Discover many wonderful things to do in Williamsburg VA, attractions, & historical activities

Discover attractions, things to do, and historical activities only minutes from the Williamsburg Hospitality House’s front door. From visiting the many historic sites and plantations in the area, to shopping, golf, entertainment, and wine tasting, there is truly something each guest will enjoy.

Williamsburg Events
Visit Williamsburg's Calendar to see what is taking place during your stay. Or use the calendar to help find an event to plan your vacation around!

Colonial Williamsburg - This 173-acre historic area is an amazing living, working 18th-Century city with more than 500 buildings to teach you of the city that was the gateway to Britain's power in the New World.

Jamestown Settlement - Relive the adventure of the first permanent English colony in America! Groups explore life at the dawn of the 17th-century inside the walls of a re-created colonial fort; discover the world of Pocahontas in the Powhatan Indian village, and witness the difficult conditions for settlers onboard exact replicas of the colonist's three ships. Extensive indoor galleries filled with unique artifacts and a dramatic film tell the compelling story of Jamestown and its hardy occupants.

Jamestown Island – This is the location of an actual archeological dig making new discoveries every day. The Rediscovery team has made the most profound archeological discovery in this century - the real James Fort and a skeleton of a colonist. Come share in the joy of the find, and afterwards, visit the glass blowing house where fine wares are created as they were in colonial times.

Yorktown Victory Center - Witness the drama of the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation at this living history museum. Join a militia drill or help fire the cannon in a re-created Continental Army encampment, then lend a hand in the garden, tobacco barn, and kitchen on the 1780s farm. Dramatic exhibit galleries recount the Revolution through the personal accounts of those who were there.

Berkeley Plantation - Built in 1726 and occupying ten acres of land, Berkeley, the birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence (Benjamin Harrison) and a United States President, is considered Virginia's most historic plantation. It is the oldest three-story brick house in Virginia that can prove its date. Berkeley's Coach House Tavern offers a wonderful dining experience.

Williamsburg Premium Outlets - One of the largest outlet centers in the country, offering over 80 brand name merchants and restaurants. For a complete listing of merchants, click here.

Merchant's Square - A marvelous combination of shopping and fine dining, Merchant's Square is home to many wonderful shops and delectable restaurants. For a complete listing of Merchant's Square shops, click here.

Duke of Gloucester (DOG) Street Shoppes - DOG Street, as it is affectionately known, is home to an array of offerings, ranging from historic buildings which are part of Colonial Williamsburg, to taverns and newer shops with an old-world feel. Since 1969, traffic has not been permitted on most of DOG Street, and it is now a haven for runners, walkers, and those looking for the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg.

Kingsmill Resort - Offers three nationally acclaimed golf courses:

• The River Course - An annual tradition for the PGA; 6,853 yards, par of 71, this course showcases rolling hills, elevated greens, and water everywhere. Designed by Pete Dye.


• The Plantation Course - A slightly more forgiving version of The River Course. Set at 6,543 yards, and a par of 71, with eight water holes, this course is marvelously challenging. Designed by Arnold Palmer in tandem with Ed Seay.


• The Woods Course - The newest addition to Kingsmill's roster, it has already been honored by Golf Magazine as one of the "Top Ten New Courses Available for Public Play." Sporting deep ravines, fairway bunkers, double greens, and doglegs at every turn, this course is a blend of the River and Plantation courses and was designed by Curtis Strange.

Golden Horseshoe - Located on Colonial Williamsburg property,  this Golf Course has been rated by Golf Digest as one of Virginia's "Top Ten Courses." Choose from two courses, Gold and Green.

The Colonial Golf Club - Winding through hardwood forests and tidal marshes, with no real estate development, this course caters to all skill sets but demands utter attention from everyone. The Colonial Golf Course boasts five sets of tees, and has received a "Top 10 Virginia Public Course" ranking from Golf Digest, as well as a "Top 10 New Courses in the U.S." nod from Golf Magazine.

Stonehouse Golf Club – A mountain-style course carved from hardwoods with undertones of holly and mountain laurel, this course boasts seventy-foot elevation changes, spring-fed creeks, and many twists of nature to foil even the savviest golfer. The course has received many accolades, and continues to change with each season.

Ford's Colony's Blackheath Course – The gorgeous 18th hole, among the most beautiful in the state, combines with a challenging round of 17 other holes to produce a game sharp enough for a professional yet still enjoyable for an amateur. Offering 6,621 yards of golfing beauty with deceptively simple water hazards and bunkers, it is truly a delight, for pros and amateurs alike.

Family Fun

Busch Gardens - This world class amusement park will test you and your guests as you try to survive the monster roller coasters that await you: Loch Ness Monster, Apollo’s Chariot, The Griffon, and Alpengeist! Don't forget about the white water thrills of Roman Rapids, or the quest throughout Dark Kastle, searching for Excalibur and the sword and the stone. Check out Mach Tower (added in 2011) for a great view of the park and surrounding countryside before dropping 240 feet! For something milder, savor the flavor of Oktoberfest in Das Festhaus, or go shopping in England, Italy, Germany, Ireland, and France, all in one day. You may honestly say you saw the world in one day after you visit Busch Gardens!

Water Country, USA – It’s a wild, wet, and wonderful theme park totally devoted to the love of water, Water Country USA is located just 5 minutes from Busch Gardens and joint admission tickets can be purchased. Sporting zany tunnels, huge rafts, waterfall leaps, and the famous Wave Pool, Water Country offers a fun-filled day for the whole family. Be sure to try Big Daddy Falls, 670 feet of twisting and turning tunnels in a family-sized raft!

Williamsburg Ripley’s Believe It Or Not - Shrunken heads, a dress made of guitar picks, and a 4D theater are just a few of Ripley's crazy features.

More Leisurely Fun

Whether it's sipping fine wines at the Winery, or feeling goosechills prickle up your back on one of Williamsburg’s famous nighttime tours, the Williamsburg Hospitality House is glad to offer you some additional venues for when you tire of the hustle and bustle of the larger theme parks and shopping centers.

Williamsburg Winery - Tour the Winery where the 17th and 18th century architecture building style is as brilliant as the wine! While enjoying the atmosphere and ambiance, you will be invited to tour the winery's underground cellars and experience the art of wine-making. Evening events such as dinners and receptions are all welcomed activities at this facility. You must be 21 or older to sample the wines, but all ages are welcome to tour the Winery.

Candlelight Ghost Tour - An exclusive opportunity to meet Colonial Williamsburg's other worldly inhabitants ... Hear the footsteps of the Frenchman's ghost ... or the shrieks of Lady Skipwith as she falls down the stairs of the Wythe house ... or try to spy the Gray Lady ... as we travel by candlelight through the streets of the historic area. Escorted by professional guides, your group will be led to the campus of the College of William and Mary and through historic Colonial Williamsburg area.

Consult the staff at Williamsburg Hospitality House for additional information on any of the local attractions or venues.