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Make the Most of Your Stay in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is arguably the US’s most well-known historic tourist destination, and each year, over a million people descend upon this 300-acre, 18th century America site.
If you’ve looked into this unique destination, you’ve probably also wondered how long your stay should be (and, how long it actually takes to tour Colonial Williamsburg).
Visitors to Williamsburg, Virginia expect an up-close, immersive experience of what life was like in, and that can be achieved via historic walks, reenactments, museums, food, and live storytelling.
If you want to tour Colonial Williamsburg, plan to take some time – there are quite possibly too many places to see in just one trip! Creating an itinerary is essential to experiencing as many sites and attractions as possible. We recommend that you plan to stay for a few days (or give yourself a week!) and not a quick single-day getaway. More time ensures that you can experience all the historic sites Williamsburg, Virginia has to offer.
Stay and Play in Williamsburg, Virginia
When you visit, be prepared for a full day or two (or week) of eating, shopping, exploring, and learning!
Colonial Williamsburg Resorts
Whether you’re staying at the Griffin Hotel or the Williamsburg Inn, visiting the Williamsburg Lodge or touring the College of William & Mary, there are a host of impressive resorts to lay your head at night. Enjoy golf, restaurants and pampering at a variety of unique locations.
A Historical Trifecta
The greater Williamsburg area is bursting with history and exciting things to do. Known as the Historic Triangle, this area includes Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.
Important Tips When Touring
The following tips will help make your tour more enjoyable. They will also save you valuable time and ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
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- When you’re planning your trip, refer to our website to find out about must-see programs, activities, schedules and special events. It’s also a great resource to find out where and how to purchase tickets for tours and attractions.
- If you are not staying in the immediate Colonial Williamsburg area, it will take about 30 minutes to get from your hotel to the vicinity.
- The entire Historic Colonial Williamsburg area measures about one mile by three-quarters of a mile. Be sure to dress appropriately and have the proper footwear in case you have to walk a short distance.
As the largest living history museum in the world, Colonial Williamsburg covers a lot of areas and there are many things to do and see. There are literally dozens of attractions, tours, and shows to see on a daily basis. If you would like to tour the entire area, it will definitely take 3 – 4 days to see all the sights.
Most Popular Historic Tours
When you visit Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district, you’ll likely take tours through Bruton Parish, visit historic taverns, like the reconstructed Raleigh Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street, and shop or eat on Merchant’s Square. There are numerous walking tours worth checking out during your history-filled stay in Williamsburg, like the one at the capitol building, located on East Duke of Gloucester Street. Many tours are accompanied by tour guides or costumed interpreters, which makes it even more fun to experience.
The Governor’s Palace
A self-guided tour takes you through this 18th-century palace, built between 1706-1722. The structure – just one of many historic buildings – has undergone a few upgrades over the years but is still in excellent condition. Nine governors resided in the palace over the years, including Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. The rooms still have the same early 18th-century style, which gives a true reflection of the colonial American times.
The Colonial Garden
The garden at the Governor’s Palace is a thing of utter beauty. Explore breathtaking boxwood mazes and over 25 species of oak and other flowers. The garden surrounds the Governor’s Palace and offers insight into how gardeners kept up the area. The beautiful garden also features several popular 18th-century species. Knowledgeable tour guides can give you more information about the species.
The Brickyard
This site has a very interesting history in Williamsburg. Located on Nicholson Street, the brickyard was (and still is) used to construct and repair bricks. Enslaved people, indentured servants and unskilled laborers were all a major part of the history of the brickyard. Tourists get an up-close and personal view of individuals replicating the brick-making process, made both night and day.
Gunsmith Workshop
Families can participate in a workshop to learn how guns were constructed and used in the 18th century. The gunsmith trade was very important for those who were highly skilled. When you visit the gunsmith workshop you will learn how to construct parts of a rifle, including a barrel loop, thimble, and a hinged patch box.
Jamestown Settlement
A “living history museum,” Jamestown offers an opportunity to uncover 17th-century Virginian history through gallery exhibits and reenactments depicting pre-colonial and settlement life at Jamestown Settlement. While you’re there, it’s worth checking out the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, getting an in-person look at how colonial life was in the 18th century.
Family Cabinet Making Workshop
This is a fun workshop that the entire family can enjoy! Get a hands-on feel for how cabinetry was constructed in the 18th century. (Edmund Dickinson was the most skilled and popular cabinetmaker of the time.) Watch as artisans use their skills to make cabinets, and enjoy the opportunity to join in and make simple structures with tools of the time.
Colonial Ghost and Witch Tours
Get a good fright with the guided ghost and pirate tour. This evening program is sure to spook anyone who listens to the scary, supernatural history of the area. The ghost tour is guided by costumed storytellers, who impart ghoulish information about hauntings, beheadings, ghost sightings, and more. You will visit murder sites, see haunted landmarks, and hear unbelievable tales about witch trials (and other sordid happenings of the era).
Evening Carriage Ride
This carriage ride will be the highlight of a great evening of touring. This two-hour experience will take you through historic Williamsburg by horse and buggy, and your guide will give you insight on the historical landmarks and sights. You also stop for dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Chickahominy Riverfront Park spans 140 acres that families can visit to have a day of fun and relaxation. The grounds are beautifully manicured and have plenty of shade and greenery. Enjoy a number of activities like picnicking, fishing, renting canoes, or just walking around the ponds and streams. The park is unique in that it’s located near such a historic area. Food trucks and stands are available if you get hungry.
Busch Gardens
Take a day from living history lessons and art museums and seek thrills at nearby Busch Gardens. With admission tickets starting at under $40 a day (with the purchase of multi-day tickets), you can watch award-winning entertainment shows, take part in seasonal events and ride a variety of roller coasters.
Relax Williamsburg is Your Planning Resource
So, long story short, if you’re planning a visit and wondering how long it takes to tour Colonial Williamsburg, mark at least a few days on your calendar!
To get the most out of this historical trip, start planning ahead so that you can be a part of it all. Check out our website and blog for tips on where to stay and what to do when you take your trip back in time to America’s past.
