This Quaint Virginia City Is Packed With American History and Fun for the Whole Family

"Depending on personal experience, travelers may associate Williamsburg, Virginia, with a few different things. For many, school field trips and family vacations brought them to the Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg. Some know Williamsburg for its theme parks, Busch Gardens and the Great Wolf Lodge water park. Others recognize the city as the home of William & Mary, the second-oldest college in the United States."

"While history is central to Williamsburg's narrative and culture, the roughly 16,000-population city continues to grow and evolve. "I graduated from William & Mary in 2005 and returned full-time starting in 2014. During that time, and since then, there has been an absolute explosion in things to do, places to dine, and experiences to enjoy," says Robby Willey, co-founder of The Virginia Beer Co. "This is not just the Williamsburg you visited in elementary school.""

Williamsburg, Virginia centers on the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg while also hosting family attractions like Busch Gardens and the Great Wolf Lodge water park. The city is home to William & Mary and offers world-class art museums, arboretum gardens, and varied accommodation options. Local leaders and business owners note significant recent expansion in dining, experiences, and activities, broadening appeal beyond traditional school trips. Prominent lodging options include the elegant Williamsburg Inn with a spa, golf course, and restaurants, and numerous bed-and-breakfasts such as Williamsburg Manor that cater to different traveler preferences.

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