Williamsburg

Williamsburg served as the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Today, the central historic district operates as a 301-acre living history site. You walk the original street layout between restored XVIII-century brick public buildings and timber trade shops. Modern commercial life sits directly adjacent along Merchants Square.

Williamsburg dining splits into two distinct categories: historical re-creation menus inside the Historic Area and modern regional restaurants along Merchants Square.Tidewater Virginia cooking leans heavily on local pork, blue crab from the Chesapeake, and stone-ground cornmeal. Colonial taverns serve dishes based on XVIII-century recipes, while local bakeries supply fresh cider donuts and sourdough daily.

• Reserve historic taverns weeks ahead

  Taverns like Chowning's and Shield's fill dinner slots well before arrival dates.

• Try Virginia ham and peanut soup

  Creamy peanut soup served with sippets is a staple local starter across historic menus.

Founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation, Williamsburg became Virginia's capital in 1699. It served as the political engine of the colony throughout the American Revolution.When the state capital shifted to Richmond in 1780, the town quieted into a small college community. In 1926, Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller Jr. began purchasing historic buildings to create Colonial Williamsburg.

1. 1632

   Middle Plantation Founded

   Settlers erect a palisade across the Virginia Peninsula.

2. 1699

   Capital Moves to Williamsburg

   Virginia moves its government from Jamestown and renames the site.

3. 1780

   Capital Shifts to Richmond

   Government moves inland for wartime security, reducing local activity.

4. 1926

   Restoration Begins

   John D. Rockefeller Jr. finances the purchase and restoration of historic properties.

Choose your location based on whether you want to walk into the historic district or drive in from lower-cost resort properties along Route 60.

• First-time visitorsHistoric Area — Walk directly to sights and taverns without dealing with daily parking.
• Food enthusiastsImmediate access to modern dining, coffee shops, and evening bars.
• Long-stay travelersJamestown Corridor — Quiet, resort-style properties set away from city traffic.

The Historic Area is completely walkable and closed to regular car traffic during daytime hours. Driving is essential if you plan to visit Busch Gardens, Jamestown, or Yorktown.

• Passholders ride free buses surrounding the historic perimeter every 15 minutes.

• Williamsburg Area Transit Authority operates buses to Busch Gardens for $1.50 single fare.

• This 23-mile scenic highway links Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown without traffic lights.

Williamsburg costs depend heavily on ticket packages. Walking street grounds is free, but museum and building access requires single or multi-day passes.

• Colonial Williamsburg Adult Pass: $49.99

  Single-day access to all historic buildings and trade sites.

• Tavern Lunch Entree: $16–24

  Covers traditional meals like Brunswick stew or meat pies.

• Carriage Ride Ticket: $25–30

  15-minute horse-drawn wagon tour through historic streets.

• Busch Gardens Single Day Ticket: $60–110

  Prices fluctuate online based on day of the week.

• Buildings close at 17:00

  Trade shops and historic sites end programming by late afternoon.

• Wear sturdy flat walking shoes

  Unpaved dirt and gravel roads are uneven throughout the historic zone.

• Historic Area is cashless

  Colonial Williamsburg ticket booths and shops accept only credit or debit cards.

• Jamestown Ferry is free

  The car ferry across the James River operates 24 hours daily with zero toll.