Favorites in Williamsburg, Virginia
Favorites in Williamsburg, Virginia
Bethany
Available for hire
The best food, activities, and history in this famous colonial town - from a local's perspective!
Updated ago
Save
Share
Hotels

Williamsburg Inn
@bethanyb
A local favorite for out of towners, special occasion dinners, lunches, and a popular wedding vanue.
Add to

Details

Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
@bethanyb
A great option for those who have Hilton loyalty or are looking for more of a resort.
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony
@bethanyb
One of the most popular gated communities in Williamsburg, Ford's Colony has a great location with amazing amenities.
Add to

Details

Kingsmill Resort
@bethanyb
Well known as a golf destination, Kingsmill could be great for the golf out of towners.
Add to

Details

Wedmore Place
@bethanyb
Located at the Williamsburg Winery, these historic rooms overlook a beautiful courtyard or the vines.
Add to

Details

The Williamsburg Manor Bed & Breakfast
@bethanyb
Located by Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary, this location can't be beat.
Add to

Details

Armistead House
@bethanyb
Located in the heart of CW (colonial Williamsburg), this is best for a truly immersive stay!
Add to

Details
History

Jamestown Settlement
@bethanyb
Perfect introduction to the history of Williamsburg, great activity for the whole family
Add to

Details

Governor's Palace
@bethanyb
Beautiful old governor's palace in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg (lovingly referenced to as "CW" by the locals)
Add to

Details

Colonial Williamsburg
@bethanyb
Historic old street of Williamsburg, perfect to walk around and feel immersed back to the 17th century
Add to

Details

William and Mary College
@bethanyb
The second oldest college in the United States, adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg
Add to

Details

Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
@bethanyb
A bit further away from Williamsburg, but worth a visit for the history buffs
Add to

Details
Activities

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
@bethanyb
If you're short on time, the below are my favorite roller coasters:
-Apollo's Chariot
-Griffon
-Verbolten
-Pantheon
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Williamsburg Winery, Ltd.
@bethanyb
A gorgeous winery with tastings, a restaurant, a hotel, and beautiful views
Add to

Details

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
@bethanyb
If Busch Gardens isn't in the budget but you're looking for an adrenaline rush, check out Go Ape!
Add to

Details

Williamsburg Premium Outlets
@bethanyb
Williamsburg was once well known for it's shopping due to our abundance of outlets!
Add to

Details

Add to

Details
Some other fantastic activities in Williamsburg include the historic Jamestown bike trail, pirate's cove mini golf, or a ghost tour/walking tour in Colonial Williasmburg.
Food
Restaurants

Fat Canary
@bethanyb
If you google "restaurants in Williamsburg," this will undoubtedly be at the top of the list, and for a good reason. This iconic restaurant in Colonial Williamsburg is connected to the Cheese Shop, the local's favorite sandwich place.
Add to

Details

Le Yaca French Restaurant
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Cochon on 2nd
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Francesco's Ristorante Italiano
@bethanyb
My parents absolute favorite Italian place in Williamsburg, it truly is so delicious!
Add to

Details

La Tienda Tapas Bar
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Blue Talon Bistro
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Second Street American Bistro
@bethanyb
My parent's absolute favorite Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, absolutely delicious!
Add to

Details

Amber Ox Public House
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

DoG Street Pub
@bethanyb
Short for "Duke of Gloucester" Street, the main strip in Colonial Williamsburg. Your classic pub fare with a colonial twist
Add to

Details

King's Arms Tavern
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Shorty's Diner
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Christiana Campbell's Tavern
@bethanyb
Add to

Details

Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe
@bethanyb
This local's favorite coffee shop has stood the test of time - it's been here since 2000!
Add to

Details
Fast Food

Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe
@bethanyb
This local's favorite coffee shop has stood the test of time - it's been here since 2000!
Add to

Details

Illy Caffe
@bethanyb
It may be new to Colonial Williamsburg, but it's great! There's always a line at this hot spot
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que
@bethanyb
Chances are, you've heard of this iconic spot in Williamsburg. Don't sleep on their cheeseburgers, they're also delicious here!
Add to

Details

The Cheese Shop
@bethanyb
If you eat lunch at one place in Williamsburg, let it be here - and get a sandwich with house dressing on it. Thank me later.
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant · Williamsburg
@bethanyb
A classic Mexican restaurant, absolutely delicious!
Add to

Details
Bars
Bars & Pubs

Paul's Deli Restaurant
@bethanyb
While this is actually a Deli with delicious food, it's also part of what William & Mary students affectionately refer to as "The Delis", a cluster of bars by campus
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Brickhouse Tavern Williamsburg
@bethanyb
A large bar, next to the original "The Delis", good place to watch a game
Add to

Details

Paul's Deli & Neighborhood Restaurant
@bethanyb
Affectionally referred to as "New Paul's" since it's in New Town, and opened after the original Paul's Deli
Add to

Details
Breweries

Precarious Beer Project
@bethanyb
Right in Colonial Williamsburg, this is the perfect place to reward yourself after learning some new history, complete with tons of games to keep the kids (or yourselves!) busy
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

The Virginia Beer Company
@bethanyb
With a large outdoor patio and spacious interior, this is the perfect place to relax with your family and/or friends - not to mention their beer is delicious!
Add to

Details

Billsburg Brewery
@bethanyb
While I've never been to the physical location, I've had the beer - and it's delicious!
Add to

Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bethany
Available for hire
Hi! I'm Bethany, an explorer with a passport stamped in 52 countries. Having called three different nations home, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for the cultures our world offers. By day, I navigate a full-time job outside the travel sphere, which fuels my passion for crafting concise yet insightful guides to the remarkable places I've been lucky enough to travel to.
Embarking on a journey with me means embracing a blend of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in local customs. As a solo female traveler, I've ventured through 21 countries, and I'm here to share insights on safety and the empowering experience of navigating the globe alone.
A glimpse into my roots reveals an American spirit born in Seoul, nurtured in Germany during my childhood, and blossomed in the United States. A decade in the vibrant DC area enriched my life with a wealth of experiences that I'm eager to recommend. Now, I find myself based in Denver, Colorado, brimming with tips for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and camping in the summer.
Whether it's strolling through historic cityscapes or savoring the diverse flavors of the world, I'm an enthusiast for walking tours and foodie adventures. Balancing a demanding full-time job with an insatiable wanderlust, I make it a goal to take at least three international trips a year, and monthly domestic trips.
Join me on this adventure, and let's explore the world together—one destination at a time!
Send A Tip
Support Bethany’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Bethany 2025 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Williamsburg, VA, USA trip
What foods do Williamsburg, VA, USA locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Williamsburg, VA, USA
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Williamsburg, VA, USA
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Williamsburg, VA, USA