Things to do in Williamsburg

Boasting one of the lowest crime rates in the state, you'll find Williamsburg as desirable now as it was more than 200 years ago. It’s also just a great place to enjoy a relaxing getaway with your family away from the stresses of the nine-to-five work week.

1. Big Thrills

Travel around the globe without leaving Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the massive European-themed amusement park with areas recreating France, Germany, Italy and England. Take a sleepy cruise down a river, cool off on water rides and scream at the top of your lungs on rollercoasters, including Apollo’s Chariot, a steel hypercoaster with a monstrous 210-foot drop. Your children will have fun on the kiddie rides and will love the animal preserve that features wolves, eagles and Clydesdales.

2. Living History

The past comes alive at Colonial Williamsburg, the nation’s largest living history museum. Tour 18th-century homes, trade shops, city buildings and gardens, pausing to enjoy historic reenactments between costumed actors. Slip back to an era when Williamsburg served as the colony’s capital, and learn more about the region’s history and area artwork by visiting three on-site museums. For a completely different perspective, take a horse-drawn buggy ride or catch a kitschy evening ghost tour.

3. Step Back in Time

Celebrate the birth of a nation with a visit to Historic Jamestown, site of the first English colony in North America, established in 1607. Make the 25-minute drive west of Williamsburg and tour the archaeological remains of the original English settlement, including portions of a 17th-century fort and church tower. Pay a visit to the archaearium to view over 2,000 artifacts dug up from the historic site.

4. Fun in the Sun

Soak up the majestically alluring views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, about 90 minutes southeast of Williamsburg. Get some exercise as you bike, roller skate or jog your way along the 3-mile path that hugs the sandy shores at every curve. Kids can slow down to enjoy the jugglers and magicians that entertain visitors, but will inevitably wind up on the Ferris wheel or clamoring for coins so they can hit up the arcade.

5. Wet 'N Wild

Escape the sticky humidity of Virginia’s summer heat with a trip to Water Country USA, a large water park just 15 minutes east of Williamsburg. Follow your family down water flumes and tunnels in large whitewater rafts or challenge friends to a race as you scurry down slides. Wait patiently for the perfect 4-foot curl in the wave pool or float down the 1,500-foot lazy river as nearby guests drench you with water cannons.

6. Toast to Williamsburg Winery

Enjoy a quiet respite at the Williamsburg Winery, located on 300 acres of rustic farmland just 10 minutes southwest of Williamsburg. Make reservations for a sampling, some of which focus primarily on premium reserve wines or dessert wines paired with sweet treats. Tours are offered year round as well, but days and hours vary based on the month. Sign up for an extensive tour, which includes gourmet cheese platters, vintage wines from the private cellar and souvenir wine glasses. Cheers!

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