As the leaves turn into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, Williamsburg, Virginia transforms into a fall wonderland filled with historic charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or just someone who loves to go exploring in the cool autumn air, you’ll find many fun fall activities on tap. Add some of Williamsburg’s best fall highlights to your itinerary and plan the ultimate autumn escape!
Here are the top 10 things to do in Fall:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream
1. Experience Busch Gardens® Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream®
Embrace the thrills and chills of the season at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream®. Those who enjoy some frightful delights with their fall fun shouldn’t miss this annual event, which runs from early September to early November. Wind your way through creepy haunted houses, dare to explore terrifying scare zones, and see spine-tingling live shows. It’s an adrenaline-fueled way to get into the Halloween spirit! For a less scary alternative, check out the Busch Gardens® Williamsburg Halloween Spooktacular.
2. Admire Fall Colors
Beyond seeing iconic sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, and Yorktown Battlefield ablaze in autumn colors, you can take an epic fall color drive on the tree-lined Colonial Parkway. This 23-mile roadway links all three points in the Historic Triangle: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. You’ll find gorgeous views, interpretive pull-offs, and opportunities for biking and fishing along this National Scenic Byway. Do more leaf peeping in the area’s great outdoors.
York River State Park Woodstock Pond
3. Explore Scenic Parks
Go hiking, biking, or paddling in the area’s lush parks and green spaces to enjoy the fresh autumn air and see more fall colors. Explore Waller Mill Park with its forest trails and water views, or stroll Freedom Park’s wooded paths and historic sites. Many parks blend colorful leaves with serene trails and waterways, including Chickahominy Riverfront Park, York River State Park, and Jamestown Island. Find more local parks.
Meet George & Martha Washington at Colonial Williamsburg
4. Take a Walking Tour
Fall is prime time for a stroll through history. Experience Colonial Williamsburg in its autumn splendor with a historic walking tour or nighttime ghost tour. Hear centuries-old stories on a tour with Williamsburg Walking Tours, or walk on the spooky side with Colonial Ghost Tour. In Yorktown, check out the Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour. Find more walking tours at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, where you can go even further back in time to America’s earliest chapters.
Family at Pumpkinville
5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy classic autumn fun at a pumpkin patch. Pumpkinville in Toano delights with games, a corn maze, hayrides, and seasonal treats during October. Opening day is September 20. Some local farms also feature cider, mums, and gourds, making them perfect stops for a festive outing surrounded by crisp air and colorful foliage.
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
6. Hit the Treetops for Halloween-Themed Adventure
For an active take on fall fun, check out the Halloween and fall festivities at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Set among the vibrant fall colors, this popular outdoor attraction features zip lines, rope courses, and swinging obstacles. Daytime activities include pumpkin painting and scavenger hunts, while nighttime brings “Frights at Height” and “Forest EscAPE The Night” experiences.
7. Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping
Make progress on your holiday gift list at the area’s popular outlet stores, fashion-forward boutiques, unique specialty shops, or eclectic shopping hubs like Merchants Square. Whether you’re looking for designer accessories, nostalgic trinkets, chic home décor, or one-of-a-kind antiques, you’ll find plenty of treasures in Williamsburg. Browse all the shopping options.
Couple at Williamsburg Winery
8. Do a Wine Tasting at the Williamsburg Winery
Sample some of Virginia’s finest wines at Williamsburg Winery, whose Wessex Hundred farm features 400 acres of woods, fields, gardens, and vineyards. The storied winery offers a variety of tastings and estate tours, from cellar tours to reserve wine tastings for wine lover’s. Special seasonal events include the Falling into Autumn vineyard dinner and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Virginia Beer Co Fire Pit
9. Cheers to Local Craft Beer
Toast to the season with delicious local craft beer. Enjoy a flight or settle in for the afternoon at favorite local breweries like Precarious Beer Project in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Nearby, enjoy the beer garden at Virginia Beer Co., soak in water views at Billsburg Brewery, or try the seasonal flavors at Alewerks Brewing Company. Many breweries offer regular live music. Explore more local breweries and be on the lookout for beer-centric events like Yorktoberfest.
Fall Farmers Market
10. Celebrate with Fall Events
Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone who loves the festival atmosphere, An Occasion for the Arts is a colorful celebration of art and music. Typically held in October, this free two-day event invites you to experience the magic of the arts in Williamsburg.
Enjoy live music under the autumn sky at the New Town Tunes Fall Concert Series, held on Wednesday evenings throughout September and into October. The concerts in Sullivan Square feature a diverse lineup of musicians and genres. Bring a blanket and relax with some great tunes and a beautiful fall sunset. If you prefer to indulge the palate, don’t miss the Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival in October.
From market days to historic commemorations, explore more fall happenings in Williamsburg.