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
Vacation Village At Williamsburg
Vacation Village At Williamsburg
3 out of 5
4870 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA
$90 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$103 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
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! (1,490 reviews)
"Close to where I needed to be and was glad to have a kitchen."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Vacation Village At 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
$120 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$136 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,420 reviews)
Woodlands
"This is our second stay at the Woodlands, last time was December 2024. The convenience to the Visitor Center, downtown and shuttle is AMAZING. We have walked numerous times but this time took the shuttle since it was raining. 1000% recommend because of this. The breakfast in the morning was great ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
3.5 out of 5
3601 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA
$118 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$134 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (2,825 reviews)
"Super nice!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan 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.
Kings Creek Plantation by Spinnaker
Kings Creek Plantation 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (58 reviews)
"The room was very small but other than that we had a nice time for the family event the only issue we had was the guy at the front desk stalking my husband which was strange"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Kings Creek Plantation by Spinnaker
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (67 reviews)
"This was a wonderful property The cabin was amazing The pool was spectacular and very clean the game room was nice and our neighbors were very sweet in the cabin next to us"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

American Heritage RV Park
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 ...
Dont waste your time
"Went to check-in. Didn't have my reservations. Waited 50 minutes before the error was rectified. Turned out main office at Kings Plantation never sent my reservation to the resort. The resort had to message someone due to the fact the main office only is open until 5:00. I had reserved a cottage. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2023

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

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