Overview
Williamsburg is a city in southeast Virginia. Settled in 1632, it was the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1779 and in 1926, John D. Rockefeller Jr commissioned a restoration project to bring Williamsburg back to its former colonial glory. During this period, 700 modern homes were demolished, colonial buildings were renovated, and more than 400 buildings were reconstructed on their original foundations. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg district in the center of town is a popular tourist center and people visit in droves to immerse themselves in the nation's colonial history.
7 sights · 6 things to do · 6 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Williamsburg
The College of William & Mary
The campus is just at the end of Colonial Williamsburg's Duke of Gloucester Street. The Christopher Wren building, where Thomas Jefferson attended classes, is one of the college's original academic buildings and is open …
Colonial Williamsburg
America's largest outdoor living history museum. A fully operational 18th-century city with tradesmen and tradeswomen working in their shops. The ticket prices vary depending on the length of your stay and begin at $50 f…
Jamestown Settlement
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Chain amusement park. At Busch Gardens, experience thrilling rides such as "The Griffon" which brings riders up 205 ft in the air and drops them at a 90-degree angle. This 70 mph roller coaster is worth making the trip a…
Water Country USA
Water Country USA entertains visitors with eleven water rides and a dive show. One of the biggest attractions at Water Country USA is the "Big Daddy Falls" water slide. This is a 670 ft water slide that takes you and thr…
James River Plantations
A collection of historic sites located in and around the Williamsburg area. Some such as Berkeley, Chippokes, Lee Hall, and Shirley are open for guided house tours on a daily basis. Others, such as Bacon's Castle and Smi…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 34°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Eastern Virginia)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 15 mi away. Directions
- RIC Richmond International Airport, Richmond — 37 mi away (major hub). Directions
The main airport servicing Williamsburg is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), in Newport News. This airport is serviced by Delta and American Eagle.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $89–$89 a night (typical $110), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $20 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The College of William & Mary, Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary Tribe
- Lunch The Daily Grind
- Afternoon Williamsburg Winery, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg’s Water Park
- Dinner Peking Restaurant
- Evening The Green Leafe
Day 2
- Morning Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown Victory Center, Water Country USA
- Lunch Fat Canary
- Afternoon Busch Gardens Williamsburg, James River Plantations
- Dinner La Piazza
- Evening The College Delly
Day 3
- Morning Jamestown
- Lunch Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill
- Afternoon Jamestown Settlement
- Dinner The Blue Talon
- Evening Corner Pocket
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are many places to eat in Williamsburg. They are mostly located in two areas: Merchants Square and a small stretch of Richmond Road. Richmond Road contains many of the chain restaurants found all over the East Coast. In Merchants Square you will find The Trellis, The Blue Talon, The Cheese Shop, The Fat Canary, Lenny's, and Aromas, among others. The Trellis and Blue Talon are popular places for more expensive gourmet cuisine. The Cheese Shop, Lenny's and Aromas are best for lunch and they are also well worth visiting. The Gazebo, on Bypass Road, is a great place for breakfast. Colonial Williamsburg has a few taverns where historically costumed staff serve colonial fare. They are good places to eat and a must-visit for any Williamsburg tourist. Just be warned that most restaurants and shops close at 8PM. Additional options can be found within the historic district in Colonial Williamsburg.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
The main airport servicing Williamsburg is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), in Newport News. This airport is serviced by Delta and American Eagle.
Williamsburg is also within one hour's drive (via I-64) of both Richmond International Airport (RIC), in Richmond, and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Norfolk. Both airports offer a wider range of airlines and more competition, which may result in lower ticket prices.
By train
Go Williamsburg Amtrak Station
Amtrak trains run to Richmond, Washington DC, New York City and Boston via the Northeast Regional line.
By car
Williamsburg is easily accessed by car with Interstate-64 running northeast to Richmond and southwest to Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
For a more scenic view, VA State Route 5 from Richmond runs along the James River past many of the fabled James River Plantations. US Route 60 and VA State Route 143 parallel I-64 for much of its length east and west of Williamsburg and are alternative routes into the city.
By bus
Get around
Public transportation is limited to Oleta Coach Lines and the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) buses. They stop at the transportation center (the Amtrak station), the visitors center, and various spots throughout the town. They are mostly designed to serve the community, but the Yellow line goes to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Most people get around by car.
The intersection of Richmond Road, Boundary Street, Jamestown Road, and Duke of Gloucester Street (non-vehicular, but with many pedestrians) near Colonial Williamsburg and the historic district is the most notorious (and confusing) feature of Williamsburg driving. Dubbed by locals as Confusion Corner, right-of-way confusion can result in accidents or close calls. For tourists in this area, traffic heading west on Jamestown Road and east on Richmond Road toward Boundary Street has the right of way; all other traffic must stop or yield. This intersection is at the corner of the College of William and Mary's campus, so be alert for pedestrians in this area.
Free parking in the restored area is difficult to find and is generally limited to two hours. Colonial Williamsburg offers hourly and daily parking in numerous short-term lots near the restored district. Parking at other shopping areas is generally free, though it can get crowded at peak seasons.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and Department of Motor Vehicles has certified local bus company Oleta Coach Lines, Inc for a bus route from the Williamsburg Transportation Center to shopping malls around the Hampton Roads area. The Williamsburg bus route runs from Williamsburg to Hampton, to Newport News then back to Williamsburg. It runs twice on Tuesdays.
See
See The College of William & Mary
The campus is just at the end of Colonial Williamsburg's Duke of Gloucester Street. The Christopher Wren building, where Thomas Jefferson attended classes, is one of the college's original academic buildings and is open to the public, with tours provided by a group of student volunteers. If you're approaching campus from Colonial Williamsburg you will find the College's Sunken Garden just on the other side of the Wren building. The Sunken Garden is a gorgeous place to walk, sunbathe, and play frisbee. It's an impressive sight and a favorite haunt of students and local residents, as well as being a prime example of 20th-century Colonial Revival architecture.
See Colonial Williamsburg
America's largest outdoor living history museum. A fully operational 18th-century city with tradesmen and tradeswomen working in their shops. The ticket prices vary depending on the length of your stay and begin at $50 for a one-day pass for adults. Enjoy a step back in time and see how 18th-century people of all social classes would have lived. Participate in a court proceeding, tour the Governor's Palace, and see how the American Revolution affected the people of this historic town.
See James River Plantations
A collection of historic sites located in and around the Williamsburg area. Some such as Berkeley, Chippokes, Lee Hall, and Shirley are open for guided house tours on a daily basis. Others, such as Bacon's Castle and Smith's Fort are open for guided tours for certain months throughout the year. Edgewood, North Bend, Piney Grove, Sherwood Forest and Westover are open for self-guided grounds tours and for guided group house tours by appointment.
Nearby
The Colonial Parkway runs between Jamestown and Yorktown, passing through Williamsburg. Jamestown and Yorktown each feature a National Park Service site containing the actual historical site, and a privately-run living history museum nearby designed to amplify understanding. Visitors should be wary of signs designed to draw attention to the more expensive living history museums, rather than the true historic sites.
National Park admission of $15 (adults) will cover the original sites of Jamestown and Yorktown. Free guided tours directed by park rangers run at posted intervals, typically last about 45 minutes, and are the best way to understand the history of the sites.
See Jamestown (signposted as Historic Jamestowne)
The original site of the first permanent English settlement in America, from 1607. The National Park Service runs the Visitors Center and the ruins of the "New Towne". For an additional $15 ticket, Preservation Virginia runs the restored 17th century church, restored fort walls, and an archeological museum. During summer, Jamestown is an active archeological dig site, with visitors allowed within feet of the edge of the excavations, and the opportunity to talk with workers and ask questions about the dig.
See Yorktown Battlefield
The original site of the 1781 Battle of Yorktown, the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Near each National Park site is a large, privately run living history museum featuring actors in period dress illustrating life in Colonial times. They also offer a single entry fee providing admission to both locations. ($20 adults).
See Yorktown Victory Center
Do
- - located in Williamsburg
Do Williamsburg Winery
The Williamsburg Winery offers tastings in their cellar and they have a charming restaurant with dishes that complement the wine. With wines that are reasonably priced, the Williamsburg Winery is a great place for wine fans to go and is Virginia's largest winery. Be sure to stop at "The Gabriel Archer Tavern." With courses under $10, the tavern serves a French Country Platter with assorted patés, meats, cheeses and freshly baked bread or sandwiches served with a baby green salad with dried cherries, sugared pecans and topped with raspberry merlot vinaigrette. This is all served for lunch daily between 11AM and 4PM.
Do Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Chain amusement park. At Busch Gardens, experience thrilling rides such as "The Griffon" which brings riders up 205 ft in the air and drops them at a 90-degree angle. This 70 mph roller coaster is worth making the trip alone and is one of the main attractions in Busch Gardens. This is in the French village of the park. Another amazing roller coaster that is a big attraction to Busch Gardens is the "Alpengeist". This is a 67 mph coaster that rises as high as 194 ft and had a drop of 170 ft. For those who would rather stay on land, Busch Gardens offers a wide variety of animal exhibits and shows. For example, "Wolf Valley" is an area that allows visitors to view trained gray wolves in an environment much like their natural habitat, and also perform tricks with trainers. Enjoy the "Emerald Beat," a powerful production from Dublin-based O'Shea's School of Irish Dance which celebrates Irish heritage. For those with children, go see "The Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan" and "Pirates," a globe theatre 3D show.
Do William & Mary Tribe
Sports teams of the College of William & Mary, competing in 23 NCAA Division I sports (11 for men, 12 for women) mostly in the Coastal Athletic Association. While the Tribe are more of a so-called "mid-major" program, with the football team playing in the second-tier Division I FCS, they still compete as hard as any other Division I school out there. And, tickets tend to be less expensive than those for more prominent programs (in-state, this would be Virginia and Virginia Tech).
Buy
Williamsburg offers a good mix of shops and malls, selling arts and crafts, fashion boutiques, as well as upscale outlet malls.
Eat
There are many places to eat in Williamsburg. They are mostly located in two areas: Merchants Square and a small stretch of Richmond Road. Richmond Road contains many of the chain restaurants found all over the East Coast. In Merchants Square you will find The Trellis, The Blue Talon, The Cheese Shop, The Fat Canary, Lenny's, and Aromas, among others. The Trellis and Blue Talon are popular places for more expensive gourmet cuisine. The Cheese Shop, Lenny's and Aromas are best for lunch and they are also well worth visiting. The Gazebo, on Bypass Road, is a great place for breakfast. Colonial Williamsburg has a few taverns where historically costumed staff serve colonial fare. They are good places to eat and a must-visit for any Williamsburg tourist. Just be warned that most restaurants and shops close at 8PM. Additional options can be found within the historic district in Colonial Williamsburg.
Budget
Eat The Daily Grind
Coffee shop in the college. It is only open when class is on. The Grind also has a variety of cheap and tasty sandwiches and baked goods. Tends to be vegan/vegetarian friendly and to use organic ingredients.
Mid-range
Eat Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill
Their seafood is excellent, and the crabcakes in particular are outstanding. Large wine list, beer on tap and they are open late. Run by the same folks who operate Nick's Riverwalk Restaurant in nearby Yorktown. If seafood takes your fancy, visit either or both of these restaurants.
Eat The Blue Talon
Specializing in "serious comfort food", the Blue Talon has a wide selection of homey favorites.
Eat Peking Restaurant
Voted #1 "Best of Williamsburg" for 16 years in a row, Peking is famous for their buffet, which includes a made-to-order Mongolian grill, Chinese and Japanese hibachi bars, and a full appetizer bar, vegetarian bar, salad and dessert bar.
Splurge
Eat Fat Canary
Food and wine are uniformly excellent, be sure to try the lamb. The staff are friendly and attentive.
Eat La Piazza
Fine dining restaurant that has received mixed reviews of late regarding the quality of food. The service and ambiance are still up to par, so try for yourself.
Drink
There are three bars, called the delis, which are conveniently all located at the intersection of Richmond Road and Scotland Street.
Drink The Green Leafe
Serves an impressive variety of beers (and tasty food) and it is significantly more expensive than the other two.
Drink The College Delly
Has outdoor seating.
Drink Paul's Deli
Serves good stromboli, which is even better when shared with friends and washed down with a pitcher or two of beer. The delis are right next to campus and they are very popular with William and Mary students.
Drink Corner Pocket
The best place to play pool while you drink.
Sleep
Additional lodging options can be found in Colonial Williamsburg that offer benefits for guests visiting the historic district.
Stay Williamsburg Sampler Bed and Breakfast Inn
Enjoy friendly service by the gracious host Ike, who ensures that every need is catered to and makes the visitor feel right at home. The inn has an exercise room plus a sauna and a billiards room. The rooms as spacious and cozy, with a very comfortable bed and TV.
Go next
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg - a few miles southeast of Williamsburg, this amusement park features roller coasters and other thrill rides and was voted the world's "Most Beautiful Park" for 20 consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
- Newport News - about 20 mi southeast of Williamsburg on I-64, Newport News is home to the massive Newport News Shipbuilding, a shipyard that was founded in 1866. It is where many American aircraft carriers, submarines and other military ships are built.
- Richmond - about 50 mi west of Williamsburg on I-64, Virginia's current capital city was settled in 1607, served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, and today offers a wealth of Civil War history.
Nearby
Colonial Williamsburg
City / town · 67 listings · 1 mi away
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
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Newport News
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Carrollton
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Hampton
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Deltaville
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Norfolk
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