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Plan Your Trip to Williamsburg: Best of Williamsburg Tourism

By Management

Explore Williamsburg

Want a holiday full of thrills, adventure, fun and romance? Greater Williamsburg has just the thing — from the wild rides at Busch Gardens to the incredible living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg. Travellers can also set sail on the York River, and hike or bike their way through the area’s many trails. For quieter times, Riverwalk Landing offers no shortage of opportunities to indulge in culinary delights and premium shopping.
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Essential Williamsburg

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Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

Things to do

  • Colonial Williamsburg
    4.5 of 5 bubbles
    (12,898)
    Historic Sites, History Museums
  • Jamestown Settlement
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (4,476)
    Historic Sites, Ships
  • Historic Jamestowne
    4.7 of 5 bubbles
    (5,580)
    Historic Sites, History Museums
  • Water Country USA
    4.3 of 5 bubbles
    (2,555)
    Water Parks
  • Governor's Palace
    4.7 of 5 bubbles
    (2,546)
    Historic Sites
  • Jamestown Glasshouse
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (711)
    Points of Interest & Landmarks

Places to stay

  • Williamsburg Inn, An Official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
    4.7 of 5 bubbles
    (1,390)
  • Holiday Inn Express Williamsbrg Busch Gardens Area, an IHG hotel
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (324)
  • Colonial Houses, An Official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
    4.5 of 5 bubbles
    (1,187)
  • Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway
    4.5 of 5 bubbles
    (1,292)
  • Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Gateway, an IHG hotel
    4.5 of 5 bubbles
    (1,519)
  • Comfort Suites Williamsburg Historic Area
    4.5 of 5 bubbles
    (959)

Food & drink

  • Aberdeen Barn - 1601 Richmond Road Williamsburg
    4.4 of 5 bubbles
    (1,702)
    $$ - $$$American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian friendly
  • Fat Canary
    4.7 of 5 bubbles
    (1,708)
    $$$$Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
  • Le Yaca French Restaurant
    4.7 of 5 bubbles
    (1,500)
    $$$$French, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
  • Francesco's Ristorante Italiano
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (1,217)
    $$ - $$$Italian, Tuscan, Sicilian
  • Food For Thought
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (5,935)
    $$ - $$$American, Healthy, Vegetarian friendly
  • Second Street Bistro
    4.6 of 5 bubbles
    (4,213)
    $$ - $$$American, Bar, Grill

Williamsburg Is Great For

Ghost Tours

Eat & drink

Christmas

Shopaholics

Historical Tours

After dark

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Williamsburg travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Historic Accommodations

According to forum posts, Williamsburg offers various historic accommodation options, particularly through Colonial Williamsburg's official accommodations which include the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, and Colonial Houses. These are located within or close to the historic district, providing easy access to local attractions.

Modern and Budget-Friendly Options

For those seeking more modern or budget-friendly accommodations, travelers have mentioned chain hotels such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn & Suites, located on Bypass Road, which offer comfortable stays without breaking the bank. These hotels provide a good balance of comfort and convenience, though they are not within walking distance of the historic district.

Bed and Breakfasts

Several users have recommended bed and breakfasts such as the Fife and Drum Inn and The Cedars of Williamsburg, which offer a more personalized stay experience. These are also favorably located near the historic area and provide a quaint, cozy atmosphere.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Historical Significance

According to forum posts, Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see, offering extensive demonstrations and historical buildings that can occupy visitors for full days. It includes Merchants Square with shops and restaurants, enhancing the historical experience with modern amenities.

Complementary Sites

Many users recommend visiting the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to complete the Historic Triangle experience. These sites provide a chronological order of historical events, starting from the early settlements in Jamestown to the developments in Yorktown.

Additional Attractions

Travelers have highlighted the Yorktown Battlefield as a significant historical site, operated by the Colonial National Historical Park, which also includes Historic Jamestown. These locations offer deep dives into America's formative years through well-preserved battlefields and interactive tours.

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Traveler Preferences

According to forum posts, the choice between Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement often hinges on the type of experience sought. Historic Jamestowne offers a more authentic and historical experience with ongoing archaeological digs and the chance to walk on the original settlement site. This aspect is valued by those interested in the real historical context and archaeological aspects of early American history.

Engagement and Accessibility

Some travelers said Jamestown Settlement provides a more engaging experience, especially for younger visitors or those who prefer interactive and tangible learning opportunities. The Settlement features re-creations of colonial life, including replicas of ships and a fort, which make history more accessible and relatable.

Educational Value

For many users, the decision to visit both sites seems beneficial. Jamestown Settlement puts the 17th-century history into a broader context with its full-scale reconstructions and exhibits, which complement the archaeological insights provided at Historic Jamestowne. This combination offers a comprehensive understanding of Jamestown’s history.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice depends on personal interests: Historic Jamestowne for archaeological and authentic historical experiences, and Jamestown Settlement for interactive and educational displays.

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Historic Decorations and Events

During the holiday season, Colonial Williamsburg is adorned with period-accurate decorations using natural and manmade materials, such as magnolia leaves and clay pipes. Events like the Illumination of various areas with cressets, musket fire, and music from the fife and drum corps are highlights. The Grand Illumination, expanded to three nights, features fireworks and musical performances.

Holiday Programming

For many users, the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg is described as magical, with homes and buildings featuring wreaths, greens, and candles. There's a walking tour of door decorations that offers a deep dive into 18th-century decoration traditions. The area also hosts special events like concerts and ghost walks, which require tickets available online or at local ticket offices.

Christmas Town and Additional Attractions

Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a popular attraction, featuring holiday lights and open rides. Some travelers also suggested exploring other historical sites like Jamestown and Yorktown, or taking day trips to nearby locations such as Smithfield or Monticello for additional holiday festivities.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.