10 Easy Road Trips Near Williamsburg, Virginia: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Town
If you’re staying in
Williamsburg, Virginia and you’ve already walked Colonial Williamsburg, taken a carriage ride, and tried the local restaurants, you might be wondering:
What else is nearby?
The good news? You don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. In fact, there are plenty of fun, easy
road trips near Williamsburg in the surrounding counties of
James City County and
York County that are perfect for a half-day or full-day escape.
All of the ideas below are
outside the City of Williamsburg itself, but close enough that you can be back in time for dinner. Think peaceful rivers, historic battlefields, small-town main streets, and even an out-of-the-way winery.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Discover Nature and History at Jamestown Settlement (James City County)
Jamestown Settlement sits just a short drive southwest of Williamsburg in
James City County, but it feels like you’ve stepped back more than 400 years.
Here you’ll find:
- Full-size re-creations of the three ships that brought the English colonists
- A living-history fort with costumed interpreters
- A Powhatan Indian village showing Native life before and after European contact
Walk the paths, talk to the interpreters, and don’t be shy about asking questions—they love sharing stories. If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the best
family-friendly day trips near Williamsburg because there’s so much to touch, see, and explore.
Road-trip tip: Pair Jamestown Settlement with a slow drive along the
Colonial Parkway for pretty views of the James River.
2. Bike (or Drive) the Scenic Colonial Parkway (James City & York Counties)
If you enjoy relaxed drives and water views, the
Colonial Parkway is a must. This 23‑mile route connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, mostly hugging the James and York Rivers.
From Williamsburg, head out toward Jamestown or Yorktown and:
- Pull off at overlooks for river views and photos
- Watch for bald eagles and osprey overhead
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the small beach areas
I’ve driven this road early in the morning when a thin layer of fog sits over the water—it feels almost magical. You don’t have to be a hardcore cyclist either; even a short bike ride along a section of the parkway is memorable.
Road-trip tip: There are no gas stations directly on the parkway, so fill up in Williamsburg, James City, or York County before you head out.
3. Explore Historic Yorktown and Riverwalk Landing (York County)
Just east of Williamsburg, across the York County line, you’ll find
Historic Yorktown, one of the most charming small waterfront areas in coastal Virginia.
Here’s what to do:
- Stroll the Yorktown Riverwalk Landing with its brick paths and waterfront views
- Relax on the small sandy beach along the York River
- Browse shops and galleries for local art, jewelry, and gifts
- Grab an ice cream and sit on a bench watching the boats
If you like American history, this is where the last big battle of the American Revolution took place. Even if you’re not a history buff, the riverfront alone makes the trip worth it.
Road-trip tip: On summer evenings and some weekends, Riverwalk often hosts live music or special events—check local calendars before you go.
4. Tour the Yorktown Battlefield (York County)
Right next to the riverfront village, you can drive through the
Yorktown Battlefield, part of the Colonial National Historical Park in York County.
Stop by the visitor center first to:
- See exhibits on the siege of Yorktown
- Pick up a map for the self-guided driving tour
- Ask park rangers for their favorite stops
Then, drive the loop roads past old earthworks, cannons, and farm fields that were once war zones. It’s quiet and peaceful now, which makes the history hit a little harder.
If you’re traveling with kids, turning the stop into a “history treasure hunt” (looking for certain landmarks, cannons, or signs) can keep them interested.
Road-trip tip: Combine the
Yorktown Battlefield with a meal or coffee at Riverwalk Landing to round out a full day in York County.
5. Walk the Trails at Freedom Park (James City County)
Need a break from crowds and colonial costumes? Head to
Freedom Park in James City County, just a short drive northwest of Williamsburg.
You’ll find:
- Miles of walking and biking trails through the woods
- Peaceful spots to sit and listen to birds
- Historic sites, including one of the earliest free Black settlements in America
The trails range from easy to moderate, and many are shaded—perfect on a hot Virginia day. This is a great place to stretch your legs if you’ve spent too much time in the car or at museums.
Road-trip tip: Bring water, bug spray in summer, and a lightweight jacket in cooler months. The woods can feel cooler than town, especially in the mornings.
6. Sip Local Wine at Saude Creek Vineyards (Near James City County)
Want a grown-up escape from the tourist crowds? Take a short country drive northwest from James City County toward New Kent and you’ll reach
Saude Creek Vineyards, a local favorite winery on a hill.
What to expect:
- Wine tastings featuring Virginia-grown grapes
- Big porches and decks overlooking rolling hills and trees
- Live music on many weekends (check their schedule)
On a sunny afternoon, sitting outside with a glass of wine and a cheese tray feels like being much farther from Williamsburg than you actually are. It’s a relaxing change of pace from theme parks and historic sites.
Road-trip tip: Have a designated driver and take your time on the country roads—they’re pretty, but can be winding in spots.
7. Paddle the York River at York River State Park (James City County)
For outdoor lovers,
York River State Park in James City County is one of the best
nature escapes near Williamsburg.
You can:
- Rent a kayak or canoe (seasonally available) and paddle the river or creeks
- Walk the long pier and look for blue crabs and fish in the water below
- Hike trails with views of marshes, forests, and tidal flats
The park feels wild but still manageable, even if you’re not a hardcore hiker. I’ve seen herons, egrets, and even dolphins from the shoreline here.
Road-trip tip: Tides matter if you’re paddling—ask the rangers about the best times to launch, especially if you’re new to kayaking.
8. Ride Coasters and Cool Off at Water Country USA (York County)
If your idea of a great road trip from Williamsburg includes
wave pools and water slides, head east into York County to
Water Country USA.
Highlights include:
- Big thrill slides for adrenaline lovers
- Kid-friendly splash areas and shallow pools
- Lazy rivers for when you just want to float and relax
This is a perfect summer day trip if you’re visiting Williamsburg with family or friends. Plan to spend most of the day here—you’ll want to ride your favorites more than once.
Road-trip tip: Arrive early to beat the lines and grab chairs in the shade. Sunscreen and water shoes are your best friends here.
9. Step Back in Time at Historic Jamestowne Island (James City County)
Different from Jamestown Settlement,
Historic Jamestowne on Jamestown Island in James City County is the actual site of America’s first permanent English settlement.
Here you can:
- Watch archaeologists at work uncovering artifacts
- Walk over glass sections where you can see excavation work below your feet
- Visit the church tower remains and learn about the early colonists’ lives
There’s a quiet, reflective feel to this place. If you enjoy real history and not just re-creations, this site adds a deeper layer to your Williamsburg trip.
Road-trip tip: Try visiting both
Jamestown Settlement and
Historic Jamestowne on the same day. One shows you how things might have looked; the other shows you where they actually happened.
10. Drive the Yorktown Scenic Route and Find Secret River Views (York County)
Finally, for a low-key but rewarding outing, explore some of the back roads around Yorktown in York County.
Here’s an easy plan:
- Start from Yorktown village and cruise along roads close to the river
- Stop at lesser-known pull-offs and small public access points
- Keep an eye out for small marinas and boat ramps with benches or viewpoints
Sometimes the best part of a
road trip near Williamsburg isn’t a big attraction—it’s a quiet spot where you can watch the sun set over the water and listen to the waves.
Road-trip tip: Use a paper map or download offline maps in case your signal gets spotty along the water.
Final Thoughts: Make Williamsburg Your Home Base for Coastal Virginia Adventures
Staying in
Williamsburg, VA puts you in the middle of some of the best that coastal Virginia has to offer. Within a short drive, you can:
- Walk Revolutionary War battlefields in York County
- Hike forest trails and paddle tidal rivers in James City County
- Sip wine in the countryside or cool off in a giant water park
So next time you’re planning a trip, think of Williamsburg as your hub and these
10 out-of-county road trips as your spokes. Mix and match a couple each day depending on your mood—history one day, nature the next, water slides after that.
Share Your Favorite Williamsburg-Area Road Trip
Have you taken a fun
day trip from Williamsburg to James City County, York County, or nearby areas?
- Which stop was your favorite?
- Did you discover any hidden beaches, quiet trails, or great local restaurants along the way?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your experience might help another traveler plan their own perfect Virginia getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are thinking about visiting Williamsburg. The more we share ideas, the easier it is for everyone to enjoy this beautiful corner of Virginia.
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