Why You Need to Bring Your Family to Visit Historic Williamsburg, Virginia

The Road Knott Taken is thrilled to bring you the expertise and insight of Wander with Alex, a Virginia travel guru! Learn all the inside info perfect for planning your family visit to Williamsburg, Virginia. Ready to learn more? Check out their post about Planning the Perfect Family Trip to Virginia and Fun Things to do in Coastal Virginia.

Historic Williamsburg, Virginia is a truly special place and a place that families should experience together! Filled with important history, this living museum will take you and your family back in time and show you where America began. Here are a few suggestions for where to eat, play, and stay when visiting Williamsburg, Virginia.

Where to Stay in Williamsburg, Virginia

There are tons of hotels, motels, campgrounds, and other options for lodging in Williamsburg, Virginia. But if you’re looking to stay within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll want to check out one of these Colonial Williamsburg Resorts.

Williamsburg Inn 

The Williamsburg Inn is a pet-friendly hotel that offers: babysitting services, a house car, spa, bar, indoor and outdoor pool, a social terrace, a golf club, and restaurants. With their exclusive babysitting service, know your kids are in good hands while you relax and enjoy a spa hour or two! And as with most of the Colonial Williamsburg Resort hotels, Colonial Williamsburg is a stone’s throw away!

Colonial Houses

Looking to add a little more history to your stay? Colonial Houses Historic Lodging is a family-friendly, authentic colonial-style hotel set up to mimic the time period! How cool is that? Experience old-time lodging with modern-day amenities such as a golf course, full-service spa, historic tavern-style rooms, and dining! This hotel also offers exclusive ticket discounts to its guests.

Williamsburg Woodlands

If you want the ultimate family fun experience, then check out the Williamsburg Woodlands hotel. Not only are they pet-friendly, have a golf course, and a spa, but also a splash park AND a fun zone for the kids! This hotel also offers discounts to its guests and is within walking distance of many shops and stops. 

Family Dining in Williamsburg, Virginia

A Local Tradition

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que is a must-try when in Williamsburg. This bar-b-que joint has been around since 1961 and is a local favorite serving pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. Locals love it so much, you can find Pierce’s catering weddings and festivals near and far. It’s simply a tradition! And if you can’t get enough of their delicious barbecue sauce, make sure to support the cause and take a few bottles home!

Locals Favorite

The Blue Talon Bistro prides itself on serving “serious comfort food.” Their plates are a mix between French bistro and American delivering a unique bite. Speaking of southern comfort food, The Cheese Shop not only sells a large selection of fine cheese but has a southern-style sandwich shop recommended by the New York Times! 

Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant has been serving lasagna and other Italian favorites for more than 27 years!  A locals favorite for its hospitality, guests say it best!– “Talk about a family-run and homemade energy. Everything was so fresh and delicious, all with great service. Young teens obviously children of those running the place sat us and were super respectful and hard-working as they organized seats and cleaned tables. The adult staff was also just as friendly and helpful. Hours are limited and it does get busy though so I recommend calling ahead even if it’s just the day of a few hours before they open to confirm availability” – Google Review

If you’re looking for fresh seafood, Seafare of Williamsburg is the place to go. This family-owned, nautical-themed restaurant serves everything from oysters and escargot, to lobster bisque and Norwegian salmon. 

Things to do with the Family in Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens & Water Country USA

Located just three miles from Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens is an adventure theme park for adults and kids alike! Featuring over 20 roller coasters and rides, to themed festivals, there is a little something for everyone at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Not a roller coaster fan? That’s okay! Cooldown at Busch Gardens Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest family water park located right at the park!

Jamestown Settlement

The Jamestown Settlement and the Revolutionary War Museum in Yorktown is a bucket-list-worthy adventure through time. Learn all about the beginning of America in a fun way! Museums, tours, lectures, reenactments, hands-on activities, and an unimaginable amount more, the Jamestown Settlement will be a truly unique experience. 

Ghost Tours

Looking to add something a little supernatural to your trip? Take to the darkened streets of historic Williamsburg with a tour group! Learn about the area and its tall tales and get a bit spooked! Check out The Original Ghost Tour which is said to be the 2nd oldest ghost tour in the country and the very first ghost tour in Virginia! The tours don’t stop there, your other options are Colonial Ghost Tours, The Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour, Haunted Williamsburg, and more!

Other Attractions

Visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not and check out some of the world’s coolest, yet odd attractions you likely won’t see anywhere else! They offer an “odditorium” and even mini-golf on the property! Or maybe you’re feeling like getting a little sun and a beach day? Yorktown Beach is only twenty minutes away! Don’t forget to take one of the pirate or sunset cruises for a relaxing yet entertaining evening on the James River.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg with the Family!

From John Smith to Pocahontas, to water parks and ghost tours, your vacation will be filled with fun and unique experiences. Visiting Colonial Williamsburg will be a family vacation you’ll never forget.

“As a lover of living history, this place was such a dream; You truly feel transported to the late 1700s. The reenactors are full of knowledge and are eager to interact and answer questions, so don’t be afraid to engage! The grounds are well kept (inside and out) and so expansive – Give yourself at least 2 days here to really get the full experience.” – Google Review

Alex Sumuel, is the Founder of Wander With Alex, a blog dedicated to travel around Virginia and beyond. Wander With Alex offers trip ideas, travel tips, and inspiration to help others get out and wander too! For more information visit wanderwithalex.com or connect with Alex on Instagram @alexsumuel