburg Heights
Vacation Village At Williamsburg

Vacation Village At Williamsburg

3 out of 5
4870 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA
$107 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$122 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with 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! (1,878 reviews)
It was disappointing that the sheets for the pull out sofa were missing from the room when we discovered it late at night trying to go to bed.

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025

Vacation Village At Williamsburg
Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

3.5 out of 5
3601 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA
$92 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$105 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,178 reviews)
I was upgraded and the unit had a nice view of the lake.

Reviewed on Oct 27, 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
$128 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$145 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with 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! (1,602 reviews)
I appreciated the thoughtfulness of a few gluten free breakfast items. I would like to see more options

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
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

4.5 out of 5
191 Cottage Cove Lane, Williamsburg, VA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (104 reviews)
The resort was really nice, staff was very friendly and helpful. This was our first time staying on the resort and we really enjoyed it. The only thing that really bothered me is our newbies in the bottom were really loud and didn’t care to be quiet. After a long day at Busch gardens we just wanted ...

Reviewed on Oct 25, 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)
Clean cabin and nice staff members. I didn't like that we didn't have the pillows and the comforters ( but got informed about it before the trip ). Our cabin was by the railway so it was super loud, I couldn't sleep. The bathroom is not connected to the cabin ( and I also knew about it before coming ...

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Anvil Campground
American Heritage RV Park

American Heritage RV Park

2.5 out of 5
146 Maxton Lane, 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
Property was clean and office staff were great. We had issue where we booked thru Expedia for a two room cabin however somewhere there was a mix up and we ended up having to take the cottage. The cottage was fine overall, bathroom was small. It was raining so once we moved into the cottage when we ...

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

American Heritage RV Park
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

Reviews of Williamsburg

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1804
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
1110
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
163
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love Williamsburg and always will but will pick a better spot for my family to stay at next time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This really is beautiful country and the majority of the people here are welcoming and friendly..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Every attraction was closed due to Covid-19

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Check out the two distilleries. They are unique and fun to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We toured Jamestown Island & Yorktown visitors' center. Busch Gardens was closed. We didn't have time to get tickets for Colonial Williamsburg. We spent time visiting family.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great dining options. We felt the Historic area docents were more geared to students. Not a whole lot going on when we were there but I guess it wasn’t season

Cities near Williamsburg

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