9 Unique Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia for an Unforgettable Vacay

The Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

If there's one state in the U.S. that has a wealth of history to dive into, it's Virginia, and with all it has to offer, it can be a little difficult to figure out where exactly to kick off your journey.

Enter: the city of Williamsburg, located between the James and York Rivers, just north of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and under an hour's driving distance from the state's capital of Richmond. But with all there is to explore on this trip, where should one begin? Fortunately, we've got the 9 best things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.

For starters, Visit Williamsburg has a wide variety of options and resources to help you find exactly what fun activities, restaurants, landmarks and attractions suit you best when visiting the historic Virginia city.

And, of course, Parade is here to bring you the best of the best recommendations for your vacation—directly from someone who has already done the leg work (literally).

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What Is Williamsburg, Virginia Best Known For?

Historically, Williamsburg is best known for quite a few things. It was founded as the capital of the Virginia Colony in 1699, after leaders of the time petitioned for the original capital, Jamestown—the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the New World—to be relocated. The new city was renamed Williamsburg in honor of England's reigning monarch, King William III, according to the City of Williamsburg's website.

It was also one of America's very first planned cities. Williamsburg celebrates its 325th anniversary in 2024.

"Today, Williamsburg is known internationally as the premier center for the preservation and interpretation of American colonial history," the city's government website states.

Do You Have To Pay to Just Walk Around Colonial Williamsburg?

The short answer is no, you don't have to pay to simply just walk around Colonial Williamsburg's outdoor areas.

However, while just strolling the streets costs absolutely nothing, tickets are required to gain access to any of the attractions on site, including guided tours of some of the original family homes and government buildings, exploring the gardens, getting into programs and more.

Colonial Williamsburg is regarded as a "living history museum" and stretches across an expansive and impressive 300 acres of historic land.

Single-day and multi-day passes range in price based on which type of ticket is purchased. Depending on the level of interest in learning some U.S. history, one could easily spend several hours on the property.

That said, Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year.

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Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA

1. Great Wolf Lodge

First things first: if you're visiting with kids (or teens) in tow, there's no way you should miss out on Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg.

There are so many things to do at the accommodation, including an indoor water park, mini bowling alley, laser tag and an arcade. There's even planned programming for the little ones, like mid-day arts and crafts sessions and nightly dance parties!

My family's favorite part was the different styles of rooms—we stayed in a KidCabin Suite with a separate sleeping area (bunkbeds included) that's still getting rave reviews from my kids long after checking out.

2. Carriage Ride in Colonial Williamsburg

A carriage ride around Colonial Williamsburg is a fun idea for visitors of any age.

You'll load into the back of a horse-drawn carriage while being guided around the historic area as someone points out all the historical facts about the original buildings and sites during your ride.

Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, and the attraction is wildly popular so they sell out quickly! If it's something you're definitely interested in doing while visiting, be sure to get tickets ahead of time to secure your ride.

3. Food for Thought

Not only does Food for Thought happen to serve what ended up being the best dinner meal I had while in Williamsburg, it also includes thought-provoking games at the tables and wall art throughout, making it a can't-miss spot while in town.

One tip: this place is super popular so the wait can be long, get there early before it becomes a packed house!

Things to Do With Kids in Williamsburg, VA

4. Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a large theme park that can easily be visited on multiple days to get the full experience.

If you're familiar with Disney World's Epcot, Busch Gardens is themed similarly in that the different areas of the park are different countries—Italy, France, England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany, to name a few.

Of course roller coasters are a big draw for the thrill seekers, but if we're being honest, a big part of visiting an amusement park is indulging in the eats and treats, and this park offers them aplenty.

5. Bounce House Family Entertainment Center

Bounce House Family Entertainment Center may be geared toward kids, but the whole family can get in on the fun.

Aside from the massive bounce houses and slides, there's also an arcade area so you can put your competitive skills to the test with your crew.

The inside is just big enough that there's plenty of space for the little ones to run around and get a good bit of energy out, but intimate enough that you don't feel like they'll get lost if you're not hovering the whole time.

6. Olde Towne Pizza

If you're a fan of real pizza, look no further than Olde Towne Pizza.

The menu is ultra-affordable and everything was super fresh. My family of five (two adults and three kids ages five and under) ordered pasta, pizza, and salad for the whole group and it was some of the most authentic tasting food we've had.

7. Southern Pancake & Waffle House

Southern Pancake & Waffle House is a cozy little spot that was overflowing with people when we went in, but they still managed to serve us with prompt attentiveness. Plus, they offer some of the yummiest breakfast options in Williamsburg!

What Can You Get Into for Free in Williamsburg, VA?

There are lots of things to do in Williamsburg for free, depending on your interests.

8. Take in the Sights

Williamsburg Premium Outlets is a nice outdoor shopping area for leisurely walking around, as is Historic Yorktown Village - Riverwalk Landing, which makes for picturesque scenery due to its location being right along the York River. There are also several specialty shops and eateries to visit while on Water Street.

9. Go for a Ferry Ride

And speaking of water, you can also ride the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which is about a 20-minute glide across the historic James River. It's free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—even holidays!

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