If time traveling is your thing, you can’t do much better than Williamsburg, Virginia. The city is packed with attractions that bring the past to life, offering an immersion in history that all ages will love. But a vacation here is much more than just a trip back to days gone by. Below, find RedWeek’s tips for what to do in Williamsburg.
Things To Do In Williamsburg
- Colonial Williamsburg: One of the original “living history” attractions, Colonial Williamsburg whisks visitors back to the 18th century to discover the roots of the United States. It’s an immersive affair down to the smallest detail, with costumed actors playing real-life figures and performing amazing reenactments. A must-visit.
- Jamestown Settlement: Another “living history” spot, Jamestown re-creates the first permanent English settlement in North America. The attraction gives visitors a revealing glimpse of the early colonial era, from Native American crafts and artifacts to tall-masted ships.
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Offering 422 acres of pure entertainment, this Williamsburg amusement park is packed with rides — including the brand-new Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster.
- Freedom Park: Preserving one of the first free Black settlements in America, Freedom Park is a great place for outdoor adventure in Williamsburg — especially if you’re into mountain biking. Here, you’ll zip through 20 miles of trails that take you through historic sites, old growth forests and open meadows.
Where To Shop In Williamsburg
- The Shops at Colonial Williamsburg: Fine craftsmanship isn’t just a thing of the past. At the Shops at Colonial Williamsburg, browse a wide selection of furniture, apparel, kitchen goods and much more.
- Merchants Square: Located right next to Colonial Williamsburg (and sharing its 18th century vibes), Merchants Square is home to more than 40 shops and restaurants. If you’re visiting between March and December, stop in at the Williamsburg Farmers Market every Saturday to enjoy seasonal food, crafts, live music and a festive atmosphere.
- Williamsburg Premium Outlets: Bargain hunters won’t want to skip this one. Here, you’ll find big name brands like Banana Republic, Adidas, Calvin Klein and many more, all offering discounted rates.
Where To Eat (And Drink) In Williamsburg
- DoG Street Pub: Billing itself as “casual cuisine with a British accent,” DoG Street Pub is situated in a beautifully restored 80-year-old bank. Hit the spacious patio for burgers, fish & chips and a vast craft beer selection.
- Pierce’s Pitt BBQ: This laid-back joint has been bringing authentic hickory-smoked, Tennessee-style BBQ to Virginia for more than 50 years. Make sure to save room for dessert — the homemade pecan pie is to die for.
- Virginia Beer Company: Virginia is for (beer) lovers! Craft brew connoisseurs will want to make a beeline to Virginia Beer Company, where they’ll sample some of the state’s very best pours, from hazy IPAs to barrel-fermented saisons.
- Copper Fox Distillery: Tradition and innovation come together to create some truly spectacular rye whiskey at Copper Fox. On a distillery tour, you’ll see how it all comes together, and then enjoy the results on the firepit courtyard.
Williamsburg Timeshare Resorts
- Vacation Village at Williamsburg: With a clubhouse that takes its design cues from Thomas Jefferson’s famed Monticello estate, Vacation Village at Williamsburg delivers old world elegance with up-to-date amenities, including expansive indoor and outdoor heated pools, a golf course and much more.
- Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony: Just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Marriott’s Manor Club guests enjoy access to the Ford’s Colony Country Club, which features 54 holes of championship golf and an acclaimed Dining Room.
- The Cottages at King’s Creek Plantation: Offering a Williamsburg home away from home, King’s Creek’s cottages feature white picket fences, cathedral ceilings, and cozy fireplaces — everything you need for either a romantic escape or a family vacation.
Start planning your Williamsburg, Virginia vacation with RedWeek now.
