Memorial Day Weekend in Williamsburg
The unofficial start of summer kicks off with Memorial Day Weekend, and Williamsburg has some fantastic ways to celebrate. From exploring the great outdoors, high-speed thrills, and delicious food, Williamsburg will have you soaking up the sun and relaxing this Memorial Day Weekend.
Get Close to Nature
Williamsburg's parks and trails give you abundant opportunities to get outside and explore. Located between the James and York Rivers, Williamsburg's estuary ecosystem provides a beautiful landscape for kayaking and paddle boarding as well as fantastic hiking trails and nature walks. Explore the many species of wildlife that call Williamsburg home, such as ospreys, great blue herons, and eagles.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA
Voted the world's most beautiful theme park year after year since 1990, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the perfect place to kick off your summer. The park is divided into nine European-themed villages, transporting you to the elegant streets of France, adventures of Scotland, and celebrations of Oktoberfest in Germany. Thrills abound at Busch Gardens Williamsburg; with the stomach-churning 210 foot drop of Apollo's Chariot and the mind-numbing speed of Verbolten.
One of the best places to cool off this summer is Water Country USA. Virginia's largest water park includes several slides with twists and turns to thrill your family, including the mega-slide Colossal Curl, Cutback Water Coaster, and the high-speed Nitro Racer. Be sure to try out Virginia's largest wave pool at Surfer's Bay and the free-floating river ride at Hubba Hubba Highway. Your family will also enjoy the splash areas, water playgrounds, and kid-friendly slides for all ages.
Sandcastles and Beach Chairs
What is more quintessentially summer than a day at the beach? Be sure to bring the beach towels to spend some time at one of Williamsburg's beaches. After building your sandcastles and splashing in the water, take a stroll to find treasures at nearby shopping areas or cool down with ice cream.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
The culinary scene of Williamsburg is fresh, innovative, and exciting, and a great place to experience that is with a summer favorite – barbeque. Whether you prefer a dish with culinary creativity, such as a smoked pork belly taco with kimchi slaw, or a traditional platter of brisket and sides, Williamsburg has it all right off the grill. Sweet, heat, or vinegar-based – it's all here.
You will want to take advantage of every opportunity to be outside during your summer adventure in Williamsburg, and dining is no exception to this. With many local restaurants offering take-out services and outdoor dining, you can grab a fantastic meal and enjoy it in the beautiful summer sun. And with so many options for a scenic view during your picnic, from beautifully restored colonial neighborhoods to the natural beauty of the James and York Rivers, this will be one meal that will also deliver memories.
Be sure to also swing by one of the many breweries in Williamsburg for the perfect complement to the culinary scene. Whether you're looking for a smooth pale ale, hoppy IPA, tart sour, or rich stout, there is something for every beer lover's taste.
Memorial Day Events
Visit Yorktown for a historic commemoration of Memorial Day. Start your day at Grace Episcopal Church featuring the playing of "Taps" and a reading of the names of the 103 known veterans buried in the historic cemetery. Afterward, walk over to Main Street for York County's Memorial Day ceremony featuring the Fifes and Drums of York Town, posting of colors, and the laying of wreaths.
Billsburg Brewery is also offering live music all weekend at the brewery and will be hosting the Best Brew with a View 5K on Sunday, May 30.
For more details as you plan your trip, be sure to check out our trip planning tools.
