10 Fun Things To Do Near Williamsburg, Virginia (That Locals Actually Love)
If you’re planning a trip to
Williamsburg, Virginia, you’re in for more than just history lessons and school field trip flashbacks. This part of Virginia is packed with cozy streets, theme park thrills, craft breweries, and peaceful nature escapes—all within a short drive.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, a partner, friends, or even solo, here are
10 things to do in and around Williamsburg that will keep everyone happy, busy, and well-fed.
1. Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg
If you only have time for one thing in Williamsburg, make it
Colonial Williamsburg. It’s the largest living history museum in the country, and it honestly feels like walking onto a movie set—only it’s real.
Stroll along
Duke of Gloucester Street, peek into old shops, and talk with costumed interpreters who stay in character. They’ll tell you how people lived, worked, and ate back in the 1700s.
- Take a carriage ride down the main street
- Watch blacksmiths and carpenters at work
- Tour the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol
Tip: If you’re visiting in summer or around the holidays, check the schedule for special events like evening ghost tours or reenactments. They’re a fun way to bring history to life for kids and adults.
2. Ride World-Class Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Just a short drive from downtown,
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the top things to do near Williamsburg if you like rides, shows, or just good theme park food.
The park has a European village theme, with different “countries” like Germany, France, and Scotland. You can wander through cobblestone-style streets, grab a pretzel, and then hop on a huge roller coaster.
Some favorites:
- Griffon – a floorless dive coaster with a straight-down drop
- Verbolten – a story-driven coaster with a surprise in the dark
- Loch Ness Monster – a classic looping coaster with great views
If you’re not a thrill-seeker, don’t worry. There are animal exhibits, live shows, and gentler rides for younger kids. This is a great day trip if you want a break from museums and history tours.
3. Cool Off at Water Country USA
Visiting Williamsburg in the summer? Add
Water Country USA to your list. It’s just a few miles from Busch Gardens and is the largest water park in Virginia.
You’ll find:
- Big twisting water slides
- Lazy river for floating and relaxing
- Wave pool and splash areas for kids
Plan to spend most of the day here if it’s hot out. Bring water shoes, lots of sunscreen, and maybe rent a locker so you’re not carrying everything around. It’s an easy way to cool off after a hot day in Colonial Williamsburg.
4. Walk Where the Revolution Was Won at Yorktown Battlefield
About 20–25 minutes from Williamsburg, you can visit the place where the American Revolution basically ended:
Yorktown Battlefield.
The
Colonial National Historical Park offers:
- A driving tour of the battlefield (great if you don’t feel like walking miles)
- Earthworks and cannons still in place
- Ranger talks that explain what actually happened here
You can also wander
Historic Yorktown and the
Yorktown Riverwalk Landing afterward. There’s a nice riverfront area where you can grab ice cream, sit on a bench, and watch the boats.
If you like American history, pairing
Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown into one “Historic Triangle” trip makes for a very satisfying few days.
5. Explore America’s Beginnings at Historic Jamestowne & Jamestown Settlement
Just down the
Colonial Parkway from Williamsburg, you’ll find not one, but two main Jamestown attractions:
- Historic Jamestowne – the actual archaeological site of the first permanent English settlement in North America
- Jamestown Settlement – a living-history museum with recreated ships, a fort, and a Native American village
If you like hands-on experiences, you’ll enjoy:
- Stepping aboard full-size replicas of the three ships that sailed from England
- Walking through the recreated fort
- Talking with interpreters about daily life in the 1600s
The archaeological site is especially interesting if you enjoy real artifacts and digging into how historians piece together the past.
6. Wander the Trails and Rivers at Williamsburg’s Parks
When you need a break from crowds, Williamsburg has peaceful spots to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet Virginia nature.
Some relaxing places to visit:
- Waller Mill Park – Lake views, kayak and paddle boat rentals, fishing, and wooded trails. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
- Freedom Park – Mountain biking and hiking trails, plus an 18th-century cemetery and historical exhibits tucked into the woods.
- Jamestown Island Loop Drive – A scenic 5-mile or 10-mile loop (you can walk, bike, or drive) with marsh views and wildlife.
If you’re used to busy city life, the quiet here can feel like a reset button. Pack some snacks and enjoy a simple picnic by the water.
7. Eat and Drink Your Way Around Williamsburg
Williamsburg isn’t just about history—it’s also a fun place to eat and sample local drinks.
In and around Williamsburg you’ll find:
- Colonial taverns – Try a meal at spots like Christiana Campbell’s or King’s Arms Tavern for 18th-century-style dishes in candlelit dining rooms.
- Local breweries – Check out Alewerks Brewing Company or Virginia Beer Company for craft beers and laid-back taprooms.
- Wineries – Nearby wineries often have tastings, live music, and outdoor seating with a country feel.
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t worry—many breweries and wineries around Williamsburg are family-friendly during the day, with open lawns and games.
8. Shop, Stroll, and Snack at Merchants Square
Right next to Colonial Williamsburg,
Merchants Square is a charming shopping and dining area that blends old-time architecture with modern stores.
You can:
- Browse locally owned boutiques and gift shops
- Pick up Virginia-made goodies like peanuts, jams, and sweets
- Enjoy coffee, brunch, or a nice dinner without driving far
In the evenings, the area feels cozy and walkable. Sometimes there are outdoor events, farmers markets, or live music. It’s a great place to wander with no fixed plan and just see what catches your eye.
9. Take a Scenic Drive on the Colonial Parkway
One of the most overlooked but beautiful things to do near Williamsburg is simply driving the
Colonial ParkwayWilliamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown and runs along the James River and York River. There are pull-offs where you can stop, take photos, or just sit for a few minutes.
Why it’s worth it:
- No billboards, just trees, water, and old-style stone bridges
- Easy way to link multiple historic sites in one day
- Perfect for a calm, low-stress drive between activities
If you’re visiting in the fall, the colors along the parkway can be stunning, with orange and red leaves lining the road.
10. Discover Hidden Gems: Ghost Tours, Art, and Seasonal Events
Once you’ve hit the major attractions, Williamsburg still has a few surprises.
Some fun “extra” things to do in Williamsburg:
- Ghost tours – Evening walking tours give you spooky stories and a different perspective on the town’s history.
- DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum & Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum – Located right in Colonial Williamsburg, these museums are great if you like art, furniture, and folk art with a story.
- Seasonal events – From Christmas lights and holiday markets to summer concerts and food festivals, Williamsburg has a full calendar year-round.
If you like quieter, more atmospheric moments, wandering the historic area at dusk (even without a guided tour) can feel magical. Gas lamps glow, streets quiet down, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here centuries ago.
Planning Your Williamsburg Trip
To make the most of your visit to
Williamsburg, VA and the surrounding historic triangle:
- Consider staying at least 3–4 days to see Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown without rushing.
- Mix your schedule: one history-heavy day, one theme park or water park day, and one slower day with parks and shopping.
- Check attraction websites for combo tickets or passes that cover multiple sites and save money.
Even if you’re not a “history buff,” the mix of outdoor fun, good food, and easy day trips makes this area a great vacation spot for couples, families, and friend groups.
What Would You Add to This Williamsburg Bucket List?
Have you visited Williamsburg, Virginia before?
Did you discover a favorite restaurant, trail, or tour that deserves a shout-out?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can find new things to do near Williamsburg. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to Virginia—especially anyone looking for ideas beyond the usual school-trip stops.
The more we share, the easier it is for everyone to plan a trip they’ll actually remember—and want to repeat.
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