Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Williamsburg, VA
The restored 18th-century capital of Virginia, with Duke of Gloucester Street, the Governor’s Palace and costumed interpreters. The streets are free to walk, buildings need a ticket; park at the visitor center and take the shuttle.
Williamsburg was the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Today’s open-air museum covers about 122 hectares (301 acres) and presents several hundred restored or reconstructed buildings, including the Capitol and the Governor’s Palace. The restoration began in the 1920s at the urging of the Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin and with money from John D. Rockefeller Jr.; of the roughly 500 buildings, just under 90 are considered original. Costumed interpreters and craftspeople show what life was like in colonial times.
You can walk the streets of the Historic Area for free, but you need a ticket to enter most buildings and to see the programs. Park at the Visitor Center, from where a free shuttle bus takes you to the site. A few hours are enough for a first impression along Duke of Gloucester Street; if you want to go inside several buildings, it is better to plan a whole day.
- Nearest town
- Williamsburg, VA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.2710, -76.7010
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Newport News Park campground - A LoopCampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Youth Group Site ICampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Newport News Park campground - B LoopCampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Youth Group Site IICampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Newport News Park campground - C LoopCampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Newport News Park campground - D LoopCampsite10 mi from Colonial Williamsburg Historic AreaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area?
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is in Williamsburg, VA, at GPS 37.2710, -76.7010. It is about 37 mi from Norfolk.
Can you camp near Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Anvil Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area?
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Virginia’s Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
What is there to see near Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area?
Places worth a stop nearby: Historic Jamestowne (6 mi), Yorktown Battlefield (11 mi), Fort Monroe National Monument (28 mi) and Kiptopeke State Park (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)