Perhaps I was born in the wrong century. If I could live full-time at Colonial Williamsburg I would. I've been there three times now and I still haven't gotten enough of Williamsburg! It ranks at the top of my favorite travel destinations.
My first trip to Williamsburg was when I was in high school. We were touring the Capital Building and for some reason there were hordes of shoulder-to-shoulder people there that day. I'd gotten separated from my family, spotted them among the throng of people across the sidewalk in front of the Capital and took off on a dead run to rejoin them before I lost sight of them in the crowd again.(Mind you, I was on the track team at that time)
I accidentally slammed into an Indian woman surrounded by big burly guys who immediately grabbed me as her butt hit the cement sidewalk. I quickly apologized and offered my hand to her to help her up but these big burly guys slapped my hand away. In the meantime, I'm shouting at them "LET GO OF ME!" as I'm still trying to rejoin my family before I lose them in the crowd again. I did manage to rejoin them, whereupon my dad asked me "Did you see the Queen of Nepal?"
Ooops.
Yup! I'd managed to knock the Queen of Nepal right on her royal a**. Which her bodyguards took none too kindly to, I migt add.
I made sure she wasn't visiting Williamsburg on my next two trips there. Just to be on the safe side...
Colonial Williamsburg is a great place to take the kids on a family vacation. Why read about history in a book when you can feel like you're living it? I loved every minute I spent at Williamsburg as a kid and learned more about colonial history than I ever did from any history book.
Before you go to Williamsburg
Hint for parents: Save yourself a whole lot of grief and get the kids a colonial tri corner hat ($4 at Amazon for both boys and girls) to wear during their visit to Colonial Williamsburg. My siblings and I drove my poor dad nuts, begging him to buy us a tri corner hat while there - until he brought each of us one just to shut us up. They're beaucoup bucks buying them at Williamsburg so get them before you go.
The upside to this is that it can get hot in the summer at Williamsburg so the hat will help protect your kids from the sun.
Before you visit Williamsburg download this self-guided walking tour utilizing a phone app - $13.49 per adult.
Here's another for $15, that shows you the exterior of 30 Williamsburg buildings. Some of the buildings are free to enter, some select ones require a $35-$45 admission fee. By taking the tour first, you can select which buildings you'd pay to see the interiors of.
If you have kids, then I'd recommend booking the Pirate Walking Tour with Colin.
Yes, pirate tour.
Pirates (especially Blackbeard and his crew) played a significant role in the history of Colonial Williamsburg.
This tour will appeal to adults and kids alike. Colin is a walking encyclopedia on the subject of pirates and you can get an idea of the lay of Williambsburg while the kids are entertained with true pirate stories and history.
The price is the same for adults and kids - $25 each, the standard price for about any tour. The tour lasts 105 minutes and it is wheelchair accessible.
Be sure you specifically book with Colin because he is so knowledgeable and entertaining.
Arriving at Williambsburg
Vehicles are not allowed on Williamsburg streets. Park at the Williamsburg Visitor Center at 101 Visitor Center Drive.
The park will require you download an app for Passport Parking.
The cost to park at the Visitor Center is $10 per day and the app will allow you to take advantage of complimentary bus service to the Historic Area.
Admission Tickets: Williamsburg offers a variety of different admission ticket options to suit you and your family's individual needs. See ticket options here. If you book online, you'll currently save yourself 10%. Not all attractions/shops are covered under your admission ticket. Some buildings require a separate additional ticket.
When buying your ticket(s) be aware Williamsburg comprises 301 acres. You won't see it all in one day. On our first visit we purchased the America's Triangle Ticket that includes admission to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. This ticket grants you access to five historic sites—including all of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic sites, trade shops, and museums—for seven consecutive days from first date of use. This was the most cost effective selection for us but it may be different for you and your family.
Accommodations
There are two options when visiting Williamsburg - staying inside Colonial Williamsburg or staying outside of Williamsburg for those with a tighter budget, and driving in each day. I've done it both ways but on my last two trips decided I liked staying at one of the Williamsburg accommodations since we were staying more than 5 days.
We chose the Williamsburg Inn's most economical room and took advantage of a Stay More Save More deal - $328.18 per night plus taxes and fees, which I didn't think was at all unreasonable for the 500 square foot room we got - plus nightly turn down service and nightly tray. Our admission tickets to the Historic Area were included.
The Williamsburg Inn is intimate with just 62 guestrooms and suites. The Inn's guest rooms are decorated in three distinctive styles: floral, classic, and restoration. All rooms feature period furnishings, original artwork, and handmade silk window treatments.
There is an indoor exercise pool as well as an outside pool, tennis courts, a nearby golf course.
However, there are more budget conscious, family oriented options available. See all accommodations here within Colonial Williamsburg.
If you intend to stay at Williamsburg then be sure to check out their Special Offers & Packages page before you book reservations. There are several limited time discount packages available, plus you can get a Coupon Book which includes up to $350 in savings - worth its weight in gold when visiting Williamsburg.
If you elect to stay outside of Colonial Williamsburg itself, then investigate family friendly resorts like this one, $683 for 2 adults, 2 children for 5 nights in June 2026. Price includes tax and fees, book through Vrbo.
There are also the standard chain motels/hotels like Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. near Colonial Williamsburg if you're on a really tight budget - but be sure to check TripAdvisor and/or traveler reviews of the place before you book there.
Transportation
To get transportation to Colonial Williamsburg, you have several options:
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Visitor Center Shuttle: A complimentary shuttle bus runs from the Visitor Center to the Historic Area, stopping at key attractions like the Governor’s Palace and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
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These options provide convenient access to Colonial Williamsburg from various locations.
As far as getting around within Colonial Williamsburg itself you have two options: walk and/or take a carriage ride. And a trip to Williamsburg isn't complete without a carriage ride!
Carriage rides close during the winter months but reopen in March.
You can book on 4 different varieties of carriages or opt for a stage wagon. It's a fun and unique way to tour Williamsburg when your feet are worn out.
Visit the link above for more information.
Let's tour Colonial Williamsburg!
Good thing I didn't commit that faux pas of knocking the Queen of Nepal on her royal butt back in the 18th century! I would've likely found myself in the gaol, awaiting hanging!
Having worked in a maximum security jail, the gaol was of particular interest to me. If today's inmates think they have it anywhere close to tough, they should spend a couple of nights shackled in the Williamsburg gaol.
Yes, if you were facing execution they put your coffin right in your cell with you and at least one of the cells had a view of the gallows where the prisoner would be hung. They didn't mess around in those days. There were 10 days before trial and execution. No plea bargains or endless appeals. 10 days start to finish, over and done with. Next prisoner please!
THE BLACKSMITH SHOP
Blacksmiths begin their day by lighting fires in the forges outfitted with bellows and a hood to carry away smoke. Once the fires are roaring, they heat bars of iron and use sledges weighing up to 12 pounds to hammer the heated bars into various shapes. The Blacksmiths work with other trades to make tools and other materials, such as nails for the Carpenters.
Many of the colonists clothes were made of materials like wool and I found myself wondering how these blacksmiths didn't just keel over from heat stroke! It got really hot in that blacksmith shop during the summer.
THE TINSMITH
The Tinsmith's shop is right next door to the Blacksmith's shop. The following video will give you a good idea of what the Tinsmiths did and what they made.
THE SILVERSMITH
The Silversmith was also considered part of the armory although I'm not quite sure why since they primarily transformed coins and outdated silverware into more fashionable silver pieces for a home's parlor and dining room (cups, teapots, spoons) as well as items for personal adornment.
THE WEAVER
I did weaving in college so this shop was very interesting too.
When English imports were cut off by the Revolution, local weavers came forward to fill the need for everyday items. Watch how flax, cotton, and wool are converted from tangled masses into orderly, precise fabrics—ranging from simple linens for shirts and shifts to blankets, towels, dyed wool for needlework, and stout woolens for military uniforms.
If you've ever done weaving start to finish (flax to yarn to dying to constructing a garment) it's incredibly time consuming and laborious so you can really appreciate watching these weavers at work.
MILLINER & MANTUA MAKER
These are the (primarily) women who made clothing, accessories and updated older fashions into the more modern 18th century fashions.
Most people knew how to sew in the 18th century. As a basic life skill, sewing was taught to boys and girls from all levels of society as part of their practical education. But knowing how to sew didn’t mean that everyone knew how to make clothing. Cutting out the shapes for garments and fitting them to a unique body was something an individual had to be trained to do through a formal apprenticeship.
Only professionals had the full range and depth of skill necessary to produce clothing. While sewing did happen at home, it was the kind of sewing that mended and maintained a wardrobe, rather than the sewing that manufactured item from start to finish.
So how much of a wardrobe did an 18th century woman have? That's actually kind of a difficult question to answer, but we have a list made out by Martha Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson:
"16 gowns (18 if you count the 2 “to be made up”), 9 petticoats, 18 aprons, and 20 shifts."
I'm not sure what motivated Martha to make this list. "“Thomas, I only have 18 gowns! I simply must go shopping at the Milliner's or I'll have nothing to wear!” ???
THE WOODWORKING TRADES
Woodworking trades include carpenters, who use hand tools to transform trees into lumber, cut and raise timber building frames, and provide finishes such as siding and roofing; joiners, who produce finish work for buildings including doors, windows, shutters, and cupboards; cabinetmakers, who fashion intricate details of luxury products with hand tools; harpsichord makers, specialized craftspeople who build stringed keyboard musical instruments; coopers, who transform flat boards into barrels of assorted shapes and sizes; and wheelwrights, who combine wood and iron to make functional vehicle wheels.
THE APOTHECARY
What was it like to be sick or injured in colonial times? Meet the apothecaries and learn how medicine, wellness, and surgical practices of the 18th century compare to today.
GUNSMITH
Of course since we were fighting the American Revolution and people hunted for game, there had to be a resident gunsmith to make the guns.
THE PRINTER & BOOKBINDER
In an age before TV, radio, and the Internet, the printed word was the primary means of long-distance mass communication. Watch and learn as printers set type and use reproduction printing presses to manufacture colonial newspapers, political notices, pamphlets, and books.
Binding books—especially fancy ones—was a specialized and time-consuming craft.
GARDENING & FARMING
The gardeners and farmers of Williamsburg are so interesting to watch working, using 18th century tools and gardening methods.
Plots within the garden represent provision gardens of the enslaved and American Indians, as well as the luxury gardens that ornamented the landscape of wealthy households.
The well-being of the entire colonial economy was dependent on the farmers' crops. This involves the growing and harvesting of tobacco, corn, wheat, flax, and cotton.
THE WIGMAKER
Routinely wearing a wig may seem strange to us, especially for men, but it communicated the wearer's elegance, his station in society, and even his occupation. With the skill of a barber and hairdresser combined, wigmakers fashioned "perukes" of quality and distinction.
MILITARY ENCAMPMENT
Soldiers in the Virginia State Garrison Regiment enlisted for three years, and garrison duty was year-round. This is an active military camp where you'll be encouraged to enlist and be given your first instruction in the manual of arms by your drill sergeant. Take part in drill practice and watch a musket being fired.
I noticed kids really enjoyed this one and being a colonial soldier. The military camp is located just one street over from Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare, on the corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Street.
PLAYHOUSE STAGE
The American colonies' first purpose-built theater opened on this site before 1720. Today, you can take in a lively performance by the Play House Players on an open-air stage. See the calendar of events for a schedule of musical and theatrical entertainment. Admission requires a separate admission ticket. Shows run during the course of a day and in the evening. Wheelchair accessible.
We saw To Hang A Pirate which was very well done and well worth the $19 per ticket.
In late 1718, a Royal Navy expedition was dispatched from Virginia. The pirate Blackbeard was killed off the coast of North Carolina, and 15 members of his crew were captured and brought to the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. They were tried for piracy at the Capitol by Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in early 1719. This show is a recreation of the actual trial of Israel Hands, a member of Blackbeard's crew.
Those are just some of the sights and working shops you can expect to see at Williamsburg.
Photo credit: Playhouse Stage
Big News: Colonial Williamsburg 2025 Lowered Admission Pricing Announced! 🎟
In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s centennial in 2026, Colonial Williamsburg is making history more accessible than ever. Beginning January 2, 2025, admission prices will see significant reductions, ensuring more visitors can experience the rich history of America’s founding.
Single-Day Admission
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Adult Admission: $35 (30% off the current $49.99)
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Youth Tickets (ages 6–12): $10 (nearly 66% off the current $28.99)
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Children under 6: Free! 🎉
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Online Bonus: Visitors purchasing single-day tickets online will receive an additional 10% discount.
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg – ADMISSION IS NOW FREE
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General admission to the Art Museums will be FREE starting January 2.
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Programming in the Museum’s Hennage Auditorium will require either a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or a special program ticket.
Annual Pass
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The Colonial Williamsburg Annual Pass will be priced at $75.00 and valid for one year from the date of purchase.
This marks the lowest ticket prices since 2006, making it the perfect time to explore the rich history of America’s founding.
During your visit to Williamsburg you'll see their various Fife & Drum Corps marching down the street throughout the day. One of these Corps is comprised of kids!
FIRE A MUSKET AT THE WILLIAMSBURG FIRING RANGE
You don't have to be a gun enthusiast for this one...It was fun just firing a musket for the experience.
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the weapons.
Book your time: 9:30 am; 11:00 am: 1:30 pm; 3:00 pm Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with some exceptions see their calendar) Closed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg
Dining
Christiana Campbell's Tavern is my Williamsburg favorite and it was George Washington's favorite hangout, having eaten over 100 meals there.
Christiana's is known for its seafood so enjoy the historically inspired, locally acquired menu of shrimp, scallops, and fish, and of course their world-renowned crab cakes and spoon bread.
The crab cakes and fried chicken are my personal favorites. The food is great as was the service. Again, a bit on the pricier side but not quite as expensive as the Terrace Room at Williamsburg Inn and you'll get more than enough to eat as the portions are large. Christiana's is only open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations are a must.
Please note: Campbell’s Tavern is not ADA-accessible and Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place.
KING'S ARMS TAVERN
King Arms Tavern is my second favorite restaurant in Colonial Williamsburg.
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck into a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more..
There's always live music of some kind, performed by musicians in colonial dress. The food is very good as was the service. The only drawback to King's Arms Tavern is that it can get quite noisy when it's full of diners.
There is an ADA accessible dining area but one must check in at the front desk and you will be taken to that dining room in what's called the "Purdic Kitchen". Reservations are a must.
SHIELD'S TAVERN
Shields Tavern, originally operated by Jean Marot in 1709, later came under the management of his daughter Anne and her husband James Shields.
By 1750, it was one of Williamsburg’s seven licensed taverns, catering to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks with food, drink, and entertainment.
Today, Shields Tavern continues this tradition with the Groaning Board menu a historically accurate family-style service, where guests enjoy a lively, communal dining experience reminiscent of 18th-century tavern hospitality. Reservations are a must.
TERRACE & GOODWIN ROOMS
While staying at the Williamsburg Inn, hubby and I did have breakfast at the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms before setting out that morning to explore more of Williamsburg.
Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The Williamsburg Inn’s charm and sophistication while serving up contemporary expressions of American classics.
Besides the taverns there are several restaurants within Williamsburg:
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Terrace and Goodwin Rooms
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Sweet Tea & Barley
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Rockefellers
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Restoration Bar
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Traditions
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Social Terrace
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Goldcourse Grill
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Museum Cafe
You can read about any of those restaurants here
MUSEUM CAFE
If you're visiting the Museum or in that area, then I recommend the Museum Cafe. $$ and family friendly.
Give Elizabeth Powel’s Ham and Cheddar Melt a try.
There are also Grab & Go eating establishments if you want something on the run. From fresh, healthy snacks and cold-pressed juices to hearty sandwiches and pastries, there’s something for every taste.
The Grab & Go establishments are:
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McKenzie Apothecary
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The Cupboard
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Dubois Grocer
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Raleigh Tavern Bakery
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Chowning's Garden Bar
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Chowning's Cider Stand
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Green Course Clubhouse Bar
You can read more about the Grab & Go establishments here
CHOWNING'S TAVERN GARDEN BAR
Museum Cafe Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg
Photo credit: Bing
We liked Chowning's Garden Bar because as crowded as Williamsburg was during our visit, I don't think many knew the Garden Bar was even there! (It sits behind Chowning's Tavern)
Or maybe we just hit it at the right time that it wasn't packed? Either way, it was a nice place to escape the crowds for a bit in an 18th century garden atmosphere.
The menu at Chowning’s features offerings inspired by the 18th century as well as modern takes on those 18th century foods. Hubby and I grabbed a meal inside the tavern, then went out to the courtyard to eat it. I had the Beef Trenchers which were very good although I would have preferred them au jus.
Hubby ordered the Cobb Salad and well, you really can't do much to mess up a salad if you know how to dice.
WILLIAMSBURG NIGHT LIFE
Indulge yourself with the Williamsburg’s Food Tours like the Modern Gastronomy Walk or the Historic Taverns Taste Tour. They're a blend of colonial history and modern - the Historic Taverns Taste Tour being the colonial era fare.
WILLIAMSBURG GHOST TOURS
Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg
With all its important history, it is not surprising that Williamsburg has had its share of ghost sightings.
Whether people believe in ghosts or not, ghost tours are a fun way of touring and getting to know a city and one of the entertaining and educational things to do in Williamsburg.
Colonial Ghosts has been ranked among America's top ten ghost tours. A guide leads the tour on a nightly walk through the city’s historical sectors, with a special tour including the College of William and Mary.
The Original Ghost Tour is Virginia’s oldest ghost tour. Visitors can take an hour and a half of walking tour through Colonial Williamsburg and learn many of its secrets.
The tour begins at 8:00 p.m. and is $19.00 per person. Visitors can include a pub crawl to meet both ghosts and great pubs. The cost for the pub crawl is $46.00.
The Original Ghost Tour begins at 345 W Duke of Gloucester St.
The Dead Of Night Ghost Tour is a don't miss. Renowned for its authenticity and research, this tour is often regarded as one of the best ghost tours in the country. It'll leave you looking over your shoulder when it's done.
Guided by lantern light, you’ll wander through ancient streets, uncovering tales of ghosts and legends that linger in the shadows. Each story is a blend of historical facts and spine-tingling lore, making the past come alive in a chillingly unique way.
Your expert guides will use paranormal equipment to summon the ghostly spirits!!!
This is the most popular ghost tour at Williamsburg and sells out FAST so you need to make your reservations early.
Ages 12-99, max of 25 per group. Price of tour is currently $30 per person. Tours last 1 hour and 45 minutes and start after dark, usually 9 to 10 p.m. Check the link above for more details.
The tour is completely wheelchair accessible.
VISIT NEIGHBORING MERCHANT'S SQUARE
Next door to Colonial Williamsburg is Williamsburg Merchant's Square. It's great to hit it up in the day time but it's also a place for nightlife with live entertainment, restaurants, etc. It has the same colonial flavor as Colonial Williamsburg does with its cobblestone streets and architecture.
You can even see musket holes in some of the buildings!
I absolutely love the Cheese Shop with cheeses from all over the world - especially the Champagne Cheese and Herb Crusted Goat's Cheese. Whythe Candy Shop is another must stop, For the kids, there's a toy store that even features colonial toys.
My tips for visiting Colonial Williamsburg
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Make sure to register as soon as you can for the reserved free tours they offer. As long as you already have tickets they are completely free to you but they do fill up fast.
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Annual Pass holders get 25% off tours and night activities.
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Upon arrival, pick up a Williamsburg Visitor's Guide, which often contains valuable family-friendly information activities, attractions, and dining options that can help you save money.
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Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing! Weather can vary.
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Plan to spend at least 15 minutes in each of the trade shops.
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Pick up a map at the Visitors Center to locate historic buildings, restrooms, and eateries.
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Look for the Grand Union Flag outside the historic buildings that are open for the day.
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Attend an evening program, which is not included with your daytime tickets.
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Visit the official Colonial Williamsburg website to check out the schedule of open sites, trade shops, programs, and activities.
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During the summer months Williamsburg does free movies on Sunday night on Prince George Street.
Things to see and do in and around the city of Williamsburg
Busch Gardens
If the kids need a break from all of the history, take them to Busch Gardens, 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA.
One of the undisputed fun attractions in Williamsburg is Busch Gardens, an adventure park run by modern technology while retaining a 17th-century charm. It's been named the most beautiful amusement park in the world since 1990.
There are more than 50 rides and plenty of entertainment for everyone: the zoo, children's learning and playground areas, live entertainment and music, as well as plenty of rollercoasters, including the infamous Loch Ness Monster and Alpengeist rides.
The latest thrill ride is the Pantheon, which zooms 73 mph with a 95-degree drop.
A must see is the park's nine European villages. Each village represents a specific European country in architecture and food.
Busch Gardens has close to 10 different specialty tours. Click here for more information.
Water Country USA
Water Country USA is nearly next door to Busch Gardens, 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA.
It's a great way to cool the kids off on a hot summer day. This is Virginia's largest water park.
There's a whole slew of different slides, pools and rivers, and the new High Tide Harbor. The park also has dining and shopping.
Money $aving Tip: Although closed until the reopening for the 2026 season, Water Country USA is currently offering a Black Friday sale - 50% off tickets, fun cards and memberships until November 16, 2025.
For 2026 hours consult the website calendar. Water Country is open from May through September.
Jamestown Settlement
Photo credit: Dreamstime
When you purchase your Colonial Williamsburg admittance ticket you have the option of buying bundled tickets that include admittance to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown as well. 2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA.
Jamestown Settlement, is a living museum that exhibits, examines, and tells the story of how our country began by using films, exhibits, and re-creations of ships, a town, and other elements. It's a fascinating place as costumed lecturers bring colonial Jamestown to life.
The three ships that brought the initial settlers to Jamestown in 1607 were called Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. The settlement includes recreations of these three ships. Visitors can board one of the decks and learn about 17th-century navigation as well as what shipboard life was like for the first 104 men and boys.
Photo credit: Jamestown Settlement
The land around Jamestown was inhabited by the Paspahegh tribe. The re-creation of Paspahegh Town, made possible through archaeological discoveries of old artifacts, helps people understand their way of life.
Again, costumed speakers discuss the indigenous peoples' daily routine, pottery making, weaving, fishing, and preparing food.
The kids will love exploring a life-size re-creation of a 1610-14 fort as well.
Just for kids:
Mobile Appshttps://www.jyfmuseums.org/?navid=441
Kids tour participants engage in fun activities throughout the tour and become spies if they successfully complete their mission. Search for "Yorktown Gallery Tour" in your favorite app store. (Currently not available for Android devices.)
https://www.jyfmuseums.org/?navid=506
Student Activities Try these activities to learn what it was like to sail across the ocean to Jamestown in 1607. Decide what you would pack for the long journey and what you would need once you arrived.
Museum at Yorktown
200 Water St, Yorktown
Few people consider the importance of the American Revolution. There is no historical precedence for a group of people overthrowing the shackles of a monarchical dictatorship.
The American Revolution Museum examines the colonial period through the concepts of freedom and the Constitution. It's an epic tale, and visiting the museum brings that battle to life via 500 artifacts and short films.
Interactive exhibits allow visitors to make a personal connection with the Revolution, and the gallery displays a copy of the Declaration of Independence and an actual 1776 printing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Photo credit: Museum at Yorktown
There is also a living theatre that engages guests in historical moments and the museum's farm lets visitors help with 18th-century-style cooking and games. Another area is a replica of a soldiers’ camp and the daily life of an average soldier.
Photo credit: Museum at Yorktown
Self guided experiences are available for both Jamestown and Yorktown. Get them here
York River State Park
801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg
York River State Park is a gorgeous park located north of Williamsburg and comprises 3,000 acres of trails, recreational facilities, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
The park is filled with picnic areas, some with grills and playgrounds. There are also several hiking trails including the Taskinas Creek Trail, which is an easy two-mile loop with opportunities for seeing local wildlife.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rental to get out on the water and paddle your way down the York River.
A day pass into the park is $4.00 per car, open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open daily, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Pirate's Cove
2001 Mooretown Rd, Williamsburg
In keeping with the pirate history of Colonial Williamsburg, play a game of adventure golf with the kids at Pirate's Cove - where miniature golf takes on a pirate theme with buccaneers, ships, footbridges, caves, fun waterfalls and the occasional cannon fire from an irate pirate or two.
There are several different adventures.
PRICES
Adult $14.50
Child $11.50 (5-12)
4 and under play free with paying adult
36 hole Adventure (adult) $21.50
36 hole Adventure (child) $18.50
Unlimited Play (adult) $24.50
Unlimited Play (child) $21.50
After playing, the children receive a pirate-themed goodie bag.
Pirate’s Cove opens every day at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
10am-10pm, Friday + Saturday Weather Permitting