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.
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
Early to mid-spring is probably ideal, with warm weather, beautiful blooms, and attractions like Busch Gardens opening up on a daily basis.
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.
Airlines serving Williamsburg
Where to stay in Williamsburg
Some great places to stay in Williamsburg include the gorgeous Williamsburg Inn along with the much more modern Hilton Garden Inn.
Popular neighbourhoods 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.
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
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.
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.