Discover Williamsburg

Different themes shape a stay in Williamsburg: colonial history, art, landscaped gardens and recreational activities. The Governor’s Palace and the Capitol reflect Virginia’s political past. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg display art and objects spanning several centuries. The outdoor settings also offer distinct experiences: Colonial Williamsburg has well-kept gardens, while Waller Mill Park has wooded trails with views of water and forests. This variety gives you several ways to plan your trip around your interests.

History and political past

The Governor’s Palace was home to several royal and elected governors of Virginia; staff and enslaved people also lived there. Its history, therefore, extends beyond that of the political officeholders. Guided tours of the reconstructed Governor’s Palace are regularly offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., you can explore the palace at your own pace and speak with the interpreters. Check the current schedule before your visit, as operating details may change. For most of the 18th century, the Capitol in Williamsburg was the center of British rule in Virginia. Together, the palace and Capitol represent different historical functions: the residence of governors and a political center.

Art and downtown

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg display American and British antiques and decorative arts from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The collections also include colonial and contemporary folk art. Their scope thus extends beyond historical objects to contemporary folk art. The museums are free to visit 365 days a year.

Merchants Square is in downtown Williamsburg and is an 18th-century-style shopping and dining village. It includes more than 40 shops and restaurants. Unlike the museums’ collections, the focus here is on shopping and dining, while the style draws on the 18th century.

Gardens, trails and other experiences

More than 30 well-kept gardens and a Level 2 certified arboretum make the landscaped grounds a distinctive feature of Williamsburg. The gardens and arboretum offer another way to experience the area, alongside its historic buildings and art collections.

Waller Mill Park offers 6¼ miles of wooded hiking trails with views of water and forests. Unlike Colonial Williamsburg’s well-kept gardens, the focus here is on wooded trails and views of water and forest. This distinguishes two different landscape experiences: gardens and wooded hiking trails.

At Highland Stables in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, visitors can see Clydesdale horses and Scottish Highland cattle. Water Country USA has a large wave pool. The two recreational offerings provide different experiences: Highland Stables is about observing animals, while Water Country USA centers on its wave pool. You can choose between these offerings according to what interests you, rather than equating them with Williamsburg’s history and art themes.

For the broader travel overview: Williamsburg.