Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Colonial Williamsburg, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Colonial Williamsburg

Located in Eastern Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum and historical district that portrays the colonial life during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore fully restored and reconstructed buildings from the 18th century, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about the history and culture of early America. This tourist destination features a wide range of attractions, from museums to natural scenery, making it a great place for families, history buffs, and nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Colonial Williamsburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Governor’s Palace: This impressive building served as the residence of the colonial governor of Virginia. Visitors can tour the 18th-century home and see authentic furnishings and artwork.

  • Historic Jamestowne: This site is the original settlement of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains, watch an introductory film, and see reenactments from the Virginia Company.

  • The Capitol: This historic building served as the seat of Virginia’s government during the colonial era. Visitors can take a guided tour of the restored interior and see the House of Burgesses, the legislative body of the colony.

  • DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum: This museum features a collection of American and English decorative arts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Visitors can see furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles, and other decorative objects.

Natural Attractions of Colonial Williamsburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Percy Warner Park: This park features over 2,000 acres of forests, fields, and hills, as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring the natural scenery.

  • Williamsburg Botanical Garden: This garden features over 50 acres of plants, including native Virginia species and plants from around the world. Visitors can see the butterfly garden, the sensory garden, and the wildflower meadow.

  • Golf Courses: Colonial Williamsburg has several golf courses, including the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. These courses offer challenging layouts, scenic views, and expert instruction.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colonial Williamsburg

  • Capital Trail: This 52-mile trail connects Williamsburg to Richmond and features scenic views of the James River, farms, and forests. Visitors can walk, bike, or run on the paved trail and see historical markers and interpretive signs.

  • Great Burnet Trail: This 2-mile trail leads to the Great Burnet Swamp, a wetland area with diverse wildlife and plant species. Visitors can hike on boardwalks and see the unique habitat of this area.

  • Freedom Park Trail: This 2.5-mile trail leads through the woods near Freedom Park and offers scenic views of the lake and wildlife. Visitors can also see the remains of an 18th-century cemetery and a 17th-century plantation site.

Best Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg: Activities and Tours

  • Living History Tours: Visitors can take guided tours or self-guided walks through the historic district and interact with costumed interpreters. These tours include a variety of themes, such as military life, enslaved people, and women’s roles in colonial society.

  • Ghost Tours: Visitors can take an eerie tour of Colonial Williamsburg and learn about the historical past from a haunted perspective.

  • Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: Visitors can take a romantic ride through the historic district and see the vintage architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Colonial Williamsburg

Day Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Orientation and Historic Jamestowne The Capitol and Governor’s Palace Walking Ghost Tour
2 Breakfast at Aromas DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum Yorktown Battlefield
3 Golfing at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club Liberty’s Ice Pavilion Candlelight Concert
4 Hiking in Percy Warner Park Lunch at the Cheese Shop Freedom Trail
5 Bike on Capital Trail Lunch at Fat Canary Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City
6 Shopping for local products Horse-drawn Carriage Rides Dinner at the Mermaid Tavern
7 Departure    

Food and Drink Scene of Colonial Williamsburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Virginia Ham: A salty, savory ham traditionally baked in a brick oven and served with biscuits or grits.

  • Shrimp and Grits: A classic seafood dish made with shrimp, peppers, onions, and creamy grits.

  • Sweet Potato Pie: A sweet dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, spices, and a flaky crust.

Local Beverages

  • Rum: Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area was a hub of rum production during the colonial era. Visitors can try rum-based cocktails or sample different varieties of this spirit.

  • Virginia Wine: The state of Virginia is now a producing winery, with a variety of wineries impressively dotted throughout the regions. Take a leisurely afternoon, sip a glass and enjoy relaxing scenery of the vineyard.

Where to Stay in Colonial Williamsburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotels

  • Williamsburg Inn: A luxury hotel featuring colonial-style furnishings, fine dining, and a spa.

  • The Lodge at Colonial Williamsburg: A cozy, family-friendly hotel with colonial charm and modern amenities.

Hostels

  • Hostelling International Richmond: Only 20 minutes from downtown Williamsburg, this low-priced hostel features shared dorms, private rooms, and group facilities.

Guesthouses

  • The Cedars of Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast: A charming guesthouse featuring individually decorated rooms and a full Southern breakfast.

What to Buy in Colonial Williamsburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jewelry: Visitors can buy handmade jewelry, including silver pieces from local artisans.

  • Pottery: Colonial Williamsburg’s pottery makers craft beautiful and functional pieces using traditional techniques.

  • Home Décor: Visitors can find handmade quilts, baskets, and other home décor items for sale in the historic district.

Local Culture and Customs of Colonial Williamsburg

Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can expect a traditional American colonial experience while exploring the living history museum and historical district. Of course, the site also showcases the customs and traditions of enslaved and free Africans, their relations with the British, and how they experienced the American Revolution.

Best Time to Visit Colonial Williamsburg

The best time to visit Colonial Williamsburg is in the spring or fall when the weather is milder, and the tourist crowds have thinned out. The summer months are the busiest and hottest, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colonial Williamsburg

Do:

  • Dress Comfortably: The historic district features a lot of uneven terrain and surfaces, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
  • Speak with Interpreters: Colonial Williamsburg has costumed interpreters located throughout the historic district who can provide valuable information on the history and culture of the area.
  • Go on a Ghost Tour: A great way to experience the area’s history from a spooky perspective.

Don’t:

  • Touch Artifacts: Visitors should not touch the artifacts or objects on display in the historic district to preserve them.
  • Litter: Visitors are asked to put all trash in the designated bins to help maintain the beauty of the area.
  • Disrupt Activities: Visitors should not disrupt any educational reenactments, interpretation, or programs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Colonial Williamsburg

The historic district is generally safe, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings. The streets are uneven and not well-lit at night, so visitors should be cautious when walking after dark.

Health in Colonial Williamsburg

Visitors should take steps to protect themselves from the sun and heat during the summer months. They should drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and take frequent breaks in the shade.

Getting to Colonial Williamsburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Colonial Williamsburg

  • Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF): Serves the Williamsburg area and is only a 30-minute drive from the historic district.

  • Richmond International Airport (RIC): International airports serves the Richmond metropolitan area and is located an hour’s drive away from Williamsburg Historic area.

Bus Stations Near Colonial Williamsburg

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Serves the Williamsburg area and connects to other destinations in Virginia and nearby states.

Other Options

  • Private Car Services: provides a convenient and reliable alternative for visitors who prefer luxury and hassle-free travel.

How to Get Around in Colonial Williamsburg

Visitors can walk or bike around the historic district, and also take a horse-drawn carriage tour for a more relaxed and romantic experience. Paid shuttle services are also available for visitors who prefer faster and more comfortable transportation.

Where to Go Next from Colonial Williamsburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Virginia Beach: A popular seaside destination with a boardwalk and amusement park, located about an hour’s drive from Williamsburg.

  • Richmond: The state capital of Virginia, with historic sites, museums, and great restaurants, located an hour’s driving from the historic district.

  • Chincoteague Island: Home to the famous wild ponies and beautiful beaches, located about 2 hours’ drive from Williamsburg.

Conclusion

Colonial Williamsburg is an impressive and immersive tourist destination, featuring historic buildings, informative museums, beautiful natural areas, and authentic colonial experiences. Visitors can spend a week exploring the historic district, or use it as a jumping-off point for exploring nearby areas. With something for everyone, Colonial Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for tourists who want to learn about early American history and culture.

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