Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia
- Williamsburg was the site of the first English-speaking hospital in North America, established in 1773 to treat the 'mentally ill'.
- The city served as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 before the seat of government moved to Richmond to be less vulnerable to British naval attacks.
- William & Mary, located here, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, chartered in 1693.
- The city's historical district remains one of the largest living history museums in the world, requiring ongoing archaeological oversight to maintain authenticity.
About Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg serves as the heart of the Historic Triangle, functioning as a primary site for early American colonial history and preservation. Visitors explore the meticulous reconstructions at the Jamestown Settlement and witness the political seat of the 18th-century colony at the Capitol. Beyond its historical roots, the area accommodates modern leisure seekers at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The local landscape integrates significant academic presence with dense colonial-era architectural sites, such as the Governor's Palace.
Highlights of Williamsburg, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
This European-themed park offers world-class roller coasters and seasonal cultural festivals.
Museums
Living history exhibits recreate the 1607 arrival of English colonists with full-scale ship replicas.
Historical places
This site served as the royal representative's residence and the formal epicenter of colonial Virginia power.
Museums
Walk through the site of the original legislature where influential early American politicians debated colonial law.
Museums
Observe traditional glassblowing techniques demonstrating a primary industry of the original Jamestown colony.
Amusement parks
Experience a floorless dive coaster that ranks among the most intense thrill rides in the regional park system.
Museums
This museum houses a significant collection of American folk art including weather vanes, quilts, and painted furniture.
Places of interest
Legend suggests that crossing this campus bridge with a partner guarantees lifelong romance.
Top things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia
The 91 highest-rated places in Williamsburg, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 383-acre amusement park organized into distinct villages based on European countries inc...
2
Museums
Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum, spanning 301 acres of restored and reconstructed 18t...
3
Museums
Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum operated by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation focusing on the 17th-centu...
4
Parks
Water Country USA is the largest water park in Virginia, situated on a 43-acre site in Williamsburg. The park features o...
5
Historical places
The Governor's Palace served as the official residence for seven royal governors and the first two elected governors of...
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Museums
Historic Jamestowne is the archaeological site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, established i...
7
Museums
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown provides an immersive chronicle of the Revolutionary War era, from the mid-17...
8
Museums
The Capitol in Williamsburg served as the meeting place for the Virginia General Assembly from 1705 until 1780. The curr...
9
Museums
The Jamestown Glasshouse is a living history site located within the Colonial National Historical Park, marking the loca...
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Parks
Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continuously farmed plantations in the United States, dating back to 1619. Loc...
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Parks
Jamestown Beach Event Park is a multi-use recreational area situated along the banks of the James River in James City Co...
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Parks
Veterans Park, locally known as Kidsburg, is a prominent recreational space in James City County featuring a large, comp...
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Parks
York River State Park is a 2,550-acre preserve situated at the confluence of the York River and Taskinas Creek. The park...
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Parks
Waller Mill Park is a 2,705-acre municipal park centered around a 360-acre reservoir that serves as a primary water sour...
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Parks
Freedom Park is a 600-acre historic and recreational site in James City County, Virginia. It contains the site of one of...
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Amusement parks
Griffon is a floorless dive coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that features a 205-foot vertical drop at a 90...
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Places of interest
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Williamsburg is a permanent odditorium featuring a collection of strange artifacts, interact...
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Parks
New Quarter Park is a 545-acre recreational facility situated on the banks of Queen’s Creek in York County. The park fea...
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Parks
Beaverdam Park is a 635-acre outdoor recreational site centered around a 128-acre lake in Gloucester, Virginia. The park...
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Historical places
Bacon's Castle, constructed in 1665 by Arthur Allen, stands as the oldest documented brick house in North America. It is...
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Museums
The Watermen's Museum is located on the York River and is dedicated to preserving the history of Chesapeake Bay watermen...
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Museums
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Venues
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Museums
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Historical places
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Williamsburg, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Williamsburg, Virginia
April to June or September to October, when mild temperatures facilitate walking tours and outdoor activities without peak summer humidity.
3-4 days, allowing time for both the extensive colonial historical sites and the regional theme parks.
The historic area is highly walkable, while regional shuttle services and personal vehicles are necessary to reach outlying attractions like Busch Gardens and Jamestown.
Stay in the Colonial Williamsburg area for immediate access to historical sites or near Richmond Road for a wider range of mid-range hotel options.
Mid-range; historical sites typically require ticketed admission, and major theme parks represent a significant portion of visitor expenditure.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 91 curated attractions in and around Williamsburg, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the highest-rated place to visit in Williamsburg, Virginia right now.
The largest category is museums, with 27 places to explore.
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