Why Go to Williamsburg
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Williamsburg is where colonial America comes to life. Once the capital of the Virginia colony, its historic area was restored in the 20th century, and today Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the country, where costumed interpreters bring the 1700s to life and you might even meet Patrick Henry or George Washington on the street.
Walk the streets of the historic district, visit the Governor's Palace and the Capitol, watch blacksmiths, coopers and other tradespeople at work, and enjoy a meal in a colonial-style tavern. Williamsburg is the heart of Virginia's Historic Triangle, along with Jamestown, where the first permanent English settlement in America was founded in 1607, and Yorktown, where the final major battle of the American Revolution was won. Explore Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement, with recreated ships and a Powhatan village, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
For fun, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA are just minutes away, and the College of William and Mary adds youthful energy. Williamsburg is a perfect family history trip. I'll plan your tickets, lodging and itinerary across the Historic Triangle.
BEST FOR
History buffs, families, museumgoers and theme-park travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October
EXPLORE
Colonial Williamsburg anchors the Historic Area; Merchants Square has shops and restaurants, while Busch Gardens and the Jamestown and Yorktown sites are reached by road.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Williamsburg
North America › Mid-Atlantic › USA › Virginia
Living colonial history and family-friendly discoveries
History
Family
Theme Parks
Museums
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Consider separate days for Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown to avoid rushing the historic sites.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Review the daily program and ticket requirements.
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Explore reconstructed and preserved streets, trades and interpretive programs focused on eighteenth-century Williamsburg.
Check tour availability as part of the Historic Area program.
Governor’s Palace
Tour the reconstructed residence and gardens associated with Virginia’s colonial governors.
Distinguish this archaeological site from Jamestown Settlement museum.
Historic Jamestowne
Visit the original English settlement site with archaeology and history interpretation.
Allow time for both exhibits and outdoor demonstrations.
Jamestown Settlement
Explore indoor galleries and outdoor living-history exhibits focused on early Virginia.
Begin at the visitor center and follow posted tour guidance.
Yorktown Battlefield
Follow Revolutionary War history across the landscape of the 1781 siege and surrender.
A historic luxury hotel adjacent to the restored colonial district.
Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
Colonial Williamsburg
Hotel Tags
An upscale hotel convenient for walking to historic sites and museums.
Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection
Colonial Williamsburg
Hotel Tags
A sprawling riverside resort with golf and family-friendly amenities.
Kingsmill Resort
James River / Williamsburg
Hotel Tags
A country-style inn on winery grounds outside the historic district.
Wedmore Place
Williamsburg Winery
Hotel Tags
A peaceful lodging choice near the historic area and gardens.
The Griffin Hotel, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
Colonial Williamsburg
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Williamsburg
High 61°F · Low 41°F · Rain 3.1 in
Christmas Town opens at Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg prepares for the Grand Illumination.
Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor historical areas; summer is hot and busy.
Best Times to Visit Williamsburg
WHEN TO GO
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Park Visits
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA have separate parking and seasonal schedules; check operating dates.
05
Rental Cars
A car is useful for Jamestown, Yorktown and theme parks outside the historic core.
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Colonial Area Access
Colonial Williamsburg is primarily a pedestrian experience with designated parking and visitor transport.
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Local Buses
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority runs routes to selected hotels and visitor areas; check stops.
02
Amtrak
Williamsburg has an Amtrak station; verify train schedules and onward lodging transport.
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Regional Airports
Richmond and Newport News airports are possible gateways; check the road transfer to Williamsburg.
Walk or use local shuttles in the historic area where available. A car helps when combining Williamsburg with Jamestown, Yorktown and amusement parks.
Getting Around Williamsburg
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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