The unofficial start of summer kicks off in Williamsburg with powerful tributes, living history experiences, fun-filled attractions, and scenic outdoor escapes. Whether you're reflecting on the holiday’s significance or simply recharging during a long weekend getaway, every moment invites something new to discover. Here’s how to plan a memorable Memorial Day weekend in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle.
Explore Special Events & Promotions
On Monday, May 25th, take part in a moment of remembrance in iconic Colonial Williamsburg. Gather on the Palace Green for a moving Memorial Day Commemoration hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. You’ll witness a traditional wreath-laying ceremony honoring U.S. service members who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation.
Also on Memorial Day, 🔺Yorktown Battlefield offers free admission in honor of the holiday. Explore the sacred ground where American independence was won, including the fields, earthworks, and historic buildings. Operated by the National Park Service, the battlefield is an ideal place for reflecting on history and enjoying the now peaceful landscapes.
Maximize your weekend with the Williamsburg 250 Passport – a mobile pass that unlocks exclusive discounts and offers across Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Check in at various attractions and sites to earn points and get perks. Note that the Passport is good throughout this milestone year!
While you’re in town for Memorial Day weekend, don’t miss the Busch Gardens® Food & Wine Festival, running Thursdays–Sundays through June 21. Spend a day strolling the park’s themed areas, sampling 150+ international dishes paired with tastings of wine and spirits. Between bites, enjoy award-winning shows and thrill rides.
Enjoy Fun Things to Do
America’s 250th year is the perfect time to trace the story of the nation’s beginnings across the Historic Triangle. Wander through 🔺Historic Jamestowne to see active archaeological dig sites and the fascinating artifacts uncovered there, or explore the immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits of Jamestown Settlement. See historic trades in action and embrace living history in Colonial Williamsburg, the former colonial capital. Continue to Yorktown Battlefield to stand where the Revolutionary War ended, and finish at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where interactive galleries bring this pivotal era to life.
For some exhilarating fun, start summer with a splash at Water Country USA, where you can glide down water slides, float in lazy rivers, and brave the wave pools. Keep the excitement going at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg, where thrills include epic roller coasters, themed lands, and kid-friendly rides and play areas for little adventurers.
Whether on land or water, the area’s natural beauty provides balance to its rich culture. Just minutes from historic streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering forests and picture-perfect parks rich with wildlife. Check out top hiking trails or hop on a bike to explore top cycling routes. Get on the water with a boating adventure, or make waves at local beaches for a refreshing break from sightseeing.
If you’re into golf, don’t miss a round at one of the area’s top courses, known for their rolling greens and peaceful natural surroundings. Choose from more than a dozen scenic options catering to golfers of every skill level.
Savor Delicious Food & Drinks
Eat your way through the best restaurants in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. From award-winning bistro fare at Fat Canary to simply stellar tacos at Casa Pearl to waterfront seafood at Yorktown’s Riverwalk Restaurant, it’s easy to turn your holiday weekend into a delicious journey through the Historic Triangle.
Enjoy a modern take on a burger at Amber Ox Public House, whose phenomenal angus beef burger comes with cheddar, bibb lettuce, sweet onion, and dijonnaise on a brioche roll – Memorial Day weekend is prime time to indulge. Or, take your dining experience back in time at the 🔺historic taverns of Colonial Williamsburg, where storied settings and original 18th-century recipes set the stage for a memorable meal. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, known for its crabcakes, was frequented by George Washington.
Taste what’s brewing at the top breweries in Williamsburg and toast to a long weekend with a diverse selection of stouts, lagers, and IPAs. Whether you’re taking a shopping break in Merchants Square or wrapping up a day of exploring historic sites, the perfect spot to relax with a drink is never far away.
Trade hops for grapes and continue your Memorial Day weekend with a visit to a nearby winery. Ease into a slower rhythm with a glass of wine from Williamsburg Winery, a scenic historic farm set among rolling vineyards. Sample award-winning wines with a guided tasting, then linger with a glass in hand as you take in the peaceful countryside.
Find Your Ideal Place to Stay
For a walkable experience, stay in the heart of it all in Colonial Williamsburg, where you’re just steps from historic landmarks, taverns, and Memorial Day weekend events. Choose the timeless elegance of the luxurious 🔺Williamsburg Inn or settle into the welcoming comfort of the Williamsburg Lodge; other accommodations are available, too, including historic lodging.
Beyond Colonial Williamsburg, find a variety of stays to match your style and holiday weekend plans. For full-service comfort and resort amenities, explore hotels and resorts like the golf-centric Kingsmill Resort, kid-loved Great Wolf Lodge, and retro boutique property Rochambeau Roadside Inn.
For a more intimate setting, charming bed & breakfasts such as the Williamsburg White House and Cedars of Williamsburg provide cozy stays. For a home away from home, cabins and cottages like Yorktown Cottages make for a quiet retreat.