Story originally appeared on Westgate Resorts.
Step back in time with a visit to the historic Colonial Williamsburg, located in the heart of American history. While you’re here, enjoy the immersive experience of history coming to life, complete with exciting family activities like theme parks, golf, exciting museums, and the mild climate. Plus, with the fall season here, Williamsburg is also one of many wonderful places to visit for Thanksgiving.
Tourist Attractions Near Williamsburg VA
From thrilling theme park action and thought-provoking history exhibits to scenic battlefields that shaped American history, a visit to Williamsburg promises to be an exciting time for the entire family. Keep reading as we look at 10 attractions in Williamsburg to visit for a wild time.
View this post on Instagram
1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If its excitement and adventure you crave, look no further than Busch Gardens Williamsburg for your next historic vacation getaway. Known as the World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park, this unique European-themed adventure park will transport you to an enchanting land of thrilling rides, tasty Eurocentric-inspired dining, and a vestige of craft beers fresh from the tap. For those adrenaline junkies with a proclivity for high-speed thrill rides, get your fix by soaring among the treetops at breakneck speeds on some of the wildest roller coasters in Virginia. For those looking for a tamer experience, be sure to grab a pint at Grogans Irish Pub or take a river cruise through the lush scenery across the Rhine River Cruise. There’s truly something exciting for everyone here.
WHERE: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (757) 229-4386
View this post on Instagram
2 | Colonial Williamsburg
Immerse yourself in America’s story with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the world. Come face-to-face with some of the most influential names who helped shape American history, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, and even learn the story of those often overlooked by history books like Edith Cumbo and James Armistead Lafayette. While here, take the opportunity to interact with expert craftsmen who utilize use 18th-century tools and techniques in blacksmithing, woodworking, or gunsmithing to produce some of the finest goods and products that service the unique cultural area. Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city and you may even forget that the modern world exists until it’s time to retire to your luxurious accommodations at your Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort.
WHERE: 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (855) 771-3290
View this post on Instagram
3 | Chickahominy Riverfront Park
If relaxing and bobbing along the lake while casting the occasional line sounds like a fun time to you, then you must pencil in Chickahominy Riverfront Park on your next trip to Williamsburg. Whether you bring your own water vessel to launch from the convenient boat ramps or take advantage of the rental opportunities available on-site, spending your day fishing or cruising on the water has never been so stress-free. You can also fish from the 290-foot lighted pier 24 hours a day or, just relax and have fun around the catch-and-release pond. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly as the Chickahominy Riverfront Park hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year where you can take home bragging rights and enough stories to tell a lifetime.
WHERE: 1350 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (757) 258-5020
View this post on Instagram
4 | Historic Jamestown
Just a short, scenic drive from your luxurious accommodations at Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort is the first permanent English settlement in America. Walk the same grounds as Pocahontas and John Smith while visiting the Jamestown Church, one of the oldest surviving remnants of the original thirteen colonies. Connect with history and see a live archaeology team, the Jamestown Rediscovery, excavate sections of the island to produce artifacts from different points of history. A typical visit can last around 2-hours but those looking for an immersive experience at Virginias first capital can discover a fun expedition lasting the entire day. With ongoing special events, family activities, Park Ranger stories, and tours of the island get ready for a historic part of Americas history to come to life.
WHERE: 1368 Colonial Pkwy, Jamestown, VA 23081 | WHO: (757) 856-1250
View this post on Instagram
5 | James City County Skate Park
Strap on your helmet and get ready to drop in on 10-thousand square feet of concrete jumps, ramps, and grind bars. This skate park is a bowl-style park located adjacent to the James City County Recreation Center. The park features plenty of options for the novice or advanced boarder, inline skater, or BMX biker. Whether you’re trying to hit that elusive 5-0 grind, land a backside tailslide, or just walk around the half-mile multi-use trail system while your youngster enjoys themselves, the Skate Park at James City County is a great place to learn new tricks.
WHERE: 5231 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 | WHO: (757) 592-1665
6 | Riverwalk Landing
Take a leisurely evening stroll along the Riverwalk Landing and you may just catch a glimpse of mother nature painting her latest creation as the sun fades over the open waters of the York River. The beautiful pedestrian walk beside the water bears a romantic view for couples on a date night or an exhilarating backdrop for a night out with friends as you patronize at one of the many establishments overlooking the water. Before you visit, be sure to check the schedule as special events occur throughout the year featuring live music, artisans displaying their work, local food, living history, and fireworks. It’s a great place to visit amongst the spirit of colonial architecture whether you’re looking to shop or dine.
WHERE: 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690 | WHO: (757) 890-5900
View this post on Instagram
7 | Water Country USA
Nothing beats cooling off in the hot Virginia sun than lounging around with a frozen beverage beside the lazy river at Water Country USA. That is unless you enjoy the heart-pounding, thrilling excitement of the state’s first water coaster. Here, you will scream, laugh, and white-knuckle your way down steep drops and blast around tight corners in this adrenaline-inducing thrill ride. Whether you’re looking for a spring break trip with friends or a summer getaway for the whole family, there’s something fun and exciting for everyone. Grab your swimsuit and bring your crew for the most thrilling or laid-back excitement you can handle.
WHERE: 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (757) 229-4386
View this post on Instagram
8 | Yorktown Battlefield
Come explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War and walk the same hallowed grounds where General George Washington defeated General Charles Lord Cornwalliss British Army. Walk in the footsteps of American history where Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781, effectively ending the war and securing America’s independence from British rule. See the famous Moore House where the terms of the British surrender were negotiated, and where The Articles of Capitulation were drafted. While many may just see open fields, be sure to take a moment to look around and appreciate all the American history that was shaped on these consecrated grounds.
WHERE: 1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690 | WHO: (757) 898-2410
View this post on Instagram
9 | The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg
There’s nothing quite like exploring the spooky streets of Williamsburg by candlelight in search of things that go bump in the night. An expert guide leads you on a 90-minute expedition through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, whose grounds have been the site of so much history and tradition. Get ready for a night of strange stories, other-worldly happenings, and maybe even sightings of a lingering apparition. Whether you prefer to just listen to the expert storytellers share hair-raising, spooky stories about the most notoriously haunted sites in the city or get involved with your personal ghost hunting equipment to conduct a mini investigation, it’s a wild time with fun to be had for all.
WHERE: 345 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (757) 342-6599
View this post on Instagram
10 | The World of Pocahontas at Historic Jamestown
Discover the heroic story of Pocahontas, daughter of the powerful Chief Powhatan of the Algonquian Indians of Virginia. Here, you will learn her story of how she befriended Captain John Smith and the emissary role she played between the European settlers and Native Indian people when negotiations between the two broke down. Have fun and explore all the cultural resources available while gaining an immersive firsthand look at history.
WHERE: 1368 Colonial Pkwy, Jamestown, VA 23081 | WHO: (757) 856-1250
Conquer boring with a trip to Williamsburg and relive history with these amazing family attractions. Whether you want to spend the day floating on the tranquil waters, sliding down exhilarating water slides, soaring through the trees, or hunting ghosts along the historic streets, Williamsburg is your destination for a wild time!
