Top 10 Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Come for the history; stay for the fun. Williamsburg is most well-known for its Colonial and early American history—and for good reason. Here are the top 10 things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Williamsburg on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Play at Busch Gardens – This is how you lure in your non-history-loving travel companions. Busch Gardens is an amusement park featuring kid-friendly rides, activities, and grown-up roller coasters and high-thrill rides. The park also offers shows and festivals throughout the year, so spending a day in the area is fun.
9. Tour Jamestown Settlement – Not to be confused with Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement is the re-created Jamestown as the settlers knew it. Because the original location is an active archaeological site, this nearby location became the site for the reconstructed buildings, fort and Powhatan Indian Village. There is also a fantastic museum with permanent and changing exhibits.
8. Check Out Historic Jamestowne – Historic Jamestowne, on the other hand, is the actual site where the Jamestown settlers set themselves up in 1607. It is an active archaeological site. It is part National Park site and part Preservation Virginia site. You must buy tickets to both, as admission is separate from Jamestown Settlement.
7. Visit the Yorktown Battlefield – While it’s part of Colonial National Historical Park, this marks where America officially went from Colonies rebelling to the United States of America. Be sure to head to the Visitor Center first to watch a quick introductory video, then head into the attached museum and look at loads of artifacts—including George Washington’s headquarters tent. Afterward, take either (or both) of the driving tours of the battlefield to see where it all happened.
6. Take a Carriage Ride in Colonial Williamsburg – Colonial Williamsburg is the main draw for visitors to the area, and one of the best ways to get acquainted with the site is by horse-drawn carriage. What used to be commonplace is now a thrill, especially when you realize an authentically costumed interpreter is driving you around.
5. Shop Colonial Style – This may not be for everyone on your trip, but shopping at the actual stores in Colonial Williamsburg might be more interesting than you expect. They sell everything from soaps to costumes and wooden weapons to quill pens. Whether you’re looking for a birdhouse, a unique piece of jewelry or some Colonial chocolates to take home, something available will help you fondly remember your trip.
4. Dine Colonial Style – Everyone’s gotta eat, right? Colonial Williamsburg offers several old-fashioned dining options, including Chowning’s Tavern, Shields Tavern and King’s Arms Tavern. For something a little fancier (requiring a reservation), check out Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, which specializes in seafood and fine dining. Need something a little more grab-and-go? You’ll also find sandwiches, salads and baked goods throughout Colonial Williamsburg.
3. See Where Blackbeard’s Crew was Imprisoned – Yes—that Blackbeard’s crew! His crew was held at the Public Jail in Colonial Williamsburg. That is until nearly all of them were executed here. Only two crew members avoided execution in March of 1719. The dead crew members are said to haunt the jail—and maybe all of Colonial Williamsburg.
2. Sip Coffee or Chocolate at R. Charleton’s Coffeehouse – One of the best parts of a trip to Colonial Williamsburg is visiting R. Charleton’s Coffeehouse. Visitors can step inside to find out what a colonial coffee house was like (not so different from today), and you can choose to try out the coffee or the colonial-style “drinking chocolate” that was so popular back in the day.
1. Tour the Governor’s Palace – It’s true! There is a “palace” in Williamsburg. It’s impressive both inside and out, but if the armory in the entryway doesn’t impress you, nothing will. Seven royal governors lived here before the American Revolution, and two elected governors lived here after the Revolution when Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia.
If Williamsburg is on your must-go list, it’s an excellent stop for any RV trip through Virginia. And this top 10 list is the best place to start.
Want to read about more great locations like this one? Be sure to visit our blog post page for more great destination content. Subscribe today and never miss out on RV destinations across the United States and Canada. It’s time to Be Inspired!
Picking Sea Shells
Temple Square