Transport yourself to the 18th century with a visit to an area that’s been called the world’s largest living history museum. And while you’re enjoying the history, admire what else the city of Williamsburg has to offer, including notable art museums, thrilling amusement parks, and plush hotels. This story is part of our July Explore Virginia by Train issue. Check back as we share additional weekend trips in Virginia that are just a train ride away.
What to Do
Make time for tours or simply wander the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg without glancing down at your phone; you’ll feel like you walked onto a movie set. Historical interpreters dress and play the part of Colonial-time residents, making a stroll through town feel almost surreal in its authenticity. Special events, including reenactments and demonstrations, are available throughout the year at the 300-acre interactive museum. Participate in a local court session, learn how wigs were made back in the day, or watch a firelock demonstration. Adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square, an 18th-century-style retail village, is a charming spot for shopping and events including a Saturday farmers market, art festivals, and concerts.
Consider a visit in November or December when the city and its attractions lean into the festive season, transforming Williamsburg into a Christmas town. Decorations and seasonal demonstrations showcase how the holidays were celebrated in Colonial times.
Traveling with the family? Take a rideshare or shuttle to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a 422-acre amusement park celebrating its 50th year in operation. Its new coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, is North America’s longest inverted (meaning you’re hanging upside down) coaster. The park’s most iconic attraction, The Loch Ness Monster, got a full restoration in 2024. Continue the thrills at nearby Water Country USA, the largest water park in the mid-Atlantic, featuring dueling water slides, water coasters, lazy rivers, and dedicated play areas for children.
The city is also a growing destination for art enthusiasts. For folk art, head to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum within Colonial Williamsburg — it was the first museum in the U.S. to focus on American folk art. The Martha Wren Briggs Center for Visual Arts opened in February, an impressive expansion of the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary. Now triple in size, the space holds the oldest university-based art collection in America, dating to 1732, and exciting traveling exhibitions.
Where to Dine
From British pub grub to refined bistro fare, Williamsburg boasts a good mix of casual bites and special occasion meals. Continue your immersion in Colonial living with a meal at one is its family-friendly taverns. Get a taste of what was eaten in the 1700s at King’s Arms Tavern or Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, where specialties might include peanut soup, vol-au-vent, and a fried fish recipe from Thomas Jefferson’s cookbook.
For lunch, take a break from sightseeing for a sandwich from The Cheese Shop, where freshly baked bread holds high-quality meats and cheeses. Try the prosciutto and provolone with roasted tomatoes on focaccia. By the same owners of The Cheese Shop, Fat Canary next door is a charming bistro with seasonal, seafood-heavy New American food. On the lower level is Downstairs at Fat Canary, a no-reservations wine bar with small plates and speakeasy vibes. Wood-grilled meats and regional flavors welcome diners at French bistro Cochon on 2nd, a candlelit spot excellent for a date night.
Where to Stay
Walking distance from the train station is the Williamsburg Inn, a Colonial Revival hotel that’s as regal as it is convenient. The boutique property has features for kids as well as adults — think free hot chocolate for the little ones and a relaxing spa for the grownups. Plus, as an official inn of Colonial Williamsburg, guest status comes with benefits like discount tickets and priority reservations to restaurants and tee time at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
For a more mid-range option, Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection is right across the street from Colonial Williamsburg and incorporates elements of American folk art into its furnishings and decor.
Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites offers bargain prices, an unfussy atmosphere, and a free shuttle to Busch Gardens.
Feature image courtesy The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
This story originally ran in our July Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
