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Most people think about Williamsburg as a destination to learn more about Civil War History and the American Revolution, and it is, but there are so many more things to do in Williamsburg VA besides history.

From theme parks, to living-history museums, to breweries and water parks, to outdoor adventures galore, Williamsburg is bursting with fun attractions and memory making opportunities for the whole family.

But if you’re not sure what sites and attractions to add to your itinerary, this guide is for you.

Below are some ideas for what to do in Williamsburg and unmissable places to check out.

Things To Do In Williamsburg

1. Explore Historic Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is where American history comes to life.

I love slipping back to the easy pace of 18th-century Colonial Virginia where cars can’t be found, and only the gentle clip clop of hooves and carriages over the cobblestone streets can be heard.

The British certainly knew how to make charming villages.

The historic buildings have been lovingly restored. As you walk around the historic area, you pass by shops, taverns, homes, gardens and government buildings of historic Williamsburg VA, allowing you to see what life would have been like all those years ago.

Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum, with knowledgeable guides and live reenactments bringing history to life for guests.

There are noon day cannons, Patriots at Play games, and inspiring speeches by George Washington – there is a lot to explore and enjoy in Colonial Williamsburg VA, and everything is within walking distance of each other.

Plan to spend an entire day here, it’s one of the top things to do in Williamsburg VA. Don’t miss a meal at King’s Arms Tavern, for a historically-inspired family meal.

2. Get your thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens is a European-themed park with a strong focus on thrill roller coasters, so it would be perfect for families with older kids or adults who have an adventurous spirit!

It’s one of our favorite theme parks in the USA, and the roller coasters were epic fun; The Griffon, one of the scariest and most intense roller coaster ride I’ve been on.

We have a lot of great family memories from Bush Gardens Williamsburg, which I know we’ll be talking about for some time.

It’s not all thrill rides, there are plenty of tamer rides, like river cruises and swinging chairs, for families with little ones.

Each themed land at Busch Gardens has live shows for entertainment, which are great to stop and watch while having lunch or a break.

We enjoyed the Oktoberfest dancing and singing show in Germany land. Singing “Prost” certainly reminded me of my time at the Munich Oktoberfest in 1997.

There’s also a fun new 360-degree virtual reality ride The Battle of Eire.

Pop on your emerald green warrior helmet and some VR goggles and prepare to join the last fairy guardian, Addie and the dragon in a battle with the dark forces to recover the lost heart of Ireland. 

3. Explore the Jamestown Settlement

Another historic attraction is Jamestown Settlement, the first English settlement in Virginia. Kids can climb into a sailor’s bunk, steer with a whipstaff, and wander through one of the three recreated ships that brought the first English colonists to Virginia in 1607.

Stroll through the Powhatan village to learn more about the Indigenous tribes that lived here before the colonists arrived.

Learn the story of the troublesome relationship between the two as the colonists tried to survive and create a settlement and how the Powhatan struggled to accept these foreign invaders.

The story of Pocahontas and how instrumental she was in helping to restore peace to the two is also told extensively in the museum exhibits.

Our girls were very excited to learn that she’s so much more than a Disney princess.

4. Climb aboard the ships at Yorktown Sailing Charters

Climb aboard the Yorktown Schooner, Alliance & Serenity for a sail along the York River past the battlefield where the USA won its independence.

Yorktown Sailing Charters run multiple tall ship sails a day.

Our day sailing cruise on a schooner down the York River was pushed back to sunset due to the weather. Sunset is a peaceful time to be on the river sailing up and down and learning a little more of the history and local stories of the area.

We passed by the docking area where the naval warships offload their ammunition and the forest area where the CIA do secret training.

Do not go in there for a sticky beak. Someone will be escorting you back out in a matter of seconds after a few questions.

The girls loved helping to hoist up the sail. I was not shy in volunteering either.

The captain is very friendly and is happy to share many stories with you as you sail. You may even get to steer the ship for a bit.

5. Wander around Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is a fascinating experience. It’s the site of the first English settlement is now a live archaeological site. You can see what has been recovered from the earth and may even see archaeologist at work uncovering more artifacts.

This is the area where the English settlement (and future United States of America) nearly failed.

You’ll learn more about life in the settlement and what obstacles the colonists had to overcome.

Don’t miss the Archearium, where you can see a couple of skeletons from the settlement and learn about their stories.

It is on Jamestown Island which is a pretty place to explore if you have time, so you can further gain an understanding of the landscape the English colonists encountered.

6. Whizz around at Go-Karts Plus

Time for some old fashion family fun. Go-Karts Plus has 8 acres of fun and games and, as the name suggests, are most noted for go- karts!

There are four go-kart tracks, Bumper Cars, Blaster Boats, a small roller coaster, an expanded arcade, and a mini golf course.

The Gold Rush Mini Golf was my most memorable course ever as I scored two holes in ones, got my lowest score ever, and came out family champion.

I’m usually the one going way over par or hitting constant gutter bowls if we play ten pin bowling, so please allow me my moment of glory.

Savannah nailed a hole in one with me on the first hole, and we did a victory boomerang dance together.

This is the stuff that makes long-term family memories and strengthens bonds.

After several laps around the various go-kart tracks, my racing sidekick, Savannah rushed to give me a gigantic hug.

Thank you Go-Karts Plus for creating something so simple and fun to help families unplug and reconnect.

7. Play games at Williamsburg Indoor Sports Center (WISC)

If the weather isn’t on your side and you’re wondering what to do that’s indoors, head to the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Center.

As the weather was not favorable, we could not go on our planned kayak and bike ride around Jamestown Island, so we headed to the WISC instead to play in their area called The Zone and had a blast.

It’s the first time we had played laser tag as a family. We’re quite the commandos and played a couple of games of simulated war games! It was a load of fun and good sweaty exercise.

We also had fun pretending to be jewelry thieves manoeuvring around laser beams in the laser maze to reach the buttons on the wall.

Then on to our family favorite – indoor rock climbing.

I loved the different walls they had here. It was fun when the girls raced each other up the Lego wall, and conquered the column climb.

I was the only one in the family that chickened out to that one!

8. Tour the Yorktown Battlefield & American Revolution Museum

After learning so much about the Revolutionary War, it was wonderful to see the area where the Americans defeated the British at Yorktown Battlefield, which ultimately led to America’s Independence.

When you combine that visit with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown nearby, you get a profound sense of what they were fighting for and why.

While these attractions are separate entities with separate tickets, visiting both is a great way to round out the full story of the battle for America’s independence, especially since they’re only a 5-minute drive from each other and combo tickets are available.

I loved the interactive nature of the museum and the ability to further understand complicated documents like The Constitution and how it’s relevant to our current lives.

There are also live interpreters sharing what life was like at the time and giving demonstrations like musket firing.

Don’t miss “The Siege at Yorktown,” 180-degree movie reenactment and the award-winning Liberty Fever introductory movie.

Both are something special.

9. Go on a bike ride around The Historic Jamestown Bike Trail

There’s nothing we love more to do as a family then explore destinations on bikes. The Greater Williamsburg area has miles of bike trails for you to explore.

Our bike ride on the Historic Jamestown Bike Trail was cancelled due to it being chillier than it usual, but it’s one thing we would love to go back for.

You can choose between a three-mile or five-mile loop around Jamestown Island, along a road called Island Drive. The road features a panoramic view of the James River and gives an insight into the landscape.

Freedom Park also has more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails wind through forests and along creeks and open meadows.

Another great place for a bike ride, which might be more sheltered than James Island, is Newport News Park.

10. Get back into nature at Waller Mill Park

An area of serene natural beauty is Waller Mill Park, a huge nature park with a 360-acre lake, disc golf course, playgrounds, and biking trails.

Take picnics with you, or rent a bike and hit the 1.5-mile loop trail around the lake.

It’s a great spot for letting kids unleash some energy whilst getting back into nature.

11. Splash around at Water Country USA Water Park

Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park, which is open throughout the summer.

Ride around on the lazy river, race each other on the Riptide race water slide, or laugh together on a raft ride called Aquazoid Amped, which takes you inside a neon-light filled tunnel!

There are water slides for all thrill levels, as well as splash zones and pools for tiny humans. The Cow-a-Bunga pool is a cow-themed play ground for smaller kids.

12. Be Amazed At Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Williamsburg

You’ve probably heard of Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museums, which are found in many major cities across America.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Williamsburg is no different to the others, with hundreds of unusual exhibits and interactive displays showing weird and wonderful things about our world.

Meet a life-size replica of Robert Waldow, the world’s tallest man, or play a giant game of Operation.

If you have a rainy day in Williamsburg, and you don’t fancy getting active, then this is another good spot to hunker down in.

13. Relax in Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum

Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum is a 600 acre woodland and 2-acre botanic garden that’s open dawn until dusk, every day of the year – and it’s FREE to enter.

This is the perfect place to go in Spring or Autumn to see the foliage and flowers in their vibrancy.

It also has a nice, gentle walk which kids will enjoy, plus there’s the the Free Black Settlement living history area adjacent to the gardens worth checking out.

This museum is a former plantation, with re-built living quarters for formerly enslaved people who lived there in the 1870s.

It’s another side of American history that visitors need to learn about.

14. Drink craft beer at The Virginia Beer Company

Virginia Beer Company is a brewery, taproom and beer garden designed with families in mind.

There are shelves full of games lay ready to entertain the kids, and you! Food trucks sit in the beer garden ready to satiate your stomach. Relax into the chilled atmosphere and play some games with your kids.

I had a giggly game of Like Minds with the girls while enjoying a Saving Daylight citrus wheat beer. They have regular brews to try plus limited creations and seasonal craft beers.

They host a variety of food trucks and live music events on a weekly basis.

Greater Williamsburg is also home to the Williamsburg Tasting Trail, which includes five breweries, two distilleries and the Williamsburg Winery, Silver Hand Meadery (honey wine), all local to the area. If you want to learn about the brewing process, consider a brewery tour.

Places to Eat in Williamsburg VA

We know it’s hard to find places to eat when you travel, especially if you have kids, so here are some places we loved to eat at in Williamsburg…

Baker’s Crust

For omelet lovers, head to Baker’s Crust for breakfast.

The menu is innovative and delicious with a wide selection and they cater to gluten-free (with gluten-free English muffins even). There’s pancakes, French Toast, eggs Benedict as well.

And flapjacks the size of your plate. For the Aussies, I thought a flap jack was small like a pikelet! No Ma’am. Big like a plate!

Second Street American Bistro

If you’re ready for a hearty meal after all that roller coaster shaking and adrenalin at Busch Gardens, head to Second Street American Bistro.

Delicious and upmarket food, with a casual vibe. The service was outstanding. Noticeably attentive and friendly from all servers passing by.

Don’t miss a bowl of the clam and corn chowder – simply the best I’ve had. And the lamb shanks just flake off the bone into the red wine jus. It’s full of flavor.

Duck Donuts

We made our girls grab a proper breakfast at the hotel before we set out for a traditional American breakfast of donuts!

The girls report that the donuts were sensational!

I loved that they make them to order, so they come up so fresh and still warm! I wish I could have eaten some.

Duck Donuts was the best coffee that we found in Greater Williamsburg. We returned there on our way back home to Raleigh make sure we had a good cup for the drive.

Culture Café

Culture Cafe strives to unite cultures and food by serving small plates in a uniquely communal dining experience.

It’s quite an eclectic cafe with plenty to look at.

The Sunday Brunch menu was limited for our gluten-free requirements, but Craig chowed down on a delicious cauliflower veggie burger and I enjoyed my shakshuka when of my favorite breakfast dishes.

The regular lunch menu looks sensational.

Don’t miss the lavender latte. It’s one of the cafe’s signature drinks.

Blue Talon Bistro

Blue Talon Bistro in the historic downtown provides serious comfort food in a warm and casual environment, and it was our favorite place to eat in Williamsburg.

It’s a French-inspired restaurant with a few American leanings.

Count how many roosters you can see within the restaurant while you’re waiting for you meal.

We tried escargot (snails) for the first time. They were covered in a delicious garlic and parsley butter so tasted delicious. I’m not sure I’d order them all the time, but it was worth tasting them.

This is the restaurant to do that in.

And a pot of mussels steamed in white wine with shallots, butter, lemon, tomatoes & garlic also went down at treat. 

The service was also very good, and Savannah left with a comment to say our waitress was a very kind lady.

Retro’s Good Eats

For burgers, hot dogs, and loaded chili and cheese fries, Retro’s on Prince George Street will have you covered for a cheap, and old-style US meal.

Where to Stay in Greater Williamsburg VA

We recommend the Doubletree by Hilton near Busch Gardens and Watercountry USA in Williamsburg.

The amenities are well suited for families. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a daily buffet breakfast. Guests can enjoy spacious and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities.

Historic Colonial Williamsburg is 5 miles away, and Jamestown and Yorktown is 10 miles away.

More Virginia Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Virginia? Check out these guides…

• Family getaway to the Shenandoah Valley (what to do)
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Visit to Luray Caverns, Virginia
• Spring getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
• Things to do in Roanoke, VA
• Walking an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farms

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