Williamsburg travel guide

Williamsburg Tourism | Williamsburg Guide

You're Going to Love Williamsburg

One of the largest cities in 17th-century Virginia, Williamsburg has been preserved like nowhere else on the Eastern Seaboard. On top of the historical appeal, it's also a lively college town, so what's not to love?

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Williamsburg

1. It's a Remarkable Exhibit of Living History

Williamsburg was Virginia's capital before the American Revolution, and visitors can still wander streets from before the USA even existed. Head to Colonial Williamsburg, where 88 historic buildings and fascinating tours bring history to life.

2. Visit the College of William and Mary

Dating back to 1693, William and Mary is only younger than Harvard. Tour its stunning Sunken Garden and see where Thomas Jefferson studied, gaining inspiration that helped to create a country.

3. Learn about History at Nearby Plantations

Just outside Williamsburg you'll find a clutch of plantations like Chippokes and Berkeley - all of which provide guided tours.

4. See the Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown was a crucial War of Independence battle site, seeing the final defeat of the British. Today, guided tours bring that history-changing day in 1781 to life.

5. Spend the Day at Busch Gardens

If history becomes tiresome, there are the rollercoasters, swinging ships, and bumper cars of Busch Gardens to enjoy as well.

1. It's a Remarkable Exhibit of Living History

Williamsburg was Virginia's capital before the American Revolution, and visitors can still wander streets from before the USA even existed. Head to Colonial Williamsburg, where 88 historic buildings and fascinating tours bring history to life.

2. Visit the College of William and Mary

Dating back to 1693, William and Mary is only younger than Harvard. Tour its stunning Sunken Garden and see where Thomas Jefferson studied, gaining inspiration that helped to create a country.

3. Learn about History at Nearby Plantations

Just outside Williamsburg you'll find a clutch of plantations like Chippokes and Berkeley - all of which provide guided tours.

4. See the Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown was a crucial War of Independence battle site, seeing the final defeat of the British. Today, guided tours bring that history-changing day in 1781 to life.

5. Spend the Day at Busch Gardens

If history becomes tiresome, there are the rollercoasters, swinging ships, and bumper cars of Busch Gardens to enjoy as well.

What to do in Williamsburg

1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time

Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.

2. Governor's Palace: Experience Ageless Elegance

Governor's Palace is one of the main centers of interest in Williamsburg. It was originally built from 1706 onwards and was reconstructed in the 1930s. Find out how the Governor lived as you take a tour around the beautiful palace. Engage your eyes with some mind-blowing beauty and be swept away by the glorious architecture and top-notch design. Each ground has a pleasant surprise that will leave you in awe. See the attractive artifacts and let royal splendor blow you away.

3. Busch Gardens: Pure Fun Experience

Located in James City County, Virginia, Busch Gardens is a theme park that promises endless fun. Feel the adrenaline rush in you as you take a ride on the thrill coasters and interact with the tame animals. Be entertained by some inspiring shows and indulge in a world-class dining experience. Watch as the place comes to life as fantastic lighting turns the park into a lighted wonder at night.

4. College of William and Mary: Where Education and Entertainment Intertwine

Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg. It's the second oldest college in America, and thanks to its great location, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and so much more from here. Get a feel of the colonial era as you enjoy the serene environment. Savor great cuisine in one of the many restaurants located in and around the college.

5. Muscarelle Museum of Art: Ignite your Artistic Flame

Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum within the College of William and Mary campus. Discover your creative side as you tour the excellent exhibits, broaden your knowledge on the various forms of art, engage the friendly guide in a series of questions and learn more from the clear and detailed wall texts. Discover some intriguing mysteries of art and draw inspiration from the beautiful pieces displayed.

1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time

Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.

2. Governor's Palace: Experience Ageless Elegance

Governor's Palace is one of the main centers of interest in Williamsburg. It was originally built from 1706 onwards and was reconstructed in the 1930s. Find out how the Governor lived as you take a tour around the beautiful palace. Engage your eyes with some mind-blowing beauty and be swept away by the glorious architecture and top-notch design. Each ground has a pleasant surprise that will leave you in awe. See the attractive artifacts and let royal splendor blow you away.

3. Busch Gardens: Pure Fun Experience

Located in James City County, Virginia, Busch Gardens is a theme park that promises endless fun. Feel the adrenaline rush in you as you take a ride on the thrill coasters and interact with the tame animals. Be entertained by some inspiring shows and indulge in a world-class dining experience. Watch as the place comes to life as fantastic lighting turns the park into a lighted wonder at night.

4. College of William and Mary: Where Education and Entertainment Intertwine

Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg. It's the second oldest college in America, and thanks to its great location, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and so much more from here. Get a feel of the colonial era as you enjoy the serene environment. Savor great cuisine in one of the many restaurants located in and around the college.

5. Muscarelle Museum of Art: Ignite your Artistic Flame

Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum within the College of William and Mary campus. Discover your creative side as you tour the excellent exhibits, broaden your knowledge on the various forms of art, engage the friendly guide in a series of questions and learn more from the clear and detailed wall texts. Discover some intriguing mysteries of art and draw inspiration from the beautiful pieces displayed.

1. Colonial Williamsburg: Turn Back the Hands of Time

Colonial Williamsburg is a captivating place with pleasant surprises. It offers you the opportunity to spend some personal time with America's brave ancestors. Take a look at the beautiful ancient buildings and wander around the rich, fertile gardens. Learn about America's incredible history and try out some amazing and fun historical games. It'll feel like you didn't miss a thing as the valiant men of war led this wealthy country to victory.

2. Governor's Palace: Experience Ageless Elegance

Governor's Palace is one of the main centers of interest in Williamsburg. It was originally built from 1706 onwards and was reconstructed in the 1930s. Find out how the Governor lived as you take a tour around the beautiful palace. Engage your eyes with some mind-blowing beauty and be swept away by the glorious architecture and top-notch design. Each ground has a pleasant surprise that will leave you in awe. See the attractive artifacts and let royal splendor blow you away.

3. Busch Gardens: Pure Fun Experience

Located in James City County, Virginia, Busch Gardens is a theme park that promises endless fun. Feel the adrenaline rush in you as you take a ride on the thrill coasters and interact with the tame animals. Be entertained by some inspiring shows and indulge in a world-class dining experience. Watch as the place comes to life as fantastic lighting turns the park into a lighted wonder at night.

4. College of William and Mary: Where Education and Entertainment Intertwine

Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg. It's the second oldest college in America, and thanks to its great location, visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and so much more from here. Get a feel of the colonial era as you enjoy the serene environment. Savor great cuisine in one of the many restaurants located in and around the college.

5. Muscarelle Museum of Art: Ignite your Artistic Flame

Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum within the College of William and Mary campus. Discover your creative side as you tour the excellent exhibits, broaden your knowledge on the various forms of art, engage the friendly guide in a series of questions and learn more from the clear and detailed wall texts. Discover some intriguing mysteries of art and draw inspiration from the beautiful pieces displayed.

Where to Eat in Williamsburg

For a great atmosphere in historic surroundings, head to the King's Arms Tavern, where old-style American cuisine reigns supreme. Alternatively, give Fat Canary a try. It's the finest gourmet eatery in town. Meals will come to at least $25 in both places.

When to visit Williamsburg

Williamsburg in January
Estimated hotel price
S$ 130
1 night at 3-star hotel
Williamsburg in January
Estimated hotel price
S$ 130
1 night at 3-star hotel

Early to mid-spring is probably ideal, with warm weather, beautiful blooms, and attractions like Busch Gardens opening up on a daily basis.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Williamsburg

Plane

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) has plenty of domestic connections. From there, a taxi will cost about $60.

Train

Amtrak runs direct trains from New York City, Philadelphia, and Richmond into Williamsburg.

Car

I-95 runs north and south along the Eastern Seaboard. To get to Williamsburg, just take I-64 at Richmond.

Bus

Greyhound runs a daily service into Williamsburg Bus Station. It costs around $13 to travel from Richmond.

Plane

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) has plenty of domestic connections. From there, a taxi will cost about $60.

Train

Amtrak runs direct trains from New York City, Philadelphia, and Richmond into Williamsburg.

Car

I-95 runs north and south along the Eastern Seaboard. To get to Williamsburg, just take I-64 at Richmond.

Bus

Greyhound runs a daily service into Williamsburg Bus Station. It costs around $13 to travel from Richmond.

Airports near Williamsburg

Airlines serving Williamsburg

Lufthansa
Good (4,504 reviews)
KLM
Good (830 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,306 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,588 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Air France
Good (968 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,534 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,104 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,864 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,523 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (216 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (812 reviews)
Finnair
Good (885 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,115 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,334 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (818 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (693 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,637 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg - first settled in 1632, Williamsburg became Virginia's main city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Astonishingly, most of it survived in Colonial Williamsburg.

Popular Neighborhoods in Williamsburg

Downtown Williamsburg - the core of the modern city is a thriving commercial center and hosts William and Mary, still one of the country's leading higher education institutions.

Grove - just south of the city, Grove is where you'll find Busch Gardens as well as Woods Golf Course.

Downtown Williamsburg - the core of the modern city is a thriving commercial center and hosts William and Mary, still one of the country's leading higher education institutions.
Grove - just south of the city, Grove is where you'll find Busch Gardens as well as Woods Golf Course.

Where to stay in popular areas of Williamsburg

Most booked hotels in Williamsburg

Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 813+
Wyndham Kingsgate Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 123+
Kingsmill Resort
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
S$ 320+
Wyndham Garden Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area
3 stars
Good (6.7, Good reviews)
S$ 112+

How to Get Around Williamsburg

Public Transportation

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) runs buses across the city. A standard fare is $1.50.

Taxi

There are no mandated taxi rates in Williamsburg. However, Uber XL charges a meter drop of $1.25 followed by $1.20 per mile. Most companies will be slightly more expensive than that.

Car

Rental outlets include Enterprise and Hertz. Packages can be found for as little as $20 per day.

Public Transportation

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) runs buses across the city. A standard fare is $1.50.

Taxi

There are no mandated taxi rates in Williamsburg. However, Uber XL charges a meter drop of $1.25 followed by $1.20 per mile. Most companies will be slightly more expensive than that.

Car

Rental outlets include Enterprise and Hertz. Packages can be found for as little as $20 per day.

The Cost of Living in Williamsburg

Shopping Streets

Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg is a good place to head for gifts, with boutiques like J. Fenton, Binns, and the Everything Williamsburg souvenir store.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in central Williamsburg include Farm Fresh and Aldi. As an indication, 12 eggs will cost around $2.40.

Cheap meal
S$ 20.22
A pair of jeans
S$ 53.91
Single public transport ticket
S$ 2.36
Cappuccino
S$ 5.18