Things to Do in Williamsburg
38 curated spots from Williamsburg itineraries
Activities & Attractions
21 curated experiences
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Stroll Duke of Gloucester Street, watch costumed interpreters, visit trade shops, and let the kids interact with historical demonstrations.[4][6][7][9]
3h · $35-50 per adult (ticketed areas)
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Explore galleries on the Revolutionary War and enjoy outdoor living-history areas like a Continental Army encampment and period farm.[4]
2h 30m · $20-30 per person; combination tickets available
Bruton Parish Church
Visit this historic Episcopal church on Duke of Gloucester Street, known for its colonial architecture and role in Williamsburg’s history.[6]
45m · Free (donations appreciated)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Theme park with roller coasters, family rides, shows, and European-themed villages.[4][5][6][8]
6h · $60-90 per person (varies by ticket)
Jamestown Settlement
Visit indoor exhibits plus outdoor re-creations of a Paspahegh town, three 1607 ships, and a colonial fort, with costumed interpreters and hands-on experiences.[4]
3h · $20-30 per person; family packages available
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
See colorful folk art—from paintings to carvings and whimsical sculptures—housed alongside the decorative arts museum.[4]
1h · Included with Colonial Williamsburg admission
Colonial Parkway Scenic Pull-offs
Stop at river overlooks between Jamestown and Williamsburg for photos, short walks, and a picnic option.[5][6][7]
1h · Free
Colonial Williamsburg Evening Program (e.g., Pirate Trial at the Capitol)
Return to the historic district after dinner for an evening program like the pirate trial, based on real events, with dramatic storytelling.[4]
1h 15m · $10-20 per person (add-on ticket)
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Explore extensive collections of furniture, ceramics, and decorative arts in galleries connected to Colonial Williamsburg’s art museums.[4]
1h 30m · Included with Colonial Williamsburg admission
Evening Stroll Around Colonial Williamsburg
Return after dinner for a gentle walk along the lantern-lit streets, enjoying the quiet colonial ambiance and night photography.
45m · Free
Governor’s Palace
Tour the grand residence, gardens, and outbuildings to see how colonial elites lived; great interiors and grounds for photos.[1][8][9]
1h 30m · Included with Colonial Williamsburg ticket
Merchants Square Free-Explore Time
Browse local boutiques, gourmet shops, and small galleries; pick up Virginia-made snacks, wine, or gifts and enjoy some people-watching.
1h 30m · Free to browse; shopping extra
Merchants Square Shopping District
Browse boutiques, specialty food shops like The Peanut Shop, and grab snacks while enjoying colonial-style storefronts.[4][7][8]
1h 30m · Free to browse (shopping extra)
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Play themed mini-golf with pirate décor and landscaping; suitable for all ages and fun for photos.[5]
1h 15m · $12-15 per person
Stroll Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Wander Duke of Gloucester Street, peek into historic buildings and gardens, and soak up 18th‑century architecture at your own pace.
2h · Free to walk streets; tickets extra for building entry
Walk Through William & Mary Campus and Sunken Garden
Stroll the historic campus, admire its brick architecture and landscaped grounds, and let kids enjoy open spaces like the Sunken Garden.[6]
1h · Free
Waller Mill Park
Enjoy wooded trails, lake views, and options for paddle boats or simple walks along the water.[5][7]
2h · $Free or low park fee; rentals extra
Water Country USA or Hotel Pool Time
Depending on energy and tickets, either visit nearby Water Country USA for water slides or head back to your hotel for pool relaxation.[7]
3h · $40-60 per person (Water Country ticket) or Free at hotel pool
Williamsburg Contemporary Art & Gallery Walk
Use a late-afternoon ‘free explore’ block to wander a cluster of small art galleries and any local art museum or exhibit space within walking distance of Merchants Square, focusing on contemporary regional art and crafts. Pop into 2–3 spots, then take a short nature break in nearby green space before dinner.
1h 30m · $5-20 or Free depending on galleries
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
Browse brand-name outlet stores for deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories in an open-air mall.[1]
2h 30m · Free to enter (shopping extra)
Yorktown Riverwalk Stroll
Take a gentle walk along the riverfront after the museum, enjoy the views, and let kids play or take photos of the waterfront and historic town.
45m · FreeRestaurants & Food
17 local favorites
Blue Talon Bistro
Cozy French-inspired bistro; go for the Croque Madame, shrimp and grits, or a leisurely omelet with good coffee.
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
The Cheese Shop
Casual spot known for sandwiches, cheeses, and famous house dressing; great for sharing plates and simple kid-friendly options.[2][5]
1h · $15-25 per person
Amber Ox Public House
Modern gastropub with Southern-influenced dishes, shareable plates, and a lively but family-friendly atmosphere.[6]
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill
Seafood-focused spot with local fish, oysters, and a relaxed taphouse side; try the crab cakes or fresh catch with a Virginia craft beer.
1h 45m · $35-55 per person
Busch Gardens In-Park Dining (e.g., Festhaus)
Enjoy cafeteria-style meals like pizzas, sandwiches, and themed dishes without leaving the park.[4][6]
1h · $18-30 per person
Busch Gardens In-Park Dining (Quick Service)
Use one of the park’s quick-service restaurants for burgers, salads, or kids’ meals to maximize ride time.
45m · $15-25 per person
Fat Canary
Upscale New American dining with a strong wine list; consider the seasonal fish, duck, or chef’s tasting-style selections and ask for a wine pairing.
2h · $50-80 per person
Five Forks Cafe
Local diner-style spot on the way toward Jamestown with hearty breakfasts ideal before a full day of exploring.
1h · $10-18 per person
Jamestown Settlement Café
On-site cafeteria-style dining with simple, quick options so the family can refuel and keep exploring without leaving the grounds.
45m · $12-20 per person
Paul’s Deli
Casual spot near the college with hearty subs, pizzas, and Italian-American comfort food.[4][5]
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Sals by Victor
Informal Italian restaurant with large portions of pasta, pizza, and subs that are easy to share.[4][5]
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Shield’s Tavern
Historic tavern serving colonial-inspired dishes; try the pot roast or stew and enjoy period décor and music.[4]
1h 15m · $22-35 per person
Short Lane Ice Cream at Sno-To-Go
Walk-up stand famous for shaved ice and ice cream treats—perfect pre-park or late-night stop.[5]
30m · $5-10 per person
Shorty’s Diner
Classic diner near the road toward Busch Gardens, serving large portions of breakfast staples ideal before a theme-park day.
45m · $10-18 per person
The Daily Kitchen & Bar Williamsburg
Modern, family-friendly spot with fresh takes on classics; order pancakes, omelets, and smoothies to start a park day.
1h · $18-28 per person
The Hound's Tale
Casual gastropub-style spot with creative comfort food and good drinks; try shareable small plates and a main like fish and chips or a burger, then linger over cocktails before heading to nearby bars.
1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Waypoint Seafood & Grill
Upscale-casual restaurant featuring Chesapeake ingredients and regional seafood, with attentive service suitable for families.[5]
1h 30m · $25-45 per personMore on Williamsburg
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