At Colonial Williamsburg – the largest living history museum in the world – you’ll discover more than 300 acres of colonial architecture and fascinating interactive experiences that shed light on the past and present.
To get fully immersed in Colonial Williamsburg, stay close to the action so you can explore on foot or by bus. Avoiding the need to drive and park makes stepping back in time easy and carefree. Here’s how to maximize your experience in walkable Williamsburg.
Stay in the Heart of Colonial Williamsburg
Designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and opened in 1937, the award-winning Williamsburg Inn offers elegant luxury and historic flair. Queen Elizabeth II stayed here on two separate occasions. The larger Williamsburg Lodge, A Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel features folk art inspired by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum in its rooms and suites. Named after the William & Mary Tribe’s mascot, the Griffin Hotel embodies tranquility with relaxing woodlands and fountains while still within walking distance to the Historic Area.
A furry guest enjoying the charm of the Williamsburg Inn.
Historic Lodging options offer deeper immersion into the past. Blending historic character and modern amenities, the Colonial Houses offer single-room, multi-room, and whole-house accommodations in the former homes, shops, and offices of Revolutionary War heroes. Some rooms have canopy beds and cozy fireplaces. Or, check out more places to stay nearby.
See Historic Sites Come to Life
Just a short walk from your Colonial Williamsburg accommodations, the Historic Area unfolds with 89 original 18th-century buildings and hundreds of reconstructed buildings based on historical records.
The Governor's Palace at Colonial Williamsburg
At the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the Governor’s Palace offers a glimpse into British colonial grandeur. Tours take place daily, and the Palace grounds feature gardens that are especially beautiful to stroll in the spring and summer.
Just down the street, the Capitol and Courthouse represent the political heart of Virginia’s former capital. Here, leaders met to shape the ideas that would influence the founding of the United States. Walk through historic homes like the George Wythe House or James Geddy House to learn about the Nation Builders who shaped America, and discover the personal stories of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times.
Along Duke of Gloucester Street and around the Historic Area, step into 20+ historic trade shops where blacksmiths, carpenters, apothecaries, bookbinders, and other skilled artisans use tools and techniques from the 18th century. See crafters at work and hear tales of colonial life.
Stroll to Dinner
Walk to centuries-old taverns tucked into the Historic Area or modern restaurants located along the area’s western edge.
Frequented by George Washington in the 18th century and located just east of the Capitol, Christiana Campbell's Tavern is known for its historically inspired and locally sourced seafood. The crab cakes, sweet potato muffin, and spoon bread are favorites. Musicians add to the ambiance by playing traditional colonial songs as you dine. Reservations are strongly encouraged. West of the Capitol, King's Arms Tavern features classic colonial dishes for lunch and dinner, including roasted meats and stews delivered by servers dressed in period style.
Couple dining at King's Arm Tavern
Along the western edge of the Historic Area, Merchants Square is home to 15 different modern dining options including Berret's Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill, voted by locals as “Best Seafood Restaurant.” Check their website for daily local seafood specials.
Also in Merchants Square is Precarious Beer Project, an award-winning local brewery featuring a tasting room, street-style taqueria, and arcade with vintage video games. Just around the corner you’ll find Williamsburg Winery Merchants Square Wine Bar, where you can savor Virginia wine, cider, and mead. Grab a seat in their outdoor wine garden to enjoy your drink of choice. From here, it takes about 10-20 minutes to walk back to Colonial Williamsburg lodging.
Discover Arts & Culture
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg bring together two remarkable collections under one roof. At the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum, wander galleries full of American and British antiques and decorative art. Meanwhile, the vibrant Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum showcases the bold expressions of American folk artists. Just a five-minute walk away is the Kimball Theatre, featuring live performances, film screenings, and community events.
Browse Shops & Markets
In the Historic Area, find pieces of Americana and handmade goods crafted with 18th-century techniques. Whether it’s pottery, iron hardware, writing instruments, or old-time games and toys, you’re sure to uncover a one-of-a-kind gem to take home.
Group of women shopping around Merchants Square
A short walk away, Merchants Square offers a blend of historic and modern charm. Explore boutiques for clothing and accessories as well as specialty shops selling everything from Christmas ornaments to Virginia peanuts. From March through December, Merchants Square hosts the Williamsburg Farmers Market on Saturday mornings – find fresh local produce, shop handcrafted goods, and enjoy live music.
Embrace Health & Wellness
Good-for-you fun awaits just steps from Colonial Williamsburg lodging. Grab a tee time at one of the three courses at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – the Gold Course is a top 75 public course in America. Or grab your racquet for a match of tennis or pickleball at the Williamsburg Inn Tennis Club. Prefer a simpler activity? Take a nature walk on the 1.4-mile Basset Trace Nature Trail, a woodland path known as a birding hot spot. Find the trailhead by the Griffin Hotel.
Couple at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg offers the perfect rejuvenating retreat after a day of sightseeing and active fun. Rated a Four-Star Spa by Forbes Travel Guide, the spa features a full menu of services and an adults-only tranquility pool.
Tips for Getting Around
When you arrive, stop in at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. You’ll get an overview of the area’s museums, attractions, restaurants, shops, and iconic history experiences. Purchase tickets and ask about special events and activities.
While many prefer to walk, there is also complimentary bus service throughout the Historic Area. Stops include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and more. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also a popular way to explore the area.
For guests with limited mobility, folding wheelchairs are available to rent at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-serve basis. Williamsburg Scooter Rentals offers wheelchairs and mobility scooters with delivery to Williamsburg locations included in their pricing.
The Visitor Center, complimentary bus service, hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are largely accessible to those with physical disabilities. While ramps and lifts are available at select exhibitions, many historic buildings require at least a few steps. Learn more about accessibility in Colonial Williamsburg, including special parking arrangements. Service animals are permitted in all buildings.