12+ Free Things to do in Colonial Williamsburg

History is alive in Colonial Williamsburg which opens again on June 14, 2020 for the summer. You seriously cannot live in RVA and not visit Colonial Williamsburg to learn about the many layered history. There are so many things to see and do. With hands-on activities, special events, and historical sites – it’s a great place for all ages. Whether you are visiting for a week or a day, there’s lots to see and do—for time-travelers of all ages.

Women walk down a road in historical period dress in Colonial Williamsburg. Founded in 1926, Colonial Williamsburg is a private, donor-funded organization and the world’s largest living history museum, covering over 300 acres, featuring more than forty historic sites and trades, four historic taverns, and two world-class art museums. We are open 365 days a year. Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

You can purchase a ticket, make a getaway and enjoy an incredible vacation – or simply take the short drive from RVA and then enjoy a free walk around the beautiful grounds and colonial buildings and streets. Stroll into the local bookstore, visit the shops, and don’t miss the Virginia peanuts. You may even be lucky enough to stroll by as warm gingerbread, or hot apple cider are being served.

Check out the many free things you can enjoy at and around Colonial Williamsburg.

Free and Fun

Grounds are open to visitors free so stroll around and take it all in. That includes many historic buildings, seeing historical interpreters strolling along, and visiting shops and museums.
If you’re visiting during the summer, you may find free concerns throughout the property!
Lock up the kids or your friends in the stocks and pillory on the streets of Williamsburg. It’s a great photo opp!
Visit the post office and mail a letter with an official Colonial Williamsburg stamp.
Take the ferry for free. The Jamestown-Scotland ferry is a free car ferry that runs across the James River to Scotland and Surry. It’s a nice way to experience the area and see centuries old plantations and sites.
Visit Bruton Parish Church. Located in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg, Bruton Parish Church has been a spirited and dynamic parish for more than 300 years. It’s an incredible site filled with the ghosts of the past and an awesome feeling of peacefulness and reverence.
If you’re energetic, consider biking. Williamsburg is an end (and beginning) point on one of the first inland paved pedestrian and bicycle trails in North America, The Virginia Capital Trail.
From June to August, check out the Summer Breeze Concert Series in Williamsburg’s Merchants Square. Also in Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy music performances as well as arts and crafts vendors at the Second Sunday’s Art & Music Festival from March to December.
Walk through Jefferson’s alma mater on a self-guided tour, the historic campus of William & Mary. William & Mary is the second-oldest college in America. The original plans for W&M date back to 1618 — decades before Harvard — but were derailed by an “Indian uprising.” Really! A 17-year-old George Washington received his surveyor’s license through W&M and would return as its first American chancellor. Thomas Jefferson received his undergraduate education here, as did presidents John Tyler and James Monroe.
Another great feature are the taverns where the food, music, and entertainment are worth the stop. The food is a treat that will take you back to the 18th century. You’ll have to purchase food, but the free music, experience, and historical significance of the taverns are all worth it.
Drive the 23-mile parkway and take the scenic tour through Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Enjoy a picnic and bask in the beauty of the James and York Rivers.
Visit one of the beautiful parks including Freedom Park with biking and walking trails, or check out the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens (yes it’s free!). Visit Veteran’s Park – Kidsburg where kids will find plenty to do for free. Ramps and slides and climbing rocks are just a few features. And they will love the pirate ship! There’s so much to explore it will take all day – or two!

Tickets Please

Your ticket gets you even more. Enjoy walking guided tours, visit the Governor’s Mansion, enjoy a carriage ride, take the full Capitol Tour, enjoy two world-class art museums, and more. You can also get discounts on exclusive tours, children’s costume rentals, evening programs, and more. And your ticket purchase helps preserve Colonial Williamsburg for years to come.

But not everything in Colonial Williamsburg is ‘old’. The Williamsburg In offering luxury accommodations and an exceptional culinary experience along with the state-of-the-art spa, and more, will provide all of the comforts of today with pampering you’ll love.

If you’re looking for something a little more rustic or more like 18th century accommodations, check out one of the historic Colonial Homes for an overnight stay. A crackling fire and a good book are all you need!

Venture Out

In addition to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown make up the Historic Triangle. The events in these three places—establishing the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, declaring independence in Williamsburg, and winning the last major battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown—led to the birth of our nation.

And you’re so close to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, you’ll want to extend your visit. This is great modern-day entertainment in the midst of history.

No matter if you’re looking for a day of free sightseeing and adventure, or you want to spend a few bucks (or a lot), you’ll find it all at Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding areas.

You decide and then enjoy!

From their website:

In Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, you will be transported back in time to meet tradespeople, women, members of the enslaved community, shopkeepers, and political figures that call Williamsburg home. With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone—history lovers, makers, and fans of architecture. Get caught up in the historic moments taking place around you. Take a scenic carriage ride through the city for a unique perspective on transportation in the 18th century.

Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Open daily 8:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Admission: $50 adults, $25 children, many other deals (multi-day, multi-destination passes and yearly memberships, etc.)
Check the calendar of daily and weekly events.

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