Step into a world where cobblestone streets tell stories of revolution and horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past centuries-old buildings. Williamsburg isn’t just another tourist destination—it’s a living, breathing piece of American history that somehow manages to feel both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re fascinated by colonial life or just looking for a fun family getaway, this charming Virginia city delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in America.
From interactive historical demonstrations to thrilling theme parks, Williamsburg offers something for every type of traveler. Here’s a list of 18 activities that showcase the very best this historic city has to offer.
Colonial Williamsburg
— Photo by Alexander2323
Walking through Colonial Williamsburg feels like stepping through a time machine into the 1700s. This massive living history museum spans 301 acres and features original buildings, where real historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once walked. The costumed interpreters don’t just recite facts—they fully embody their characters, complete with period-appropriate speech patterns and mannerisms. You might find yourself debating politics with a colonial shopkeeper or watching a blacksmith forge horseshoes using authentic 18th-century techniques.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
This European-themed amusement park consistently ranks among America’s most beautiful theme parks, and for good reason. The park’s nine themed areas transport visitors across different European countries, from the Scottish Highlands to Italian villages. Roller coaster enthusiasts rave about rides like Apollo’s Chariot and Alpengeist, which offer heart-pounding thrills amid gorgeous landscaping. The park’s attention to detail extends beyond the rides—even the food courts serve cuisine that matches their respective European themes.
Governor’s Palace
The reconstructed Governor’s Palace stands as one of Colonial Williamsburg’s crown jewels, showcasing how Virginia’s royal governors lived in opulent style. The palace features elaborate formal gardens, ornate furnishings, and guided tours that reveal the stark contrast between the governor’s luxury and the colonists’ growing resentment. Inside, you’ll discover rooms filled with period antiques and artwork that cost more than most colonists earned in a lifetime. The building’s grand ballroom and formal dining areas hosted many of the political discussions that would eventually lead to revolution.
Water Country USA
When Virginia’s summer heat becomes overwhelming, this water park provides the perfect cooling escape just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. The park features over 40 water attractions, from lazy rivers perfect for floating to high-speed water slides that send adrenaline junkies plummeting into refreshing pools below. Families particularly love the kids’ areas, which offer smaller versions of the big attractions along with interactive water play structures. The park’s 1950s and 1960s surf theme creates a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to multiple generations.
Jamestown Settlement
Just a short drive from Williamsburg, this living history museum recreates America’s first permanent English settlement with remarkable attention to detail. The outdoor exhibits include full-size replicas of the three ships that brought the first colonists to Virginia in 1607. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the early settlement, showing visitors how colonists built homes, prepared food, and interacted with the Powhatan Indians. The museum’s indoor galleries complement the outdoor experience with artifacts and exhibits that tell the complete story of this pivotal moment in American history.
Yorktown Battlefield
The site where American independence was effectively won offers a powerful connection to one of history’s most important military victories. The battlefield preserves the earthworks and fortifications used during the 1781 siege that forced British General Cornwallis to surrender. Walking the battlefield with an audio tour brings the final Revolutionary War battle to life through firsthand accounts and strategic explanations. The visitor center’s film and exhibits provide context that helps visitors understand how this relatively small Virginia town became the birthplace of American freedom.
College of William & Mary
America’s second-oldest institution of higher learning creates a beautiful campus that seamlessly blends colonial architecture with modern academic facilities. The historic Wren Building, dating to 1695, housed some of America’s most influential founding fathers during their college years. Free walking tours reveal fascinating stories about famous alumni like Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. The campus’s tree-lined paths and brick buildings create an atmosphere that feels both scholarly and serene.
Merchant’s Square
This charming shopping and dining district connects Colonial Williamsburg to the College of William & Mary with tree-lined streets and colonial-style architecture. Local artisans sell handcrafted goods in shops that maintain the area’s historical character while offering contemporary conveniences. The restaurants range from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments, many featuring locally sourced ingredients and colonial-inspired recipes. Evening strolls through the square reveal why this area serves as Williamsburg’s social heart, especially when street musicians and performers add to the ambiance.
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Art lovers discover an unexpected treasure trove of American decorative arts spanning three centuries in this world-class museum. The collection includes everything from intricate silver pieces crafted by colonial artisans to elaborate furniture that graced the homes of Virginia’s elite families. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to examine techniques used by colonial craftsmen, revealing the incredible skill required to create these beautiful objects without modern tools. The museum’s location beneath the Colonial Williamsburg visitor center makes it easy to combine with other historical attractions.
Bassett Hall
This intimate house museum offers a more personal perspective on colonial life as the restored home of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The couple used this 18th-century house as their Williamsburg residence while overseeing the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930s and 1940s. The home’s furnishings reflect the Rockefellers’ personal taste for American folk art and period antiques. Guided tours reveal how this influential family lived and their crucial role in preserving Williamsburg’s historical legacy for future generations.
Carter’s Grove
Located along the James River, this grand plantation house represents one of Virginia’s finest examples of colonial Georgian architecture. The mansion’s elaborate interior woodwork and formal gardens showcase the wealth and sophistication of Virginia’s plantation elite. Archaeological exhibits on the property reveal evidence of both slave quarters and Native American settlements, providing a more complete picture of colonial Virginia society. The scenic drive to Carter’s Grove along the Colonial Parkway offers beautiful views of Virginia’s countryside and waterways.
Williamsburg Winery
Virginia’s wine industry has exploded in recent years, and this local winery offers tastings that showcase the state’s growing reputation for quality wines. The facility combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to produce wines that reflect Virginia’s unique terroir. Guided tours explain the winemaking process from grape to bottle, while the tasting room provides a relaxed atmosphere for sampling different varieties. The winery’s events calendar includes everything from harvest festivals to wine pairing dinners that highlight local cuisine.
Great Wolf Lodge
This massive indoor water park resort creates a year-round tropical paradise that appeals especially to families with children. The four-story water playground features slides, pools, and interactive attractions that keep kids entertained for hours regardless of outside weather conditions. Beyond the water attractions, the lodge offers activities like mini golf, arcade games, and character meet-and-greets. The resort’s themed suites provide accommodations that extend the fun beyond the water park itself.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
Bargain hunters find designer goods at discounted prices in this large outlet mall featuring over 120 stores. Major brands like Nike, Coach, and Kate Spade offer merchandise at significantly reduced prices compared to regular retail locations. The outdoor mall’s layout makes shopping pleasant even during Virginia’s mild winters, while covered walkways protect during summer storms. The food court and restaurants scattered throughout the complex ensure shoppers can refuel without leaving the premises.
Colonial Parkway
This scenic 23-mile road connects Williamsburg to Jamestown and Yorktown while providing some of Virginia’s most beautiful driving experiences. The parkway’s design preserves the natural landscape and historical character of the area through careful placement and architectural guidelines. Multiple pull-offs and scenic overlooks allow drivers to stop and appreciate views of the York and James Rivers. The road serves as more than just transportation—it’s an attraction in itself that reveals why early settlers chose this area for their new home.
Williamsburg Botanical Garden
Nature enthusiasts discover a peaceful retreat featuring native Virginia plants and carefully designed garden spaces. The garden’s walking trails wind through different ecosystems, from wetlands that attract migrating birds to upland forests filled with towering trees. Seasonal displays ensure something interesting blooms throughout most of the year, while educational signage helps visitors identify local flora and fauna. The garden provides a quiet counterpoint to Colonial Williamsburg’s busier historical attractions.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Thrill-seekers can experience Virginia’s forests from a completely different perspective on this treetop obstacle course. Participants navigate between trees using zip lines, rope bridges, and other challenges suspended high above the forest floor. The course accommodates different skill levels, from beginners who want a mild adventure to experienced climbers seeking serious challenges. Safety equipment and thorough instruction ensure participants can focus on the fun rather than worrying about the heights involved.
Williamsburg Escape Room
When weather drives you indoors or you need a break from historical sites, these puzzle-solving adventures provide engaging entertainment for groups. Teams work together to solve clues and escape themed rooms within a set time limit, creating excitement that appeals to both adults and older children. The rooms feature different themes and difficulty levels, ensuring groups can find challenges that match their experience and interests. Success requires communication and creative thinking rather than physical strength or specialized knowledge.
Where Past Meets Present
Williamsburg’s genius lies in how it makes history feel immediate and relevant rather than distant and dusty. The city somehow manages to honor its colonial roots while embracing modern amenities and attractions that appeal to contemporary travelers. Whether you spend your time debating revolution with costumed interpreters or screaming down roller coasters, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how the past shaped the present.
This unique combination of education and entertainment explains why families return year after year, discovering new layers in a place where American democracy took its first tentative steps. The city proves that learning about history doesn’t require sacrificing fun—it just requires the right setting to bring both together.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN