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The Complete Guide to Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia
Planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia is exciting, but it’s no secret that the town is a popular tourist destination and can be overwhelming to explore without a plan. From family-friendly attractions, to incredible restaurants and unique trips, there’s something for everyone who visits. To help visitors make the most of their experience and plot out the best routes to get around, we’ve compiled an overview of the best things to do in Williamsburg.
Things to do in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is home to several iconic sites, from colonial Williamsburg to Busch Gardens. There’s plenty of natural beauty, too, from the beaches of Colonial Beach to the trails and campgrounds of New Quarter Park. Here are some of the top attractions for visitors to explore:
- Colonial Williamsburg: The colonial capital city of Williamsburg was founded in 1699 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonial Williamsburg features a thriving restaurant and bar scene, and it’s home to iconic landmarks such as the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol Building and the College of William & Mary.
- Busch Gardens: This famous amusement park is located in nearby Williamsburg and has been entertaining visitors for more than 50 years. It’s home to more than 60 rides and attractions, from roller coasters to waterparks and more.
- Jamestown Settlement: Jamestown was the first permanent English colony in North America, and it’s now managed and operated by the National Park Service. You can explore living history museums, reenactments and other attractions that depict the lives of early colonists.
- Colonial Beach: Colonial Beach is a small but popular beachside community located on the Potomac River. It features stunning views of historic sites as well as dining, shopping and events year-round.
- New Quarter Park: Want to experience some of Virginia’s natural beauty? New Quarter Park is home to more than 500 acres of woodlands and wetlands, as well as trails for hiking and biking.
Where to Eat in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a haven for foodies and is filled with delicious restaurants that offer something for every palate. From upscale steakhouses to waterfront dining and local craft beer bars, taste buds will be delighted with the area’s cuisine. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Williamsburg:
- Fat Canary: Fat Canary is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Located in a historic building on Duke of Gloucester Street, this fine-dining restaurant serves an innovative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- The Cheese Shop: The Cheese Shop is a unique deli and market offering a variety of gourmet sandwiches as well as an impressive selection of wine, cheese, charcuterie and craft beer.
- Opus 9 Steakhouse: Opus 9 Steakhouse is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg. It serves varied cuts of beef from locally sourced farms, as well as fresh seafood dishes like scallops and calamari.
- DoG Street Pub: DoG Street Pub is a popular craft beer bar offering more than 40 beers on tap as well as an extensive menu of classic pub food.
- Merchants Square: Merchants Square is an outdoor shopping district located on Duke of Gloucester Street. It’s full of galleries, clothing stores and excellent dining options including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor.
Where to Stay in Williamsburg
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly motel, you’ll have no shortage of options when picking your accommodations in Williamsburg. Here are some great places to stay:
- Williamsburg Inn: The Williamsburg Inn is one of the most iconic hotels in the area. It boasts luxurious rooms with antique furniture and decor, as well as top-notch amenities including an indoor swimming pool and health club.
- Williamsburg Lodge: This Colonial-style hotel offers modern amenities in a vintage setting. It features four-star dining options, gaming halls, an outdoor pool and majestic gardens.
- AAA Shenandoah Crossing Resort & Spa: Located in Gordonsville, Virginia, this resort offers all-inclusive vacations with comfortable lodging, numerous activities and stunning views.
- Comfort Suites Historic Area: Comfort Suites Historic Area offers easy access to many attractions in the area. It features an outdoor pool, spacious rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Williamsburg: Travelodge by Wyndham Williamsburg is a budget-friendly motel offering basic amenities and a convenient location within walking distance of numerous attractions.
No matter what type of getaway you’re looking for as a visitor to historic Williamsburg, Virginia you’re sure to have a fantastic experience exploring its many attractions, fantastic food scenes and beautiful scenery. With so much on offer for all kinds of travel styles and budgets, there’s something for everyone here – all you need to do is start planning your visit! For additional information about what Williamsburg has to offer visitors, check out the official website of the City of Williamsburg.
