Celebrated as The Colonial Capital City, Williamsburg, Virginia is most known for its pivotal role in the birth of America. Vacationers in the know consider it a bucket list destination, not just for its compelling history, but also for the diverse festivals, magnificent coastal scenery and theme park fun. Travel enthusiasts agree! Williamsburg was included in the Favorite 15 Cities in the U.S. in 2023 as reviewed by 165,000 Travel + Leisure readers. See where Williamsburg ranked and what readers say they love about it here. Discover the best reasons that Williamsburg is a must-visit place to enjoy resort-style stays with countless attractions that might surprise you. STAY: Club Wyndham Kingsgate One of the most iconic places to stay in Williamsburg is Club Wyndham Kingsgate, a colonial-themed resort with a modern twist. You enjoy the best of both worlds, staying in early American charm with all the latest amenities. Take in a round of mini-golf or challenge your friends in the game room. Grab some popcorn for a flick in the on-site movie theater. With pools, hot tub, playground, tennis courts and kids' activities, everyone will love their stay! Club Wyndham Kingsgate is situated near Williamsburg's popular attractions, making it easy to fill your days with adventure and family fun. Insider Tip: Our social media team selected Club Wyndham Kingsgate as a top 12 Destination to Fall in Love with this Autumn for 2022. PLAY: Theme Parks Get your thrill on! Williamsburg is home to some of the best rollercoasters and water rides. While you're in town, check out some favorites: Theme Park: Busch Gardens® Williamsburg If you're looking for excitement, you've found it around every corner. Dare to ride the new DarCoaster™ and race upside-down on Tempesto - at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg, where each ride is higher, faster and more exhilarating than the next. Designed in the theme of European villages, the park offers coasters, kid-friendly rides and festivals amid habitats of a variety of animals. Insider Tip: Members of Insider Extras get exclusive access to special offers, such as this deal to visit Busch Gardens® Williamsburg (offer details apply). Theme Park: Water Country USA® Get ready for a splash! At Virginia's largest water park, cool off in your choice of several pools including lazy river Hubba Hubba Highway and Surfer's Bay Wave Pool. Get sprayed, splashed and drenched by the fountains and cannons of splash pads and water play areas. Take all the twists and turns of high adventure water slides in a thrill you won't forget! PLAY: Historical Attractions Get in touch with our country's fascinating history! It's impossible to visit Williamsburg without enjoying the colonial flavor of our American roots. Check out the top spots: Historical Attraction: Colonial Williamsburg The flagship attraction of Williamsburg is known as Virginia's largest tourist spot. Capturing the spirit of the 18th century colonial period, Colonial Williamsburg is a living celebration of the culture, lifestyle and people. Take a carriage ride, work with a weaving loom and experience a reenactment of this historic American era. Insider Tip: While at Colonial Williamsburg, spend time in the Governor's Palace to marvel at the opulence around early American governmental royalty. Insider Tip: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg displays paintings, crafts and sculptures of colonial times. Historical Attraction: Jamestown Settlement In celebration of the first permanent English colony in the U.S., Jamestown Settlement showcases the the history of 17th century colonials. Step back in time through exhibits, tours and videos to see life through the eyes of early American settlers. Insider Tip: Double-dive into history by visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown while at the Jamestown Settlement. Experience everyday life of the settlers including demonstrations and artifacts of the times. PLAY: Local Tours Appreciate the quirks of Williamsburg by taking one of the many uncommon tours. You'll be captivated by the town's sights and stories only known by locals: Local Tour: Williamsburg Ghost, Witches and Pirates Tour Your character guide tells the ghostly tales of the area's notorious figures. Venture into the scarier side of bygone Williamsburg. Local Tour: Patriot Tours and Provisions Zip around on a Segway for a scenic historical tour with views of the beautiful York River waterfront. Also offering kayak, paddle board and bicycle rentals. Local Tour: We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experienc Learn the stories of early African-Americans and their lives in Colonial Williamsburg, as well as their journeys to freedom. STAY: Club Wyndham Patriots' Place The perfect location! Club Wyndham Patriots' Place is situated just a mile from historic Williamsburg. After a full day of activities such as sightseeing and shopping, retreat to resort-style amenities for some more fun. Plan a picnic and enjoy a barbecued meal on the lawn. Grab a vigorous game of basketball on the court or a refreshing swim in the pool. Back in your suite, prepare a meal in your private kitchen, share family space in separate living and dining areas and gaze at a crackling fire in the fireplace. Insider Tip: Plan an event at Club Wyndham Patriots' Place! With parties of 10 rooms or more, please contact our Groups Concierge to assist. PLAY: Dining & Shopping Everyone loves to shop and eat! Williamsburg has so many delightful shops and exceptional restaurants, you're sure to find your flavor. Here are some of our picks: Dining: Aberdeen Barn This award-winning restaurant employs an open-hearth grill to prepare savory selections from extra thick cut prime rib to broiled Canadian lobster. Dining: Le Yaca French Restaurant Select from a simple seasonal menu of elegant French dishes decorated in delicate sauces and paired with decadent desserts, earning the restaurant prestigious dining awards. Shopping: Williamsburg Premium Outlets Shopping for your favorite brand just got easier and more affordable. At Williamsburg Premium Outlets, look for great deals on all the top styles without breaking your vacation budget. Insider Tip: Become a VIP when you join the VIP Shopper Club! You'll love how membership extends your premium savings to your online shopping long after your vacation. Shopping: Riverwalk Landing Get caught up in the activity of the renowned Riverwalk and discover unique finds in the boutique shops along the picturesque York River. PLAY: Events From festivals to seasonal events, Williamsburg always has something to celebrate! Get in on the excitement and check out some noteworthy happenings: Event: Grand Illumination In brilliant tradition of colonial celebrations, Grand Illumination lights up the sky with a must-see spectacular fireworks display on the Saturdays of December in Colonial Williamsburg. Insider Tip: Arrive early to get the best view of Grand Illumination! Remember your lawn chairs and a heavy blanket to stay cozy during the show. Event: Bier Fest Considered Virginia's Largest Craft Beer Festival, Bier Fest is an annual crowd-pleaser. Guests visit August to September to enjoy over 100 varieties of craft brews, beer-themed talks and live entertainment against the backdrop of Busch Gardens Williamsburg thrills. Event: Howl-O-Scream Looking for the ultimate scare? Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg delivers at a hair-raising level! On select nights from September through October, choose from haunted houses, party zones and terror-tories™ to test your fear level. Event: Christmas Town It's your new family holiday tradition! Visit one of North America's largest holiday displays at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens®. Twinkling lights, stories by Santa and festive photo ops make for merry memories! Event: 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival Stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg and appreciate the nearly year-round gatherings of local artisans, musicians, food vendors and street performers in this fun, eclectic family event. PLAY: Outdoor Attractions The natural beauty of the Virginia landscape is something special to experience. Here are some of the best ways to explore: Outdoor Attraction: Two River Trails Saddle up and trot through the Virginia countryside. These popular horseback trail rides are a fun way to give in to the allure of the land. Outdoor Attraction: York River State Park With over 30 miles of trails for hiking and biking, the terrain of York River State Park is a special place to explore. Rent a kayak or discover fossils and Native American artifacts that are part of the natural environment. Insider Tip: Check out the Visitor's Center to learn about the history, wildlife and preservation of York River State Park. Outdoor Attraction: Yorktown Sailing Charters You'll fall in love with the sea aboard a colonial themed schooner and sail the waves of Yorktown. Learn sailor skills worthy of a pirate while keeping an eye out for diving dolphins. Outdoor Attraction: Williamsburg Botanical Garden A friend to the environment, the Garden supports pollinators and wildlife, with a special effort of preserving local species. Visitors can observe and learn about the varieties of Virginia plants and admire the array of butterflies they attract. Whether you book your stay at Club Wyndham Patriots' Place or Club Wyndham Kingsgate, your visit to Williamsburg will be full of historic city feels and surprising vacation discoveries!
