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 Williamsburg Pavilion Shops Shopping Center and Colonial Heritage Golf Club, a few notable attractions nearby.

Norge
Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg

3.5 out of 5
3601 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA
$89 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$102 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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! (3,090 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
Vacation Village At Williamsburg

Vacation Village At Williamsburg

3 out of 5
4870 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA
$76 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$87 total
Oct 9 - Oct 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! (1,775 reviews)
"Everything was nice except the fireplace didn’t work and I made several calls for maintenance to come and they never did."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2025

Vacation Village At Williamsburg
Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
310 S England St, Williamsburg, VA
$203 nightly
The price is $230 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$230 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Williamsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Love the spa and the outdoor pools and the access to the Golden Horseshoe for Golf. We walked to Colonial Williamsburg and to William & Mary. Expensive but a very nice hotel."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2025

Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
"Clean but facilities could use an upgrade. Things first appear higher end but fade once you actually use them. Lots of pools and hot tubs. Decent gym with sauna and steam room. Things were good enough for a weekend stay with friends for Busch Gardens."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 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
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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