Travel a little lighter with a stay you can feel good about in every way. Williamsburg makes it easy to minimize your environmental impact without sacrificing comfort, style, or fun!
Discover eco-friendly ways to stay and play across Virginia’s Historic Triangle, from checking into riverfront campgrounds and environmentally conscious resorts to paddling scenic blueway trails and shopping for upcycled finds. Explore on foot or by bike, and support sustainable restaurants along the way. Small choices add up – and in Williamsburg, they're part of the adventure.
Sustainable Places to Stay: Resorts, Hotels & Campgrounds
Explore some of the area’s greenest accommodations below. Of course, simple actions like reusing towels and linens, conserving water, and turning off the lights when you leave the room reduce your environmental impact no matter where you stay.
Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection
If you’re visiting the world’s largest living history museum, Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection is an ideal home base. As an official Colonial Williamsburg Resort and Marriott property, the Williamsburg Lodge follows Marriott International’s comprehensive Serve 360 sustainability initiatives, including water- and energy-saving practices, responsible sourcing, and waste reduction programs. Plus, its convenient location allows you to walk or bike through Colonial Williamsburg and Merchants Square instead of driving.
Colonial Houses & Historic Lodging
Colonial Williamsburg’s Colonial Houses offer another option for staying in the heart of history. These authentic 18th-century accommodations support the preservation of historic buildings – one of the most sustainable forms of development. By supporting the preservation and continued use of centuries-old buildings, guests help conserve existing resources, reduce the need for new construction, and enjoy a walkable stay.
See other accommodations that give you a walkable Colonial Williamsburg experience.
Kingsmill Resort
For luxury travelers who value conservation, the Virginia Green-certified 🔺Kingsmill Resort is a top choice. Set along the James River, Kingsmill has made sustainability a priority with thoughtful sustainability initiatives, including electric vehicle charging stations, natural landscapes, energy and water conservation, and recycling and composting programs. Order oysters here and the shells will be put to good use – building reefs and reestablishing critical marine habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. With its riverfront location, Kingsmill is also an ideal spot for low-impact adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature walks.
Wedmore Place at The Williamsburg Winery
Wine lovers looking for a romantic escape will appreciate Wedmore Place at The Williamsburg Winery, where vineyard stewardship, estate-grown wines, and farm-to-table cuisine celebrate the connection between the land and the good life. It's a relaxing retreat where sustainability is woven naturally into every stay.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Families can feel good about booking Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, the popular kid-centric resort with an indoor water park. Company-wide initiatives focus on reducing water consumption, waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting responsible sourcing – proof that a fun-filled family vacation can also be a more mindful one.
Camping at Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Wake up to peaceful river views when you go camping at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The campsites range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV sites, and adventures within easy reach include boating, fishing, paddling, and access to the Virginia Capital Trail. Spend sunny afternoons in the refreshing pools and evenings gathered around the campfire under the stars.
Timberline Glamping
For a nature-forward stay that pairs outdoor adventure with modern comforts, try Timberline Glamping. Luxury tents and cabins offer a lower-impact way to experience Williamsburg's natural beauty.
Explore Williamsburg’s best campgrounds or check out all of the area’s campgrounds and RV parks.
Eco-Friendly Activities & Attractions
Whether you're discovering history on foot, spending the day outdoors, or enjoying simple, screen-free fun, it's easy to make lighter-impact choices while making memories.
Timeless Entertainment
A good ghost tour never gets old, especially with Williamsburg’s rich haunted history. Knowledgeable guides lean into the ancient art of storytelling as they bring centuries-old true stories to life by candlelight. It’s an entertaining way to experience Williamsburg's history and charm on foot.
For classic games and friendly competition, head to Axe Republic for old-school fun with a refreshingly low environmental footprint.
All-Natural Outdoor Adventures
Active adventurers can climb, swing, and zipline through the forest canopy at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park for some exhilarating outdoor fun. Or, discover miles of scenic hiking and biking trails winding through woodlands and historic sites. As you explore, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect these special places for future visitors.
For a more leisurely experience, wander the botanical garden at Williamsburg’s Freedom Park, where native plants and colorful blooms invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Spy colorful butterflies in the pollinator garden.
Want to get on the water? Kayak or canoe the serene waterways of York River State Park to discover tidal marshes, abundant wildlife, and beautiful views at your own pace. Or, head to 🔺Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway for a tranquil journey through protected wetlands and quiet coves, spotting great blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles as you paddle.
For a timeless, wind-powered adventure that's as sustainable as it is spectacular, board a traditional schooner with Yorktown Sailing Charters. You can help raise the sails before gliding off into the sunset on the York River.
See more eco-friendly adventures.
Shop Responsibly: Consignment, Resale & Upcycled Finds
Sustainable shopping is all about giving quality items a second life and scoring one-of-a-kind finds for less. Williamsburg has plenty of places where treasure hunting and eco-conscious shopping go hand in hand.
Top-Notch Consignment Shops
Fashion lovers can refresh their wardrobe at Parker & Peony Boutique, a modern women’s consignment shop curated with chic, on-trend, and vintage pieces full of bold, creative style. Ladybug Consignment and Boutique, featuring brands from Michael Kors to Prada, offers gently used clothing, accessories, and designer finds.
For kids, the longstanding Sugar & Spice Consignment Boutique offers top brands of children’s clothing, furniture, and gifts in quality condition. Meanwhile, 🔺Two Trolls Consignment Boutique offers trendy clothes and accessories for babies, kids, teens, and young adults.
Second-Hand Home Décor
Wth locations in Williamsburg and Yorktown, The Lazy Daisy is a favorite for vintage-inspired furniture, décor, artisan goods, and upcycled pieces with character. Lucky Junque – Salvage and Antiques is packed with architectural salvage, antiques, and reclaimed treasures waiting for a new purpose, while Remix Market Williamsburg offers an ever-changing mix of vintage furnishings, décor, and distinctive home accents.
If you're looking to make an even bigger impact, stop by the Habitat ReStore. Every purchase helps keep usable building materials, furniture, and household goods out of landfills while supporting Habitat for Humanity's mission to build affordable housing.
Sustainable Dining
Many local restaurants source seasonal ingredients from Virginia farms, work to minimize food waste, incorporate plant-forward menu items, and avoid single-use plastics.
See the full feature on Sustainable Dining in Williamsburg to fuel your sustainable journey.
Explore More
For more getaway ideas, from outdoor adventures to historic attractions, discover all the things to do in Williamsburg.