A Weekend Getaway to Williamsburg Virginia
I find weekend getaways to be my favorite way of escaping. Even though Williamsburg used to be only a couple hours away from me, I was always thrilled to go in a weekend getaway to spend time in this charming town in Virginia.
Since I used to live in Staunton, which is around 2 hours away, I would frequently travel to Williamsburg, VA for Busch Gardens even though I’m not a person who likes to ride a lot of rides.
I think the overall vibe of Williamsburg makes you want to visit over and over again with charming, historic buildings and unique things to do like explore Yorktown, take a ghost or food tasting tour.
For planning your weekend getaway to Williamsburg, here are the things I recommend to make the most of your trip!
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A Place to Stay
The Historic Powhatan Resort
By Hilton Vacation Club, this serene place is located about 3.4 miles near Downtown Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and even the Williamsburg Outlet.
The Historic Powhatan Resort is built to look like a manor and was created in 1735.
As you walk along the property, you’ll find beautifully made gardens and explored the restored manor.
Some of the bedrooms are made to resemble how people lived during the colonial times, which helps guests feel immersed in past history.
Book your stay at the Historic Powhatan Resort.
Address: 3601 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States of America
Things to do in Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Walking Tour
You can’t go to Williamsburg without exploring the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg!
For in depth information about the buildings and their historical significance, it is preferred to book a walking tour.
However, you can also take part in the self-guided tour for around eight dollars.
Ghost Tour of Williamsburg
After my bad experience at the Haunted Mansion in Disney World, I never thought that I would take a ghost tour in one of the most haunted towns on the East coast.
It was truly a spooky way to spend the day! For an enhanced experience, booking the night tour will make you see just how lively Williamsburg can be.
Governor’s Palace
Take a tour of the building that was once home to British royals and Virginia rulers. The tour is around thirty minutes long but features a ton of fascinating history.
Even though it might seem like a typical colonial mansion, the house has many different features including a garden and a maze.
The Governor’s Palace also offers a cookhouse that shows the types of food eaten during the colonial era.
Busch Gardens
A beautiful theme park that is home to an abundance of rides and restaurants.
Busch Gardens happens to be one of the best theme parks, not only for their rollercoasters but also for seasonal events like Howl-o-scream and Christmas town.
You can buy seasonal passes to access Busch Gardens all year round.
But if you decide to go during an event like Christmas town, it’s not guaranteed that there will be parking if you pay for preferred parking, so make sure to go early!
Recently, they have added the Pantheon, the fastest rollercoaster in the world as well as the DarKoaster. The proximity of the park and Downtown Williamsburg makes it a perfect activity during your weekend getaway.
Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
College Creek Beach
This beach in Williamsburg is a hidden gem. Most people visit the historic city for the Downtown area, but College Creek Beach is a secluded paradise on Colonial Parkway.
The water is calming and provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing after a long day. You might even come across a pirate ship.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
This outlet mall is close to Busch Gardens and Downtown Williamsburg with an extensive number of stores, 135 stores in fact, like Banana Republic and Nike where you could easily spend all day.
They also have a food court with a range of cuisines including Chinese and Italian.
This shopping outlet has plenty of parking but can become crowded on holiday weekends, so make sure to go early when the outlets first open.
Address: 5715 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Yorktown Battlefield
This significant battle site served as the location for the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Led by George Washington and allied with the French and Americans, they finally gained their independence with the defeat of the British.
You can use the free Yorktown Tour Guide app to learn history as you’re driving through the village and battlefield of Yorktown.
It is recommended to start at the visitor center and walk through the museum and read the exhibits before taking a tour of the battlefield.
A pass is required for entry: $15
Address: 1000 Colonial Nat’l Historical Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690
York River State Park
I visited this park twice and I still find it just as mesmerizing as I did the first time.
This beautiful state park is about 19 minutes from Williamsburg, which may be off the beaten path if you want to just stay in Williamsburg.
However, I would recommend stopping by for a few hours to walk their trails or go bird watching.
There is a $5 fee to enter but the views are well worth the price.
Address: 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Places to Eat
Williamsburg might look like just another historic town in Virginia but is actually home to many restaurants that offer a variety of food. There is even a tour just for foodies!
Second Street American Bistro
This bistro and tavern offer a welcoming atmosphere with glowing lights and outdoor seating as well as a koi pond.
Second Street American Bistro also has healthy food options like the Thai Peanut Salad and Crab Norfolk.
Address: 140 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Food for Thought
This family-style restaurant in Williamsburg has a different approach to dining with famous inventors, scientists, and other intellectuals at the heart of the dining experience.
Food for Thought gives you all of the main dishes that remind you of America including ribs.
Don’t forget to try their cocktails and vegan dishes!
Address: 1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Craft 31
A creative twist to the dining experience, Craft 31 is an aesthetic restaurant with classic American dishes on the menu with a side of beer.
Some of their most popular dishes are the Tuna Poke and the Chicken Sandwich.
Be prepared to fill yourself up with delicious food and experiences! Hope you found this weekend getaway post for Williamsburg helpful in planning your trip.
Address: 3701 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
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