Williamsburg, VA Hotels

For a taste of art and culture, be sure to visit the many museums and galleries of Williamsburg such as the Jamestown Glasshouse. As the evening rolls in, gather your friends and head out on the town for some fun and take an Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour. At the William and Mary Theatre, there is always a performance or concert playing that friends and family will enjoy, too. For a vacation packed with education and fun all rolled into one, take a trip to Williamsburg, where history is definitely alive and truly exciting.

Williamsburg's Top 10

Williamsburg History

• Historic Yorktown – Tour the battlefield where the last battle of the Revolutionary War was fought.
• Jamestown Settlement – A designated national park, Jamestown is the site of the first colonial settlement in America.
• Colonial Williamsburg – See historical residences, landmarks and re-enactments of colonial life in the 18th century.
• Bassett Hall – The 18th-century home of wealthy American magnate John Rockefeller.
• Bruton Parish Episcopal Church – Some of America’s founding fathers attended this church, still operating today.

Williamsburg Art & Culture

• DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum – Over 8,000 objects from early colonial America on display.
• Public Hospital Museum – Get a look at the outdated treatments and accommodations at the first mental health facility in North America.
• Kimball Theatre – A venue for live performances of all types, including stage plays, operas and independent film screenings.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum – See early American household wares from the 17thcentury.
• Williamsburg Winery – Tour this vintage winery where 24 Virginia wines are made and experience a complimentary tasting.

Williamsburg Shopping

• Prime Outlets – Shop at over 100 designer-brand clothing and accessory outlet stores.
• Williamsburg Outlet Mall – Upscale shopping from name-brand designers at deeply discounted prices.
• Merchants Square – Stop by this national landmark, home to several shops, including the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market, Celebrations and Craft House.
• Golden Ball – Pick up reproductions of priceless jewellery made by a genuine silversmith.
• Market Square Stands – Browse among colonial goods such as toys, pottery and historically accurate period costumes.

Gay & Lesbian Williamsburg

• Lavender Sea Bed and Breakfast Inn – Owned by lesbians, this inn is extremely gay friendly.
• Fife and Drum Inn – Gays, lesbians and bisexual individuals are welcome at this B&B near Colonial Williamsburg.
• The Corner Pocket – Party with other LGBT club goers at this gay bar in nearby Newport News.
• The Garage – This hot gay bar with live entertainment is worth the drive to Norfolk.
• Nutty Buddys – A gay nightclub for guys with drinks, music and live entertainment.

Williamsburg Outdoor

• Busch Gardens – Take the whole family to this theme park with thrill rides, roller coasters, live shows and a full-sized zoo.
• Water Country USA – Have a splashing good time at this seasonal water park, featuring thrill rides, kids’ attractions, dining, shopping and stage shows.
• York River State Park – Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon in this secluded state park.
• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf – An outdoor miniature golf course based around a pirate theme.
• Go-Karts Plus – Spend the day riding on go-karts and playing video games at this outdoor arcade and entertainment centre.

Williamsburg Sport

• Shoot a round of golf at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
• Go bowling at Williamsburg Lanes.
• Plan a hike on the nature trails at Freedom Park.
• Book a sailing trip on a schooner in nearby Norfolk.
• Take a historic walking ghost tour through Colonial Williamsburg.

Williamsburg Events

Every February, for more than 60 years, the Antiques Forum in Williamsburg has been informing and educating residents and visitors on the study of antiques.

Williamsburg Wine and Food Festival at Colonial Heritage in May offers more than 30 Virginia wineries and many gourmet food vendors who will be displaying their goodies at this delicious festival.

Summer begins with Festival Williamsburg, which features a great weekend filled with music and food for travellers to enjoy.

At the 4th of July Celebration,hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, listen to music and watch performances before you enjoy the evening fireworks display in Colonial Williamsburg.

Dance the night away to the music of the free Summer Breeze Concert series held in July and August on Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square in Williamsburg.

In August, don't miss the Annual Lee Hall Classics in Williamsburg, which showcases cars old and new in this fun event at Lee Hall Mansion.

The Williamsburg Scottish Festival and Celtic Celebration in September is filled with bagpipe music, kilts, games like tug-o-war and plenty of food and drink.

Yorktown Victory Weekend marks the battle between America and France with programs and tours that feature artillery, speakers and reenactments.

Foods and Feasts of Williamsburg will have visitors sampling foods and observing demonstrations of the 17th and 18th century during this three-day event in November.

The Williamsburg Grand Illumination in December gets everyone in the Christmas mood with fun and fireworks in the Colonial part of the city.

When To Go

During the months of May through October, Williamsburg weather is quite nice and typically sunny in the summer months. As autumn approaches, the temperatures are cool and crisp in the evenings with lows around 48°F (9°C).

Gray days in the months of November and April bring wet weather, however some days are nice in early spring. Also, Williamsburg is a lot less crowded and easier to visit during these months.

In the winter, the temperatures are rather cold with highs only reaching 49°F (9°C) during the day and 28°F (-2°C) in the evening.

Getting There

Travellers flying into Williamsburg usually fly into the Williamsburg International Airport located about 20 miles southeast of the city. Transportation is available at the airport to take visitors to their Williamsburg Vacation Rental Home, Condo or Villa.

Located at 468 N. Boundary St., the Amtrak train station runs southeast to Newport News, and northeast to Washington, New York and Boston with stops in Williamsburg.

By car, Williamsburg is about an hour from Richmond by way of I-64. From Washington D.C., tourists can reach Williamsburg in about three hours.