Things to do & places to visit in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Want a vacation 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. Travelers 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.

Williamsburg city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 3:12.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Jamestown-Scotland Ferry (721 reviews)
- Great ride!
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

This is a fast and easy way to cross over the James River and have a bit of fun while doing it. Surprisingly, it's free! There were 10-15 vehicles in front of us waiting to get on but the staff quickly directed each vehicle to the appropriate spot and we left the shore at 4:22P. The ride was smooth and we arrived on the Jamestown side much more quickly than we expected. Exiting the ferry was fast and efficient as the staff expertly directed vehicles to drive off, and we were on our way. Would utilize this ferry again!!! See more..
5.0 Williamsburg Charter Sails (629 reviews)
- Brothers
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Boat Tours

I am a former sailboat owner. Williamsburg Charter Sails owned and operated by William ODonnell is a a first rate boat owner and operator. We sailed in light rain, strong winds, gusty winds, and very light winds. Mr. ODonnell is an experienced skilled sailor. He has great knowledge of the local waters and how to make the experience entertaining and filled with information. He has great interpersonal skills. He owns a great Hunter 32' in great condition that looks new. I can't wait to go again and i my have to hurry. I'm eighty. See more..
5.0 Williamsburg Walking Tours (577 reviews)
- African American walking tour
Cultural Tours • Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours

The tour was excellent. Our guide, Patricia Duncan, was knowledgeable and passionate about the history and sharing her information with us. She is a great teacher and storyteller. It was clear that Patricia had done years of research on the subject and was succinct in delivering that information. Our group, my mom and my two sisters—all grown, appreciate the time and detail she gave to the subject. See more..
5.0 Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park (507 reviews)
- Challenging, exciting, one of the best days I've ever had!!!
Thursday: Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

My favorite part wasn't the awesome course nor was it the thrill of the breath taking ride. It wasn't the beautiful landscape neither. Although it was all of those things, my favorite part was the employees and the way they treated my son and me! They were all so friendly and helpful. Patient with us first timers. Eager to help an over weight, out of shape, elder lady such as myself! They complimented us on the few parts we did well and reassured me on the parts I struggled with. Made me feel less embarrassed when I got in a place I couldn't get out of without assistance. You guys are awesome! A Plus!! We will definitely be returning! See more..
5.0 Bassett Hall (360 reviews)
- Don't miss Bassett Hall!
Historic Sites

Home of Mr. and Mrs. John Rockefeller Jr. decorated in 18th-century furnishings. See more..
5.0 Colonial National Historic Park (272 reviews)
- Go now while Covid still restricts the number of people vying to see everything!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours National Parks • Parks

It is a great time to visit. Not many places are open but those which are give an in-depth explanation that truly was more deeply understood than when in the past I tried to take it all in. By visiting the two court houses, I learned about the change from English court system to our evolving American one. They take 10 people into five main sites and make them come alive! It felt personal in a way that it doesn't when crowds are there rushing into one place and another. See more..
5.0 Oleta Tour & Travel, Inc. (262 reviews)
- Best Trip Ever!!!!!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

This was the most professional bus service ever! Bryan the driver always greeted us by the door, helped with steps, bent down to tie someone's shoes, always looked out for us, chatted with everyone, helped with luggage and navigated NYC like a pro. The bus was very clean and always on time.The list could go on and on! Thank you Bryan for making this best trip ever. See more..
5.0 The Wagsters Magic Theatre (176 reviews)
- Wagsters is a MUST SEE!
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Theaters • Theatre & Performances

Come experience magic & wonder at Williamsburg's only professional magic show! The Wagsters deliver spectacular illusions, breath taking sleight of hand, incredible mind reading, heartfelt stories, and daring escapes to form a unique one of a kind experience that will leave you spellbound from the second the curtain opens to the final jaw dropping moment. All ages will be on the edge of their seat as they venture into this world of magic and illusion and will leave you saying “How did they do it?!” Get your tickets now before they all... disappear! See more..
5.0 Colonial Escape Room (171 reviews)
- A wonderful experience for everyone! Novice to expert!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Looking for a fun challenge? Stop searching, unless you are in one of our escape rooms looking for the next clue! Test your wits as you try to solve all of the mind puzzling obstacles with your friends, family, or colleagues! See more..
5.0 Whitley's Peanut Factory (161 reviews)
- You Need to Hear from this Peanut Factory!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Our retail outlet stores are OPEN and following the recommended CDC, state, and local COVID-19 guidelines for retail establishments, including requiring masks for all who are not fully vaccinated. Whitley's "Home-Cooked" peanuts have a wonderful, crunchy freshness and distinctive flavor because our peanuts are still made the old-fashioned way-hand cooked, slowly roasted to perfection. Since 1986, Whitley's Peanut Factory has been producing the finest quality gourmet Virginia peanuts and peanut candies on the market. We have three retail stores in Williamsburg, Gloucester and Richmond, VA. See more..
5.0 Virginia Musical Museum (64 reviews)
- A Hidden Gem in Williamsburg
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This museum is very interesting and well planned. As others have said, it features many different kinds of musical instruments and a "hall of fame" for Virginia born artists. Mr. Parker, the owner/founder, was a charming and knowledgeable host, offering explanations for many of the items but also giving us ample time to explore on our own. We highly recommend this museum for adults and children alike. See more..
4.5 Colonial Williamsburg (12.6k reviews)
- Great day for the entire family
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living history museum, brings travelers back in time to colonial Virginia through immersive experiences, historical reenactments, museums, and events. Prominent landmarks like the Raleigh Tavern, the Capitol, and the Governor’s Palace have been lovingly reconstructed, and travelers can walk through the entire historic area free of charge—although there are also ticketed attractions to enjoy, such as carriage rides around the historical center. Be sure to buy advance tickets to watch staged adaptations of historical events, from 'Cry Witch' to 'To Hang a Pirate'. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Busch Gardens Williamsburg (9.077 reviews) from $53.49
- Pantheon
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Take your family to a place where fun comes naturally, Williamsburg, Virginia, home to Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA. Challenge one of Busch Gardens’ seven world-class coasters or discover family fun playing at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park, is just three miles west of Busch Gardens and features state-of-the-art water rides and resort-style amenities. Guests are in for an epic journey on the park’s wildest family thrill slide, Colossal Curl™. True to its name, this mega water slide will deliver a high-adrenaline, family-friendly, action-packed adventure. See more..
4.5 Historic Jamestowne (5.491 reviews)
- Awesome, but expensive.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. See more..
4.5 Jamestown Settlement (4.380 reviews)
- A MUST See and Visit!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ships

We purchased the Single Day Combo ticket (includes): Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum. This allows a (1) Single day visit ticket to each museum. Meaning you get (1) visit to each museum location. There are many combination tickets you can get but this worked the best for our visit. These museums are GREAT and are WELL worth the price of admission. Allow enough time to see both. We thought 1-2 hours would be enough but it would not be. So allow yourself not to be rushed and enjoy the history. The museum and staff here do a wonderful job and are friendly. FYI, the National Park service operates the " Historic Jamestown" just around the corner which has the Glasshouse and other exhibits (separate and a fee). These are independent of this museum. See more..
4.5 Governor's Palace (2.536 reviews)
- Palace is lovely!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites

The luxurious palace of the loyalist governor, complete with meticulously replicated late 18th century furnishings. See more..
4.5 Water Country USA (2.517 reviews) from $53.49
- Great time for a family
Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

Keeping cool during a summer packed with thrills is easy at Water Country USA®. Virginia's largest water park offers fun for the entire family with resort-style amenities and more than 40 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions. Experience a rush aboard Colossal Curl™, the park’s first family thrill ride and the first of its kind in North America. Unwind and relax on a journey down the park’s lazy river or catch a wave at the Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool. Little ones can have a “splashtastic” good time in one of the park’s KIDsiderate® play areas designed just for them. Water Country USA also offers swim lessons and classes to help guests stay safe and feel confident in the water. With something for everyone, Water Country USA is hot destination for a cool summer. See more..
4.5 Bruton Parish Episcopal Church (1.185 reviews)
- Shhh, show respect to an active Church as you enter. Hats off, gentlemen
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The church building has been standing since 1715. We hold Sunday morning worship services at 8:00, 9:15, and 11:15. The church is open to visitors every day but Wednesdays from 12 noon-4:00 p.m. A CW pass is not required. A dollar per visitor is appreciated. Visit the home page of our website for most current information. The Bruton Parish Shop & Heritage Center is located a block and a half west of the church on Duke of Gloucester St. Visit, shop and learn! Open daily, 11:00-5:00. See more..
4.5 Williamsburg Winery (919 reviews)
- 1619 Pavilion is Worth the Visit!
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

With over 40 acres of vineyards, a bountiful on-site garden, a hotel and two restaurants, The Williamsburg Winery is more than just a Winery. Wessex Hundred, the 300 - acre farm that is home to The Williamsburg Winery, Wedmore Place, Café Provençal and The Gabriel Archer Tavern, offers an unforgettable wine and culinary experience in the heart of Colonial America. See more..
4.5 The College of William and Mary (791 reviews)
- near Williamsburg and worth the visit to see a really old American institution of higher education
Educational sites

The Sir Christopher Wren building, the oldest college building in America, is one of several historical attractions on the campus of this second-oldest university in the U.S., which boasts four U.S. presidents among its graduates. See more..
4.5 The Original Ghost Tour (714 reviews)
- Great time
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM Ghost & Vampire Tours

I am not really a person who believes in ghosts or spirits, but my wife does and therefore booked the 2 hour tour. Our guide was Denny and he was absolutely fantastic. I love history and stories and he was so knowledgeable and knew his stuff without hesitation. It was a perfect evening for the tour and very neat seeing colonial homes in this perspective. I will warn you that there is lots of horse waste you have to dodge while walking but it’s worth it. Prices are really reasonable like the extreme tour was only around 17 a person and I would totally book this again because I have a feeling all experiences are slightly different. Then 90 minute tour is a few dollars cheaper so just go ahead and upgrade for you don’t want it to end. Warning I will say the starting point is a bit confusing, you want to met at the actual church not the church/ gift shop. The staff was awesome at answering my questions and getting me to the right starting point! So go do this! See more..
4.5 Jamestown Glasshouse (687 reviews)
- Working Glass House (studio) that you have to see!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Almost missed it as the building is rather hidden from the parking lot. And we didn’t even know it’s a working glass house. So was such an amazing surprise that it has an oven for melting glass and two glass blowers actually making what can only be called glass art. A VERY good instructor (?) was helpfully explaining the complete process and answering questions. We ended up buying multiple pieces at a very reasonable price. Go! See more..
4.5 Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum (678 reviews)
- Great exhibits and presentations!!!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Museums

19th-century folk household objects (toys, kitchenware, paintings, furniture, etc.) are on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. See more..
4.5 Spooks And Legends Haunted Tours (599 reviews)
- Wonderful
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Night Tours • Private Tours

A different type of ghost tour , a costumed guide is in character as a lunatic from the local asylum. Very interesting little tidbits of local history as well as allowing time to take pictures which she points out may reveal some odd and supernatural aspects when you view the photos. Very very enjoyable, job well done! See more..
4.5 DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum (540 reviews)
- A wonderful museum with a variety of exhibits!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Museums

A vast collection (8,000 objects) from 17th, 18th and early 19th century America are on display at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. See more..
4.5 Public Hospital Museum (506 reviews)
- Colonial mental hospital
Historic Sites

The first mental institution in North America. See more..
4.5 Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center (386 reviews)
- A great experience all around!
Thursday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

Stop in at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to purchase tickets and find information on current events and activities. Park here for free, and ride the shuttle to different stops throughout the Historic Area. Whether you have an itinerary of your own or need help starting one, our friendly staff will steer you in the right direction. See more..
4.5 Alewerks Brewing Company (354 reviews)
- Great Visit from Out-Of-State!
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Breweries

Alewerks Brewing Company opened in 2006, foreseeing the increasing demand for quality local craft beer. Alewerks quickly established a reputation for fine brews with a commitment to classic standards while pressing boundaries with bold flavors. Loyal visitors return day after day, month after month and year after year to new developments as Alewerks expands its facility, reach and goals. See more..
4.5 Merchants Square (292 reviews)
- Great Store
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Shopping Malls

Inspired by the rich architectural heritage of the 18th century, Merchants Square blends the atmosphere found in the adjacent Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg with 21st-century shopping and dining. This is a shopping experience unlike any other. We offer the best in personal service, high-quality merchandise, world-class food, and shop owners who really care. See more..
4.5 York River State Park (237 reviews)
- Scenic and peaceful
State Parks

See more..