Best Day Trips from Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is built on history but surrounded by water. The James River, the York River, and the Atlantic Ocean are all within reach. Beyond the colonial-era attractions, the region offers beaches, seafood, maritime history, and some of the most significant American historical sites outside Washington, DC.
Yorktown — 13 Miles / 20 Minutes
The site of the final major battle of the American Revolution. A small, atmospheric waterfront town with a battlefield, a museum, and colonial-era buildings overlooking the York River.
Why go: The Yorktown Victory Center tells the story of the siege and surrender that ended the Revolutionary War. The actual battlefield is maintained by the National Park Service with walking trails and canons still positioned where they stood. The waterfront has restaurants and shops. This is history you can walk through.
Must-see: The Yorktown Battlefield (free), the Victory Center ($14 adults), and the waterfront walk. The Riverwalk Seafood Restaurant has views of the river and fresh oysters.
Jamestown — 10 Miles / 20 Minutes
The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607. Colonial Jamestown (the reconstructed settlement) and Jamestown Settlement (the museum) sit on the same site—choose one or visit both.
Why go: This is where American colonial history began. Colonial Jamestown gives you a sense of the original fort and settlement. Jamestown Settlement has museums, Native American exhibits, and replicas of the original ships (the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery). The archaeological work is ongoing—you’re looking at genuine American history being unearthed.
Cost: Colonial Jamestown is $15, Jamestown Settlement is $21. Both require a National Park Pass or separate admission.
Virginia Beach — 65 Miles / 1.5 Hours
The largest city in Virginia. A 3-mile boardwalk, naval stations, beach culture, and a thriving oceanfront tourism scene.
Why go: The beach is legitimate—sandy, wide, and developed without being overdone. The boardwalk has restaurants, shops, and the Virginia Aquarium. The Naval Station Norfolk (nearby) offers tours of active military vessels. If you want to spend a full day swimming, walking, and eating oceanside, Virginia Beach delivers.
Must-see: The boardwalk for dinner and sunset. The Virginia Aquarium. First Landing State Park (15 miles south) if you want nature over development.
Cost: Beach access is free. Restaurants and shops range from casual to upscale.
Richmond — 50 Miles / 1 Hour
Virginia’s capital. A Mississippi River port city with museums, restaurants, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving arts scene that most people don’t associate with the state.
Why go: The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is the best single museum in the state. The Civil War history is unavoidable and confronted head-on. The Monument Avenue neighborhood has grand historic mansions. Restaurants like Mama J’s Kitchen and The Roosevelt have serious reputations.
Must-see: The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (the permanent exhibit is exceptional), the Science Museum of Virginia (housed in the old Broad Street Station), and a walk through Monument Avenue.
Norfolk — 55 Miles / 1.5 Hours
A naval city 30 minutes south of Virginia Beach. Home to the world’s largest naval base and the Chrysler Museum.
Why go: The Naval Station Norfolk can be toured by boat—you sail past active aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. The Chrysler Museum has an excellent glass collection and significant American art. The downtown waterfront is walkable and has restaurants.
Must-see: The Naval Station tour (Naval Tour & Information Center, Nauticus building). The Chrysler Museum if you’re interested in art.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg — Right There / 5 Minutes
A theme park with roller coasters, shows, and international theming (European villages). Located just outside Colonial Williamsburg.
Why go: If you have kids or want a day of rides and entertainment between historical sites. The park has good restaurants and well-maintained attractions. It’s integrated into the Williamsburg tourism infrastructure.
Cost: Single-day admission is typically $90-120 depending on season. Seasonal and multi-day discounts available.
Chesapeake Bay (Tangier Island) — 30 Miles to Ferry / 2 Hours Total
A genuine working island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. No bridge, no car ferry—only small passenger ferry from Onancock, Virginia.
Why go: This is the Chesapeake as it existed 50 years ago. Crabbing, fishing boats, watermen’s culture, and isolation that feels like stepping into another era. The ferry ride is 45 minutes across open water. Restaurants serve fresh crab and seafood the same day it’s caught.
Must-do: Take the ferry, rent a golf cart (the local transportation), have lunch at Fisherman’s Corner or Lorraine’s, and experience a vanishing way of life.
Cost: Ferry is about $35 round-trip. Golf cart rentals are $40-60 per day.