Before You Go
Visit in the fall or spring if you can. Although Williamsburg is fairly popular year-round, you’ll find that the best time to visit is in the fall and spring. This is due to the fact that there are usually fewer crowds to deal with, and it won’t be too hot, which can happen in the summer, when temperatures can reach close to 90 °F (32 °C), nor too cold, which can happen in the winter when temperatures can go as low as 30 °F (−1 °C). However, because of Williamsburg’s pretty much year-round tourism, you can visit at a time that works best for you. If you do visit at Christmas time, you’ll be able to enjoy quite a few winter celebrations and activities for both kids and adults. Williamsburg is definitely the most popular in the summer, due to most schools being out on summer break.
Decide where you’ll be staying. Williamsburg is home to multiple historic, unique hotels. Which one you choose depends on your families’ needs, and what kind of experience you want to have. Many of these hotels are in close proximity to some of the most popular Williamsburg attractions. There is also a large number of chain hotels on Bypass Road if you’d prefer to go that route. If you’d like to be out in the wilderness, Williamsburg is also home to multiple campgrounds.
Decide how you’ll get there. There are quite a few options when it comes to traveling to Williamsburg, and they’re listed below. Travel by car. Williamsburg is located 150 miles (240 km) south of Washington D.C, halfway between Richmond and Virginia Beach. Travel by plane. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is located 17 miles (27.4 km) from downtown Williamsburg, while Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Richmond International Airport (RIC) are both located 45 miles (72.4 km) from downtown Williamsburg. All three of these airports also have shuttle options for getting to Williamsburg. Travel by train or bus. The City of Williamsburg Transportation Center in downtown Williamsburg has Amtrak, as well as bus services. You can also rent a car here to use during your trip, or grab a taxi, Uber, or Lyft if you need one.
Pack appropriately for the season. As mentioned above, if you’re visiting in the winter, be prepared for a chill, and pack hats, gloves, coats and all your winter gear. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to be prepared with sunscreen and sun hats.
Know your options for getting around. You can of course choose to rent/bring your own car, but if you choose not to, you’ll still be able to use Williamsburg’s two public transportation bus companies: Oleta Coach Lines and Williamsburg Area Transportation, or WATA. These busses make stops at the Transportation Center, Visitor’s Center, and other spots around town.
Things to Do
Visit Busch Gardens. Probably one of the more popular tourist attractions, Busch Gardens is an amusement park containing plenty of thrills, for both younger kids and adults alike. Buy your tickets in advance, especially if you’re heading here in the summertime. Check the park hours before you go, as although Busch Gardens is open year-round, it is not open every single day. Also, their water park is typically not open year round.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg. Once again one of the more popular tourists attractions, Colonial Williamsburg is a historic town where you can visit buildings, take tours, and view live actors in many different scenarios, among many other things. Although Colonial Williamsburg is open daily, you’ll want to be sure to check the calendar online for any events they may have going on, so that you can plan ahead in case something you want to do costs extra.
Consider a trip to a winery or brewery, for the adults in your party. Williamsburg is home to a dozen wineries and breweries, so it’s the perfect thing to do if you’re visiting with your significant other, or a friend. Three of these wineries even offer tours.
Check out Ripley’s Believe it or Not. This museum is full of various oddities, and it contains 11 themed galleries as well as 350 exhibits and artifacts. In addition, Ripley’s is home to a mini golf course, 4D movie theater, as well as a unique laser challenge. You’ll want to buy your tickets ahead of time for this as well, especially considering there are a few options you’ll get to choose from for your ticket.
Check out Historic Jamestowne. Here, you can visit a glasshouse, check out a dig site, view many historical exhibits and galleries, and even take a tour with a park ranger, archaeologist or costumed historical actor. You’ll find quite a few family friendly programs here. You cannot purchase tickets ahead of time for this, so plan accordingly.
Take a trip to Yorktown. Known for being a historic battlefield, Yorktown has multiple programs, events and both driving as well as walking tours that you can take advantage of. You are also unable to by tickets to visit Yorktown in advance, so once again plan accordingly.
Visit a park or nature trail. Williamsburg is home to an abundance of them, and they are perfect for when you’d just like a relaxing activity to do. Some parks and nature trails you can visit include Redoubt Park, New Quarter Park, and Green springs Greenway Interpretive Trail, to name just three.
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