Things To Do in Williamsburg's Districts, Restaurants, and Tours

Yorktown Victory Center - Yorktown, VA

Continental Army Encampment

Visitors explore the re-created Continental Army encampment at the Yorktown Victory Center.

Throughout Williamsburg, it is common knowledge that many ghosts and spirits linger among the cobblestone pathways and colonial villages. Perhaps it is the charm of the shop-lined streets and the strong feeling of American heritage that entices them to remain here. Visitors will understand their attraction to Williamsburg upon experiencing all the things to do here. You can enjoy stepping back in time in the nation's largest living history museum, engage in outdoor activities and embark on varied and exciting tours.

Districts & Sites:

The Williamsburg triangle, with points at Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, is perhaps the richest historical treasure trove in all of America. Each of these three sites allows you to travel back in time, and truly live history. At the historic Jamestown Settlement, visitors get to play a game of ninepins, visit with a local carpenter, or help raise the sail on a colonial ship in this 1600s town. Next, journey on to Yorktown Victory Center, and learn how the colonists defeated the British at the Battle of Yorktown, thus sealing the split of America from the Mother Country. Onward to Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll walk the sidewalks of a colonial town, complete with crafters, citizens and 500 reconstructed buildings to see what life was like in the 1700s.

Restaurants:

Nowhere else in the U.S. does one get such a vivid feel for a period in our nation's history, nor get to personally experience it in a more realistic way. Living history continues at mealtimes, at authentic, rustic pubs such as at the Shields Tavern, King's Arms Tavern and Rosie Rumpe's Royal Dumpe.

Outdoors:

 In addition to the historical resources in the Williamsburg area, this is the place to enjoy outdoor activities at a theme park or city park. Busch Gardens offers lots of thrilling rides in a pristine park setting complete with sections themed after Rhineland, Germany; San Marco, Italy; and Killarney, Ireland. At Water Country USA, the theme is water — with dozens of exciting water rides and climate-controlled pools, this is the best place to soak up some sun or cool off on a hot day. Williamsburg also maintains an extensive city park network. Enjoy a picnic at Kiwanis Municipal Park, or enjoy miles of nature and bicycle trails at Waller Mill Park. With so many parks in the area, there's no limit to the variety of outdoor activities in Williamsburg.

Tours:

 One last way to see the Williamsburg area is its guided tours, a great way to learn a lot of expert information and get the insider's scoop! At the Williamsburg Winery Reserve Tour and Tasting, you will see how the state's largest winery makes 70,000 cases of wine each year, and then be treated to a taste of 12 of their best wines. One more interesting tour is the Berkeley Plantation, a formally-landscaped estate built in 1726, furnished with beautiful antiques. If evening rolls around and you still want more tour-time, venture into the night on a candlelit Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour where you'll hear history, ghost stories and folklore of the Williamsburg area. After you've learned all about the history of our nation's beginnings and toured some of the historical sites in Williamsburg, you'll understand the meaning of the words "living museum." With all the historical attractions, outdoor opportunities and guided tours available here, Williamsburg is sure to become your new favorite vacation spot!