Area at a Glance

Greater Williamsburg: One of America’s favorite family destinations, the region includes Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, offering a unique juxtaposition of contemporary and historical experiences for all ages. Visitors can choose from hands-on interactive attractions, scenic outdoor adventures and sophisticated arts and culture experiences, making Greater Williamsburg a top choice among travelers. 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Get to know America’s historical roots through the regions renowned innovative exhibits and interactive learning. Major attractions include:

  • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: A museum of innovative exhibits chronicling the Revolutionary era from Colonial unrest to the emergence of the new nation, drawing from the perspectives of ordinary men and women.
  • Busch Gardens®: Busch Gardens® is an action-packed, European-themed adventure park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting more than 100 acres of fun-filled exploration.
  • William & Mary: The second oldest university in the United States and a cutting-edge research university, William & Mary is situated on 1,200 acres in historic downtown Williamsburg.
  • Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg interprets Virginia’s 18th-century capital of Williamsburg, Va., as a 21st-century center for history and citizenship with more than 400 restored or reconstructed original buildings, museums and educational programs.
  • Historic Jamestowne: Site of the first permanent English settlement, Historic Jamestowne continues to make history as an active archeological dig site, offering a tour with the archaeologist or behind-the-scenes tours in the lab with the curator.
  • Jamestown Settlement: Traces America’s colonial beginnings through expansive gallery exhibits and film, and historical interpretation at outdoor re-creations of the three ships that sailed to Virginia in 1607, the colonial fort and a Powhatan Indian village.
  • Water Country USA®: Virginia’s largest water park, offering live entertainment, water rides and attractions, all with a retro surf theme.
  • Yorktown Battlefield: The National Park Service welcomes visitors to explore interpreted trails and sites from the last major battle of the American Revolution.

ARTS & CULTURE

Anchored by the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and the Muscarelle Museum of Art  of William & Mary, Greater Williamsburg is home to a wide range of arts and culture experiences.

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Visitors can experience a taste of Williamsburg, from casual neighborhood grills to historic taverns to contemporary fine dining. The Williamsburg Winery has contributed to the region’s growing viticulture with its New World wines and is open for tours and tastings year-round.

Merchants Square, an 18th- century style village, includes more than 40 shops and restaurants ranging from a lively college favorite with live music to family-style to a pub serving craft beers and savory delights to high-end dining in elegant spaces, including outdoors, there’s something for every palate.

Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown is an eclectic group of waterfront shops and dining anchored by Riverwalk Restaurant just off historic Main Street.

GOLF

Fast becoming one of the nation’s top golf destinations, Williamsburg boasts more than a dozen courses designed by some of the game’s most notable architects. Popular courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Curtis Strange and Tom Clark include the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Kingsmill Resort and Williamsburg National. The mild climate allows play nearly year-round.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

The region’s waterfront location and scenic trails, creeks and rivers make Williamsburg an ideal spot for outdoor recreation, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the area by kayak, scenic boat cruise, bike or on foot.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Go Ape’s first treetop adventure course offers zip lines and obstacles for all ages and abilities among Williamsburg’s scenic forests. Boating enthusiasts can set sail off the shore with Schooner Alliance by sailing along the York River. With over 25 bike routes, biking in Williamsburg offers an opportunity to visit historic sites and parks while viewing picturesque farmland and waterfront views.

SIGNATURE ANNUAL EVENTS

There is something happening year-round in Greater Williamsburg. See below for a seasonal calendar of the area's signature events.

SPRING

Garden Week
Jamestown Day
Military Through the Ages
Williamsburg Taste Festival

SUMMER

Busch Gardens® Food & Wine Festival
Fourth of July events

FALL

Arts Month
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Colonial Williamsburg Taste Tradition
Yorktown Victory Day and Weekend

HOLIDAYS

Grand Illumination
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia

WINTER

Restaurant Month