The epicenter for preservation, interpretation and the education of American Colonial history, Colonial Williamsburg is a destination that is renowned world wide. This guide is not intended to be a listing of everything there is to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg. Rather, this is intended to be a list of some of the most worth while attractions as well as some local hidden gems. ‌This is a living guide and will be updated as new places are found and recommended. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Master Guide Of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

If you’d prefer to bypass the visitor center and go directly to the the heart of Williamsburg, there are a couple of pay to park areas available. There is also parking available around Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchant Square, however most of these spots fill up fast and are time regulated.

The Francis St parking lot is our recommended parking location as it has multiple entrance/exit points and is just a short walk from the restaurants and Merchant’s Square.

Tickets may be purchased online as well, to save time at the ticket booth. 

If you’re not interested in dining emerged in the Colonical experience, there are some excellent local spots within a short walking distance.

You have now arrived at the world renowned Colonial Williamsburg. So, what to do next?

Not to get too far ahead of ourselves here, but have you thought about where to eat yet? It may be early morning or mid day that you’ve arrived at Colonial Williamsburg and food may be the last thing that you’re thinking about at this point. But if you have your heart set on experiencing lunch or dinner colonial style, then this may be the right time to start thinking about which historic tavern you want to visit and secure a reservation in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly. 

A culmination of wood working and metal smithing, a visit to the Gunsmith shop will provide an opportunity to watch these craftsmen create the rifles and pistols used by the Colonist for hunting and the protection of the colony. 

Starting your trip off at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor center can be very helpful. Once there you will find admission tickets to the historic sites as well as information on the current events and activities the area has to offer. This is also one of the easiest places to find parking and has walking paths or shuttles that will bring you to the historic attractions.

Emerse yourself in the 18th century judiciary period and experience first hand how much your present day liberties differ from tha of the colonial period. Visit the pillory adjacent to the building and discover how you would’ve been publicly displayed for not paying your taxes or any other petty crimes against the crown.

Before social media and the internet, the latest news was printed on paper. Experience the printing office and step around back to the printing press room to receive a lesson on how the skills of the Printer were a vital role to keep the colonist in the know.

From tools to hardware, how did they make the material to build their houses? The pans and kettles for their meals? Weapons for their protection? The Blacksmith shop will show you how it was all done during the colonial period.

Visit the site where the whispers of Liberty began. Learn about the founding principles of our government and the struggles that ensude with the British Governor that ultimately laid the ground work of your rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great nation.

As you walk the streets of Williamsburg, did you ever wonder “Where did all of those bricks come from?” Visit the brickmakers at the brickyard and discover the age old art of molding and creating bricks. 

*Fun fact* - These bricks are still used for projects and repairs in Colonial Williamsburg.

*Fun Fact* - The Rifles created here can still be special ordered and purchased by the public. At last check though, the wait list was 6yrs-8yrs for your very own hand built rifle.

The Gaol or “Jail” is an interesting place to visit. This building provides a bleak insight into the conditions the debtors or prisoners would’ve endured during their stay. It was not uncommon for 6 inmates to occupy the 10 foot by 10 foot cells at one time. It’s most notable occupants would’ve undboubtebly been the 15 henchmen of the infamous pirate Blackbeard that were captured in 1718.

*Fun Fact* - This is the location that sparked the Revolution in Virginia. Just a day after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, Royal Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the Royal Marines to remove the powder and disable the muskets in the Magazine, where they were met by Patrick Henry and a small militia. They were able to resolve the matter without conflict. 

*Fun Fact* - This home has twice served as both George Washington and Rochambeu’s headquarters during and after the Revolutionary War’s siege on Yorktown.

To fully appreciate the urban setting of the colonial city of Williamsburg, you need to visit this plantation to get an understanding of what it was like to live in the outlying rural areas of the colony.

Bruton Parish was the first Anglican Church built in 1660. The current structure was restored in 1937 and was returned to how it would’ve appeared in 1715 when construction was completed. Some of the Church’s most notable attendees were Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, George Wythe, Patrick Henry, and George Mason. Their names can still be found on the plaquards located on the pews.

*Fun Fact* - The parish served as a hospital for the Battle of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Williamsburg during the Civil War.

Fashion, as it is today, was a way for men and women to state their elegance and societal standings while about town. Women and especially the men, would commission wigs (or “perukes”) of quality and distinction from the Wigmakers. In this shop, you’ll learn how they were made and all about the social differences between the masses during the 18th century.

There are quite a few shops located at Merchant’s Square and they’re all worth a visit to see what they offer. However, these are the ones that we definitely recommend visiting.

This home was completed in 1766 by a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Martha Washington’s nephew purchased the home in 1800 and was also a Virginia Legislator and Congressman. The Rockefeller family purchased the home in 1926 and stayed here during their twice annual trips. The home was Mr. Rockefeller’s favorite and is still shown today as it appeared in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s when they were extensively involved in the rejuvenation and restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Pay close attention to the rooms as you walk through the home during the tour. You may notice quite a few newspapers, magazines and military dress memorabilia dating back to the Second World War, in which their sons both served. 

Master Guide Of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

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