In our last American Nomad adventure, we journeyed back to the 18th century, where we explored the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg, discovering what life was like in America’s first colony and the city’s important part in the American Revolution.
Today we’re continuing our Williamsburg adventures, learning about fun activities in the area from historic sites to thrilling roller coasters to natural beauty and more.
Situated between the York and James Rivers, and merely miles from America’s first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Williamsburg offers visitors a captivating journey through American history. Explore its Colonial roots, pivotal role in the American Revolution, the founding of the nation, and so much more. Thanks to its proximity to the coast and Chesapeake Bay, Williamsburg also provides amazing access to natural beauty. Moreover, it’s a vibrant community, brimming with arts and culture, mouth-watering restaurants, cool local shops, and endless fun activities for all ages.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do in the Williamsburg area to help kickstart your vacation planning.
Must-See in Williamsburg
Traveling Through Time: Must-See Historical Sites
With Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, and Yorktown all within a thirty-minute perimeter, Williamsburg is ground zero for history buffs. Here, history truly comes alive.
At Historic Jamestowne, you can step foot on the same ground where the first permanent English settlement was founded in 1607. See ruins of the original structures and learn about archaeological artifacts discovered at the site from ongoing excavations. Walk the same paths as John Smith and other early settlers.
Right next door to the Historic Jamestowne site (where the actual settlement was located), you can learn about the history of Colonial America at Jamestown at the amazing Jamestown Museum. You can then explore reconstructions of a Native American Powhatan village and reconstruction of Jamestown, where historical interpreters tell the stories of the people and events that occurred in the 17th century and beyond.
At Colonial Williamsburg, you can stroll 18th-century streets, touring restored homes and taverns frequented by Revolutionary War leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, Patrick Henry and countless others. You can also tour the home of George Wythe, America’s “Father of Jurisprudence,” whose residence is just steps away from the reconstructed Royal Governor’s Palace and the Colonial Capital Building. These very places bore witness to Virginia’s pivotal movement for independence.
Partake in America’s Road to Victory and Independence at Yorktown, where in October 1781, General George Washington and The Continental Army, aided by our French allies, helped to defeat Lord Cornwallis and The British Army.
Each one of these historic sites brings stories of the past to life in fun and accessible ways. So whether you’re a hardcore historian or have barely opened a history book, you’ll fall in love with Williamsburg’s living history!
Williamsburg Historical Sites:
Colonial Williamsburg: Where the Past and Present Intersect
Founded as the settlement of Middle Plantation in 1632, Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia in 1699 after the capital city of Jamestown suffered fire damage. It served as the capital of Virginia until 1779, when the capital city was redesignated as Richmond due to threat of British attack in Williamsburg. As the capital city of America’s first colony, Virginia, the city was a hub of political and social activity including important events that contributed in helping Colonial America declare its independence from Britain in 1776.
Today Colonial Williamsburg is a living historical site, where you can travel back to 18th-century Williamsburg, touring homes, shopping in historical stores like the millinery and wigmaker shop, to reenactments and more. Spread over 300 acres, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest history museum in the world. Check out my blog providing historical insights and travel tips for Colonial Williamsburg here.
Official Website for Colonial Williamsburg – Perfect for planning your Colonial Williamsburg adventures.
Explore Williamsburg’s history on foot with a Historic Walking Tour.
Haunted by History? The Williamsburg Ghost Tour is a spirited way to learn about Williamsburg’s history. Meander the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg by candlelight, stopping at historic places where the tales of the past still echo today. Click here for more information
Williamsburg Walking Tours has tours focused on Revolutionary War to Civil War history.
Discover the area with a private tour – Best Williamsburg Tours provides a variety of tours where you can explore the history of Jamestown to Williamsburg to Yorktown. They also have day trips to other important historical sites like James Madison’s Montpelier and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Click here to learn more
College of William & Mary History Tour:
Founded in 1693, William & Mary is the second oldest university in the nation, after Harvard. It has been dubbed the Alma Mater of The Nation as many of the early founders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, George Wythe and others attended William & Mary. Located steps away from Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary’s campus is one of the most beautiful that I’ve visited.
You can partake in a free self-guided tour of the historic Colonial structures on campus like The Wren Building that was designed by famed architect Christopher Wren (he designed St. Paul’s Cathedral in London). The Wren Building’s foundations date to 1695, making it the oldest college building still in use in the United States. Another historical gem on the college campus is The Brafferton Building, which dates to the 1720s. This building was used to teach both indigenous men and colonists together under the same roof, which was progressive in that time. For a complete guide to William & Mary’s historical sites click here.
Exploring Jamestown – America’s First Permanent English Colony
A Visit to Jamestown is a must stop during your Williamsburg adventures. It is here where America’s first permanent English settlement began in 1607. You can experience the history of Jamestown and its important role in the founding of America by visiting two museums on and near the original Jamestown site.
Historic Jamestowne, a joint effort by Preservation Virginia and the NPS, lets you walk right where Jamestown’s early residents, like Captain John Smith, once did. This site is all about digging up, saving, and sharing Jamestown’s incredibly diverse history and its huge role in shaping America.
Inside the museum, interactive exhibits dive into Jamestown’s beginnings, show you what early life was like for the first English settlers, and explore the stories of the Native American people and African American heritage in the area.
As the original settlement site, Historic Jamestowne offers visitors the chance to tour historic ruins, including a church, and witness the new findings archaeologists continually uncover through routine excavations at the site.
Seriously, every time I visit, I leave feeling so grateful. Learning what those early settlers went through just to survive feels exactly like an episode of The Hunger Games! And for me, with an ancestor who settled here around 1620 as an indentured servant to a Mr. Potts, hearing about the different folks who lived here and worked towards the promise of a better life in the New World.
Planning your visit: I recommend blocking off about 2-4 hours for Historic Jamestowne (Personally I could have spent the whole day digging into the history and enjoying the beauty of the James River). They do have a wonderful riverside restaurant on site, perfect for lunch after a morning exploring the site. For more information check out their website.
Official Historic Jamestowne Website – Purchase your tickets in advance and learn about the history and archaeology through online exhibits via this awesome website.
*Preservation Virginia is an wonderful historic preservation organization in Virginia that helps to maintain and curate the history of many important sites throughout Virginia including Bacon’s Castle, John Marshall House (Richmond), Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown and more. Check out their official site here.
Just down the road from Historic Jamestowne, you’ll find the amazing Jamestown Settlement living history museum. This location boasts a world-class museum dedicated to the history of Jamestown and its surrounding area. The immersive exhibits delve into diverse stories, from the vital role of women in Colonial America to the numerous threats faced by the colony, including disease and internal uprisings like Bacon’s Rebellion. It also features excellent exhibits on the Native American population at the time of Jamestown’s founding in 1607, detailing how the Powhatan Confederacy was established.
In addition to the state-of-the-art museum complex, you can explore reconstructions of the original Jamestown settlement and an example of a Powhatan village. Both reconstructions are staffed with historic interpreters who share their knowledge about what life was truly like in early Jamestown—the good, the bad, and the ugly. You can even walk to the nearby James River and step aboard reconstructions of the ships the first settlers sailed on to reach the colony in 1607. Read an earlier blog post about my December 2024 visit to the Jamestown Settlement (scroll down mid-way through the post for segment on Jamestown)
You can plan your visit and purchase tickets to The Jamestown Settlement here (Pro-Tip you can bundle the Jamestown Settlement ticket with entry to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for a great deal) – Jamestown Settlement Website
Planning Your Visit: Why See Both Jamestown Sites?
While many visitors to Williamsburg choose to visit either Historic Jamestowne or the Jamestown Settlement, I highly recommend blocking off time for both. Historic Jamestowne allows you to stand on the actual settlement site and learn through the lens of excavation and archaeology. In contrast, the Jamestown Settlement Museum and its living history reconstructions bring the story to life in a tangible and immersive way.
*Interested in more Jamestown history? I recommend First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, the spot where the colonists first landed in Virginia before moving inland to found Jamestown. We’ll dig into this deeper in an upcoming post on Must-See in Virginia Beach.
There are also signs throughout the area at places like York River State Park noting where explorer and colonist Capt. John Smith ventured during his surveying of the land.
Yorktown Victory Trail
Yorktown is one of the most important sites in the history of America. It was here in October 1781 that Washington’s Continental Army, with the help of The French finally defeated the British, led by General Lord Cornwallis in this decisive battle. What makes Yorktown unique is that the area has not been heavily developed and still remains largely like it did during the battle nearly 250 years ago.
The city of Yorktown itself is one of the most charming in America, with its mix of Colonial to Victorian homes overlooking the scenic York River. Yorktown is a small city that is rich in character with waterfront shops and restaurants inviting guests to toast to General Washington and a day relaxing at the York River city beach. On our recent trip to Yorktown, my mom and I fell in love with the Little York Confectionary, which is housed in a building dating back to circa 1690. It was charming and had the best sweets and hot coffee! The Thomas Nelson House was the namesake home of patriot general and signer of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Nelson. Nelson is buried at Grace Church in Historic Yorktown.
Things to do at Yorktown:
- Yorktown Battlefield: This National Historic Battlefield site allows you to relive the events of October 1781 as America secured its independence. The Visitor Center provides an excellent overview and timeline of the battle and key players at Yorktown. Park Rangers can answer any historical questions and provide guidance on the driving and walking tours to key battle sites. I recommend driving to the Moore House, where the actual surrender was finalized. Cornwallis didn’t show up as he claimed to be ‘sick’ but his emissary was there for the official surrender.
- Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown where you learn about the history of the American Revolution and the important chain of events that led to victory at Yorktown. This museum is a must stop in learning about the American Revolution #America250 comes to life here. *I recommend buying the ticket package for Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum together to save money and get the best value. They also have a wonderful giftshop on site (I purchased several Revolutionary War inspired Christmas gifts there)
- Explore the quaint city of Yorktown. One of the most charming small towns in America, Yorktown is one of my favorite places to visit every time I’m in the area. The historic streets are lined with beautifully appointed historic homes, on a hilly terrain overlooking the York River. You take a trolley ride, enjoy a walking tour of this history city, explore the waterfront shops, restaurants and beach area. For more information check out the official Visit Yorktown website
I’ll be dedicating an upcoming blog post to Yorktown soon – it truly is one of the best small towns in America. Without Yorktown who knows where we’d be as a nation.
Williamsburg region in The Civil War: In addition to its Revolutionary past, Williamsburg and the surrounding region was involved in The Civil War during The Peninsula Campaign in 1862. I was first made aware of this Civil War history when I visited in 2017 and we stayed at The Fort Magruder Inn, which backs up to an area where this battle was fought in 1862. They had a memorial garden outback. The Peninsula Campaign occurred throughout the region from Williamsburg to Yorktown to Hampton Roads. If you are a Civil War buff, Williamsburg is the perfect base camp for exploring these important Civil War sites. Learn more about Fort Magruder here
About Battle of Williamsburg – Click Here
Other area historic sites worth checking out:
Newport News (about 25 minutes from Williamsburg)
Historic Endview Plantation was built circa 1769 and played a role in The Battle of Yorktown when Patriot General Thomas Nelson (who signed the Declaration of Independence) stopped at the home on the way to Yorktown. It was also used during The Civil War by both Union and Confederate Troops during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, including service as a Civil War hospital. Plan your visit to Endview here
American Battlefield Trust article about Endview
Lee Hall Mansion: Built in 1859, this grand Italianate style brick mansion was used as a Confederate headquarters for Major General John Bankhead Magruder and General Joseph E. Johnston. From this location Magruder and Johnston directed the defense of the Peninsula Campaign against Major General George B. McClellan’s advancing Union Army. A small skirmish was fought on the property on May 4th. Plan your visit to Lee Hall here.
Norfolk and Virginia Beach:
I’ll be detailing historic points of interest in the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach in future posts, but wanted to make sure you had resources for each city as you plan your trip. Virginia Beach has some of the oldest houses remaining from Colonial America including the Thoroughgood House (1719). For a list of Virginia Beach’s historic sites click here.
Tourism site for Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach is the confluence of roaring ocean waves, beautiful beaches, great eats and tons of arts, history and activities for the entire family. Explore historic homes, and spend a day at First Landing State Park, where the Jamestown colonists first stepped foot on North America. Stay posted for a future post all about Virginia Beach!
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Tourism site for Norfolk: So much to do and see in Norfolk from the amazing Chrysler Museum of Art, to touring the Battleship Wisconsin, taking a harbor cruise, visiting the Virginia Zoo and Norfolk Botanical Gardens…there’s always something to do in Norfolk!
ravel the World at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Theme Park
Voted as the most beautiful theme park in the world, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is truly a place where magic happens. The park is ingeniously divided into countries, transporting you from Dickensian London, England, to the bustle and jigs of Ireland, the mystery of “Loch Ness” in Scotland, French charm, frontier life in New France (Canada), and the old-world feels of Germany to classical Italy. Each country boasts themed restaurants, shops, and thrilling rides that will take your breath away.
While my twelve-year-old self loved screaming with exhilaration on The Loch Ness Monster ride (still a fan favorite at Busch Gardens decades later!), my favorite part of the park is its award-winning, Broadway-quality shows. These fantastic, free shows are included with your ticket, and each season brings new productions—from vibrant summer shows to their holiday-inspired “Scrooged No More” at The Globe Theatre.
Busch Gardens is a place you can return to time and again, in every season. They host themed activities throughout the year, like Mardi Gras and a Food & Wine Festival. My absolute favorite season at Busch Gardens is Christmas, when the park is illuminated by millions of lights and transformed into a true Christmas wonderland. “Christmastown” offers more than just lights; it features multiple holiday-themed shows, activities like Rudolph’s Village, and so much more. We return every year for the unparalleled holiday cheer.
In the summer months, Busch Gardens also operates Water Country USA, a water park that’s perfect for family fun and the ideal place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Planning Your Busch Gardens Adventure
I highly recommend signing up for Busch Gardens’ emails to monitor their flash sales on tickets; you can often snag significant savings that way. For example, at Christmastime, my mom and I saved a whopping 50% by keeping an eye on those email alerts! They also advertise these flash sales directly on their website.
You might also consider purchasing a meal plan for the day. I think this is a good option for families or during the busy summer months. However, be aware that at Christmastime, my mom and I struggled to use all our credits due to logistics, so plan accordingly. My favorite place to eat in the park is the Trappers Smokehouse in New France. Just be mindful that at peak times, you might have a bit of a wait for a table.
While I’m all about saving money, I definitely recommend you invest in Premier Parking. It will save you a ton of time because you can park right by the England entrance. Trust me, not having to take a shuttle back to your car at the end of a long day of walking, screaming (on coasters!), and singing along to shows is a game-changer!
Plan Your Busch Gardens Adventure on their Official Website
Williamsburg – Shop til You Drop and enjoy a Great Meal afterwards
Williamsburg is a shoppers dream with dozens of local shops and nationwide chains throughout the city.
My favorite place to shop in Williamsburg is Merchant’s Square. This shopping district adjoins Colonial Williamsburg. The architecture resembles a colonial village, and the buildings are filled with cool shops and delicious restaurants.
A few of my favorite stores include: Wythe’s Candy Shop, Christmas Shop and The Scotland House Shop – which has amazing clothing and souvenirs from Scotland and Ireland.
*Pro-tip: During Christmas, Merchant’s Square becomes a festive Hallmark movie like downtown with decorations and even an open air ice-skating rink.
Merchants Square is also home to mouthwatering restaurants perfect for any palette. There are so many restaurants in this section of Williamsburg that you’ll never run out of options. A few of my favorites include The Blue Talon Bistro (French inspired), DoG Street Pub (delicious pub fare and spirits), Mellow Mushroom, Aromas’ Coffeeshop, Berret’s Seafood…I’ll do an upcoming foodie post on Williamsburg soon. There are so many delicious places to break bread and toast a ‘huzzah’ in Williamsburg. *Huzzah was a popular cheer or toast in the colonial era*
Hungry for History? Check out Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Taverns where you can dine 18th century style. Immerse yourself in the Colonial era with a meal at Williamsburg’s authentic 18th-century taverns like King’s Arms Tavern, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, Chowning’s Tavern or Shields Tavern. Enjoy period-inspired dishes served by costumed staff in an atmospheric setting, often with live colonial entertainment. It’s a delicious step back in time! *Families love Chowning’s Tavern as it combines Colonial fare with modern dishes too.
Shop for a Deal at Williamsburg Premium Outlets: For those who love a good bargain, the Williamsburg Premium Outlets are a must-visit. With over 120 designer and name-brand stores like Michael Kors, Banana Republic, and J. Crew, you can shop for incredible deals on fashion, accessories, and more. It’s a large, outdoor complex where you can easily spend an entire afternoon finding treasures.
Unique Local Shops & Galleries: Beyond the main shopping hubs, Williamsburg is home to a wealth of independent boutiques, antique malls, and art galleries. Explore places like the Williamsburg Antique Mall with its vast collection of historical items, or discover handcrafted jewelry, local art, and specialty foods at various small shops dotted around the area. Don’t forget to check out the Williamsburg Farmers Market (seasonal) for fresh produce and artisan crafts.
Williamsburg is home the revolutionary Williamsburg Winery, which celebrates the legacy of winemaking in America. Did you know the first grapes were planted in Virginia in 1609. The Williamsburg Winery invites guests to their 300 acre farm, where you can tour their 40 acre vineyard, learn about their winemaking process, sample their delicious wines and enjoy satiating food at one of their restaurants like The Gabriel Archer Tavern and Cafe Provencal. They also have a hotel on site.
In addition to the main winery, you can also get a taste of Williamsburg Winery selections at their tasting room in the heart of Merchant’s Square. To celebrate America’s 250, the winery has launched a patriotic themed series of wines that I’m certain would get General George Washington’s seal of approval.
Explore Williamsburg’s Natural Wonders:
Williamsburg’s proximity to the James and York Rivers, as well as The Chesapeake Bay and ocean access makes it a nature lover’s paradise.
One of my favorite natural sites to visit in the Williamsburg area is the peaceful
York River State Park, where you can paddle the York River, see birds like Osprey and hike dense wooded trails with views of the scenic York River. This area is an important biodiversity site where the saltwater and freshwater ecosystems meet creating estuaries and important habitat for a multitude of wildlife. You can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history at the park visitor center. Learn more here
Waller Mill Park: A favorite of locals, this park overlooks a 360-acre lake with boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, playgrounds and disc golf! Official website
Freedom Park: Enjoy beautiful outdoor access while immersing yourself in the rich history of the past. This park was the backdrop to the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary (1781) and later became one of the first free black settlements in America (1803). Today you can enjoy mountain bike access, hiking trails and an Interpretative Center with artifacts dating to the prehistoric area. The park is surrounded by a 600 acre forest. Official Website
Powhatan Creek Trail: Enjoy fantastic views as you bike, job, or walk along The Powhatan Creek Trail. Listen to the sound of fresh water streaming down Powhatan Creek as you cross over the 696-foot-long timber bridge This paved 2.05 mile trail connects to the Greensprings Interpretative trail and historic sites like Church on Main, and Mainland Farm, which is considered to be the oldest continuously cultivated farm dating to Colonial America and site of the Revolutionary Battle of Greensprings. Chart your trail here.
In the greater region, you can take a day trip to Virginia Beach and First Landing State Park (beach access and Jamestown history) as well as explore Chesapeake Bay access.
For additional outdoor ideas check out the Official Visit Williamsburg Parks page
Williamsburg’s Artistic wonders
Williamsburg is home to several world-class art museums including William & Mary’s Muscarelle Museum of Art and The Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums. Williamsburg also has a number of amazing galleries and artisan shops.
Located on the heart of William & Mary’s Campus, this amazing museum has a rotating permanent collection of over 8,000 works of art from an early map printing by John Smith to key early American artists like Sully and Copley as well as modern art by O’Keeffe to contemporary artists and beyond. You can read the article I wrote for our sister blog Art Expeditions about The Muscarelle here
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg: The interconnected museums include important pieces from early American artists like Sully to Stuart to African American portraitist Joshua Johnson, to folk artist Edward Hicks and so much more. The museum collection also is one of the best of early American furniture from Charleston to Pennsylvania and beyond. The admission to this museum is free to the public (with or without Colonial Williamsburg ticket) and in my opinion is one of the best early American art collections you’ll find in the world. Plan your art adventure here
Where to Stay:
Williamsburg has tons of wonderful hotels and inns. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Woodlands at Colonial Williamsburg – a family friendly hotel that provides shuttle service to Colonial Williamsburg
- Hampton Inn (multiple locations) – I like the location on Capitol Landing and Richmond Ave
- Country Inn and Suites: Clean, convenient, affordable and has a decent continental breakfast
- Fort Magruder – literally is built on a battlefield. Not only can you learn about the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg, you can also enjoy modern amenities and an on-site restaurant and conference center.
- Fife and Drum Inn: Located in the heart of Merchant’s Square, just steps from William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg – the inn has beautifully appointed rooms and offers delicious breakfasts.
- For additional bed and breakfast ideas, check out these suggestions from Visit Williamsburg
In our upcoming posts, we’ll continue to explore the greater Williamsburg area as we venture to Yorktown, Jamestown to Virginia Beach and other important area sites.
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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