Address:301 S Nassau St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States. The English made their first long-term settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, near what is now Williamsburg. Sample Local Wines at The Williamsburg Winery. Make time to float on the Hubba Hubba Highway a 1500-foot lazy river that features surprise geysers, sprayers and crazy coconuts. Browse Famous Works at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, 14. The only place for a truly presidential dram. Families Fly Free is a program that has introduced hundreds of families to the joys of flying free using travel rewards including our family! Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Central is also close to historic downtown at about a mile. The 2,500-acre state park boasts 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as an estuary, marshes, and forests. Address: The Mariners Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606, Opening hours: Museum: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm; Park: 6am - 5pm (daily), Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. English colonists needed alcohol to survive. Williamsburg, Virginia is an ideal destination for a family vacation on the east coast of the United States. This is a great campus to visit and to attend. Its open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 18. If you take the Original Ghosts of Williamsburg tour, you can go down Historic Triangle by candlelight. Thats because this is Williamsburgs local brewery. If you have any interest in US history, youll be spoiled for things to do in Williamsburg! The beautiful and historic city of Williamsburg in Virginia is also worth visiting on a scenic train trip on the east coast. Fast-forward to today, and the city is now home to dozens of wineries, craft breweries, and meaderies! You can also expand your knowledge of history by attending the programs, events and lectures at the university museum. With a well-rounded menu, including lots of Italian options, Second Street Bistro has earned a high spot in Williamsburgs restaurant scene. Sean Xu / Shutterstock. The Kimball Theatre, one of the best venues in Williamsburg features all three of those. It takes a lot of work to make something feel so effortless. The gardens of enslaved people left a lasting legacy across the American South. This is one of the most fun places to experience in Williamsburg. Weve seen great rates here but with good reviews. Things to Do in Williamsburg VA for Couples 23 Great Ideas Canoeing & Kayaking. Lesli Peterson, owner of 365 Traveler, has lived in multiple countries and 30+ states across the US from coast to coast. Be sure to visit for a nice lunch in Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg Merchants Square Ticket Office. James River Park Pipeline Walkway, wants to go to Brunch: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Bassett Hall is a 2-story, white home nestled on 585 acres of gardens, lawns, and rolling woodlands. Lots of fun can be had at Powhatan State Park. Exploring other areas of Virginia? These 17 fun and accessible day trips range from educational to thrilling and are a must-do for any Virginian. With its location right on Chesapeake Bay, its no secret that Virginia is famous for its fresh seafood. You can get Salt & Ground Pepper Virginia Peanuts as well as Butter Toffee Peanuts. If kayaking and canoeing arent your thing, you can also hike through the forest on the Gold Dust Trail, go swimming in the river, or go star gazing at night from one of the parks wide-open fields. 12,657. Culture Caf is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With multiple locations in the United States, Wonderworks is a science-focused indoor amusement park loaded with interactive exhibits and educational fun. Indulge in modern romantic attractions such as golfing, shopping, and dining in the Burg, while also making time for spooky specters or visits to the Jamestown Settlement. Kids . Head to French Twist Boutique for upscale clothes, peruse Danforth for handcrafted metal goods, or pop into Everything Williamsburg for locally-made goods and gifts. Jamestown Settlement 7-Day Ticket (budget option!) The museums collection dates back to a portrait that was given to William & Mary by the Earl of Burlington in 1732. 2023 Atlas Obscura. For an artistic experience that could greatly reshape your way of thinking or just fill you with excitement, come to Kimball Theatre. Top 10 Indoor Attractions to Help You Stay Cool This Summer This museum is also part of Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to Colonial Williamsburg, the best things to do in Williamsburg, VA, include riding the coasters at Busch Gardens and cooling off at Water Country USA. Theres so much to see and do its pretty much impossible to fit it all into one day. Explore the outdoor living history area too. With its incredible pieces and recreations, you might feel like youre actually witnessing the American Revolution as it happened. So, buy peanuts and peanut butter for you and your loved ones back home. This is one of the best places near Williamsburg for furthering your American history knowledge. Yorktown is also home to an 18th-century farm, where you can learn about the family of Edward Moss and their slaves from historical interpreters. The Virginia Beer Company is another one of the best places to learn about and drink beer. Details: 16289 Rolfe Hwy, Surry, VA 23883 | Website. The 20-minute ride will allow you scenic views of the land, river, and wildlife along the way. Make sure to catch a movie at the popular Kimball Theatre when holidaying in Williamsburg. Unlike most other buildings that have been reconstructed, the Wythe House is mostly original. You can go fishing, canoe down James River, and take your dog for a walk. Guests are in for an epic journey on the park's wildest family thrill slide, Colossal Curl. Thanks to its massive theme parks, this city is a popular destination for families with kids of all ages. Top Attractions Williamsburg VA & Things To Do Outdoor lovers should definitely add a day trip to nearby York River State Park to their to-do list. Many a community program and performances are held here. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ferry cars and pedestrians from James City County and Surry County. The Ripleys Believe It Or Not! franchise has long delighted those interested in the eccentric. Snag your tickets to one of the following five locations: Wonderworks Branson (MO) Wonderworks Panama City (FL) Stick to these fun and unique Williamsburg bucket list recommendations, and theres no doubt youll have an amazing time exploring this historic city! Should you feel like immersing yourself further in the sights and sounds of 18th century America, you cant miss visiting the Historic Jamestown Settlement. Required fields are marked *, About | Privacy Policy | Contact Going to AleWerks is what do in Williamsburg if you truly appreciate beer. If you want to take a hike in York River State Park, we highly recommend lacing up your walking shoes and taking a scenic hike to Fossil Beach. During this excursion, Drink Williamsburg will take you out to three local alcohol producers so you can drink, tour, and taste their offerings. Powhatan State Park is just five miles from Colonial Williamsburg, making it the perfect destination if youre looking to have a bit of outdoor fun. This is one of the best Williamsburg attractions if youre nuts for nuts. If you are looking for fun things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia with kids, this is a great place to visit. William and Mary is the second oldest University behind Harvard. Then, there are the designated biking areas. You could end up bagging an impressive catfish. Historic B&B. Retros Good Eats is one of the top eateries in Virginia for a delicious meal. Prepare to be spooked! Be sure to try the Williamsburg ice cream, which is made just like they did it in colonial times. One of Busch gardens biggest attractions is its rides, particularly its incredible roller coasters. Places like the Kimball Theatre give citizens something to be proud of, culturally. Its one of the top things to do in Williamsburg, both for learning about history and seeing art. 9 Best Romantic Things to Do in Williamsburg Va Torpedo Factory Art Center. Indoor Activities. 1. The ten best things to do with kids in Williamsburg. The 15 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA, 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA, 1. Another excellent place for fun in Williamsburg, Virginia is Busch Gardens. Its incredible to see how much the Rockefellers efforts paid off. THE 10 BEST Fun Activities & Games in Williamsburg - Tripadvisor Be sure to try Mrs. Campbells famous crab cakes, filet beef with crab-stuffed shrimp, and Gloucester chicken! 10. Young vacationers can enjoy slower rides, such as the Cow-A-Bunga, Kritter Korral, and H2O UFO. You can go for a hike or even ride a horse at York River State Park. When youre touring colonial Williamsburg, be sure to check it out. This is what to do if you want to find out more about Williamsburgs history, including some rather occult details. Here are 21 things to do in Williamsburg VA that we know you and your crew will enjoy. Past exhibitions include Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist and The Human Frame: Prints by Leonard Baskin. Its well worth taking a look at the website to see what fun events are on the calendar during your visit. A stop here makes for a yummy treat. There are rides, shows, and some options for animal encounters. Shop for your choice of antiques. The line for ice cream was very long but well worth the wait (as most good things are). Also, visit the authentic colonial shops, taverns, and other Revolutionary War-era buildings lining the streets. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Colonial Williamsburg is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the United States. Peruse the museum, and youll see works from famous artists, including Georgia OKeeffe, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and more. THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Williamsburg - Tripadvisor If youre looking for something to bring back home, you can pick up gifts at Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop, The Spice & Tea Exchange, and R. P. Wallace & Sons. Best Things to Do in Williamsburg for Couples - Tripadvisor Thus the city is an ideal destination to explore for the history buffs. This is what to see if you want to feel brought into the past. Set on 422 acres of land, you can spend the day riding thrilling roller coasters, getting up close and personal with friendly animals, and seeing epic family-friendly shows. Outdoor enthusiasts will love going kayaking on the James River and hiking in nearby York River State Park. While William & Mary has adapted to the present very well, historic buildings like the Sir Christopher Wren Building give it a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. The Virginia Beer Companys name might seem rather bold, but its a pretty great brewery. Kings Arms offers courses inspired by 18th-century recipes, where youll find prime rib, pork chops, and more. Jamestown Settlement is just a stones throw away and is yet another living-history museum, where you can learn all about the life of the Powhatan people before colonization, the arrival of English colonists in 1607, and what daily life was like for both Native Americans and colonists in the 17th century. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Mistletoe Market. These are some of the top nuts manufactured in the U.S. Whitleys Peanut Factory is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Operating hours vary based on the season. 13 Most Scenic Train Rides On The East Coast - TheTravel Pay a visit to the Muscarelle Museum of Art. Enjoy the walkway, Take a leisurely drive or bike ride along the scenic 23-mile ColonialParkway that provides a physical and metaphorical link betweenJamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. 8 Cozy Things to Do in Williamsburg | Visit Williamsburg Details: 101 Palace Green St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Website. 25 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia - VacationIdea If youre really looking to get your heart pumping, the newly-opened Pantheon is the worlds fastest multi-launch roller coaster! You mightve heard a lot about this awesome amusement park. As you go down the York River, youll see where some major battles were fought. A creek doesnt need to have to be viewed as a humble body of water. You can also enjoy your wine with a meal at the Gabriel Archer Tavern. It's possible to have a ball in Williamsburg without surrendering a penny. As soon as you step in, the scents and visions should bring a smile to your face. Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the Governors Palace is easily one of the most iconic Williamsburg attractions. The theater itself is an absolute marvel, thanks to the continual efforts of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Address: Whitleys Peanut Factory, 1351 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA, Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 9.30am - 6pm; Thu - Sat: 9.30am - 8pm. At Bassett Hall, youll find a selection of folk art and historical pieces and antiques, including furniture, porcelain, textiles, and candlesticks. One of the most important American religious sites is the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. This stretch of river is pretty much flat, so its suitable for paddlers of all levels. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This might sound a little snooty, but Culture Caf is actually quite relaxed. The sprawling living history museum takes up 301 acres right in the heart of the city, so its best to allot an entire day to exploring Colonial Williamsburg. With delights like She-Crab Soup, Fried Oysters, and Snow Crab Legs, youd better come very hungry! Details: 300 Palace Green St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Website. You can see readings, dance performances, and awesome indie movies here. They put a lot of work into giving it a homestyle feel. The excellent museum is located on the College of William & Mary campus, which is a must-see attraction in its own right. A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. Written April 16, 2023. Williamsburg is a wonderful and beautiful city with plenty of historical importance. Address:16289 Rolfe Hwy, Surry, VA 23883, United States. While it may be easiest to spot the most notable differences between Western and English riding styles - namely, the types of saddles and reins used - there are other subtle differences that equine enthusiasts can learn about on intimate, small-group excursions. Spanning over 300 acres, the vast outdoor museum houses a variety of reconstructed and restored Colonial-era buildings, historic sites, art museums, gardens, and trades. This is such an exciting and informative city. You can also bring a boat on the waters, perhaps in hopes of landing a fish. The palace also housed two of Virginias post-Colonial governors until the capital of the state of Virginia was moved to Richmond in 1780. Once youre all tuckered out, head over to Riverwalk Landing, where you can relax over dinner and drinks at one of the many seafood restaurants. The journey takes around two hours, so its best to pack a picnic lunch. Address: Williamsburg Antique Mall, 500 Lightfoot Rd. Today, the Parkway remains one of the most beautiful drives in the country, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park. Learn about the history of AleWerks, an overview of the brewing process of AleWerks, and visit the Taproom. Its one of the most impactful tourist attractions youll see here. AleWerks started in 2006 and has become a true institution in Williamsburg. Theres even a place to dine, known as La Petite Tea Room. Its a truly wonderful amusement park with cant-beat attractions. Whitleys prides itself on producing supreme quality gourmet peanuts, which they hand roast, along with amazingly delicious peanut confections. The menu at Le Yaca makes all the difference. Its one of the best tourist attractions for families who all love a little oddity. Nothing beats the fun feeling of speeding down the 400-feet on the Jet Scream water slides, or take a spin on the mega-slide, Colossal Curl. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. Their small class sizes give this an intimate feel, even with it being a public university. Join us for a daily celebration of the worlds most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places. They also have a Revolution-era farm, which shows you how life was for farming families in the 18th-century. The 300-acre farm is located an easy 15-minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg, so its very convenient to reach. Details: 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Website. American school students are brought up on stories of the American Revolution. 8 Things To Do In . Colonial America 3. Admission is $27.50 for adults and $13.50 for guests ages six to 12. RiverMango on Twitter: "RT @a_newgarden: 32 Best & Fun Things To Fun Things to Do at Night. Take a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, and enjoy a scenic trip across the historic James River. This taverns claim to fame is that it was President George Washingtons favorite seafood restaurant! History buffs will definitely want to take a day trip to neighboring Yorktown, which is part of Americas Historic Triangle. Enrich your travel experience by exploring Williamsburg in a unique way. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, 13 Best Cabins In Williamsburg, Virginia - Updated 2023, 10 Best 2-Bedroom Hotels In Virginia Beach, Virginia - Updated 2023, 10 Best Steakhouses In Richmond, Virginia, 10. It houses one of the most extensive maritime collections in the world. Williamsburg with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Williamsburg, VA Address:603 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States. To get a better idea of the towns role in the American Revolution, start your day at the American Revolution Museum. The rides at Busch Gardens are among the best in the world and include monsters such as Tempesto, with a famous "loop the loop." Williamsburg Ghosts, Witches, and Pirates Tour. Details: 321 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690 | Website. The portions are generous, and the ice cream might have been the creamiest I've . Theres plenty of outdoorsy fun to be had and things to admire. And you can sample all of Williamsburgs best on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. Lunch: Mondays to Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Dinner: Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Planning a trip to Virginia? York River State Park is also brimming with opportunities to go boating, kayaking, fishing, and so much more. John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby, lived at Bassett Hall. Your kids can have a great time here as well, exploring their playground and just running around. The citys taverns are very popular, so its best to make reservations ahead of time. Youll find a re-creation of a Continental Army encampment, learn about camp life, and even will see musket firings. Kids Birthday Party. Address: Waller Mill Park, 901 Airport Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA. This is one of the top meals you can have in Williamsburg. Details: 12602 Harrison Landing Rd, Charles City, VA 23030 | Website. The tree-lighting ceremony is a must-see, and the Governor's Palace is decked out in all its colonial glory. Enjoy historically-inspired, local shrimp, scallops, and fish. The Kimball Theatre is part of Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg. Learn more But no matter what time of year you visit, you will be amazed at the abundance of romantic things to do in Williamsburg, VA. Address:435 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States. Then, make sure you visit Whitleys Peanut Factory when in Williamsburg. Come with some spending money and look forward to spending an hour or ten looking through these stores. Prepare to die. This amazing city played a significant role in the American Revolution, and the remnants of that role can still be seen today.