Williamsburg is one of the best Virginia getaways for all ages, including families and history buffs. But it’s also ideal for groups of friends with nearby wineries and opportunities for relaxation in downtown and surrounds.
Greater Williamsburg also includes the historic towns of Jamestown and Yorktown, both offering restaurants, shops, and attractions. Visitors can fly in from Newport News, Richmond, and Norfolk, all of which are around an hour away.
Eating in Williamsburg
There’s no shortage of delicious eateries for every taste from casual cafes to award-winning restaurants that require reservations.
Terrace and Goodwin Rooms 
Mobjack Bay
Breakfast
Terrace and Goodwin Rooms– The resorts at Colonial Williamsburg have a number of breakfast restaurants including these two dining rooms at the Williamsburg Inn. Don’t miss the fresh fruit smoothies and brioche breakfast sandwich, pictured.
Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters– Located in a historic building in Yorktown, the coffee roaster offers coffee to drink in their upstairs dining room or take to go. They also have pastries like croissants and muffins.
Aromas Coffeehouse Bakeshop & Cafe– William and Mary students like this downtown coffee shop for its flavored lattes and breakfast dishes served until late into the day.
Lunch
Water Street Grille– Set on the river in Yorktown, the restaurant has a standout craft beer selection and sandwiches and tapas. The crab cake sandwich, lobster mac and cheese, and burgers come recommended.
Giuseppe’s– For authentic Italian fare near the outlets, visit this restaurant that has an extensive wine list. They also have heaping portions of pasta, wood-fired pizza, and chicken Parmesan.
Lokal Cafe– The healthy restaurant downtown has items like vegan smoothies, toasts, salads, and sandwiches. They have vegetarian brunch on weekends.
Dinner
Amber Ox Public House– Serving craft beer from their adjoining brewery, the restaurant features elevated American pub fare. Shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles are two of their most popular dishes.
The Hound’s Tale– This gastropub features dog-inspired decor and a diverse menu including salads, steak, seafood, and pasta. They also have a full bar menu.
Fat Canary– Set in Merchants Square, this cheese shop and bistro becomes a lively bar at night. Grab dinner beforehand, enjoying dishes like seared sea scallops and free-range guinea fowl.
Drinking in Williamsburg
Greater Williamsburg boasts a little bit of everything, from wineries to classic pubs. If you’re not looking to imbibe, there are also coffee shops.
Williamsburg Winery– The stunning winery has a tasting room, vineyards, two restaurants, and a boutique hotel. Try their albarino, cabernet franc, and dry rose, which they sell in cans.
Williamsburg Tasting Trail– This passport program includes the area’s best craft drink establishments including Amber Ox’s Precarious Beer Project, Billsburg Brewery, and Copper Fox Distillery.
Dog Street Pub– The gastropub in a former bank building has late night eats and a craft cocktail program. They also serve craft beer from Virginia and beyond.
Berret’s Taphouse Grill– The seasonal bar and seafood restaurant has local microbrews on tap, live music many nights of the week, and award-winning wines from around the state.
Josiah Chowning’s Tavern– Set within Colonial Williamsburg, this tavern has colonial-inspired dishes and drinks like locally made craft beer in salt-glazed mugs.
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in Williamsburg
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and drinking. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Spas- Williamsburg has an abundance of places to unwind. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg has massages, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.
The Spa at Kingsmill Resort has James River views, over 50 services, and a salon. The Williamsburg Salt Spa features a salt cave, float tank, infrared sauna, and massages.
Golf- If your crew likes to spend the day on the links, you’re in luck. The Golden Horseshoe at Colonial Williamsburg has two courses. Kingsmill Resort also has courses.
Bike rentals- See the area on two wheels by borrowing a bike from a local shop. Bike the Burg is in Williamsburg, while Patriot Tours & Provisions in Yorktown has both tours and rentals with bikes and Segways.
Yoga- Lokal also offers yoga, meditation, and dancing classes for a donation. Body Balance offers drop-in rates for their yoga classes.
Kayaking– Borrow a kayak to see the York and James rivers as well as its surrounding creeks. There are a number of outfitters where you can go.
Shopping in Williamsburg
Three Sisters 
Mermaid Books
Browse the hip boutiques and offbeat stores found in both downtown Williamsburg and closer to the highway.
The Sideshow– This store sells the funkiest gifts, artwork, and jewelry in town, each hand selected. They have a second shop, Quirks, a few blocks away with similar items.
Three Sisters Boutique– The stylish clothing boutique sells women’s clothing and accessories from brands like Free People and Show Me Your Mumu. They store is named for the owner’s three daughters.
Mermaid Books– Browse for new, used, and vintage books of all topics, including history, fiction, and children’s books. The basement store also sells coloring books, vintage postcards, and cookbooks.
Yankee Candle Village– One of two factories for the candle giant, this complex includes a large section of candles as well as home decor, Christmas ornaments, and clothing.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets– Shop for discounted gear from your favorite brands including Vans, Ann Taylor, Gap, Michael Kors, and Sunglass Hut. They also have restaurants.
Sightseeing in Williamsburg
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
Colonial Williamsburg– Visit the historic buildings and learn from the interpreters about early American life. Don’t forget about the art museums on the living history park’s campus. Get your Colonial Williamsburg Admission before you go.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg– Hit up the rides with your pals including some of the tallest coasters in the country. Visit during one of their events, like the annual food festival, or during the summer to take advantage of the water park.
Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown– These two museums focus on different parts of history. Jamestown Settlement has exhibits on the women of early Virginia while the Yorktown museum has a colonial encampment complete with gardens and a cabin. Get your Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum 7 Day Pass before you go.
Taste Studio– Participate in a cooking class in Colonial Williamsburg to enjoy a meal and take home recipes. The themed classes change regularly but include inspiration from the Founding Fathers.
Williamsburg Walking Food Tour– The three-hour walking tour visits Williamsburg’s favorite eateries. Tastings include gourmet macaroni and cheese and artisan chocolate.
Sleeping in Williamsburg
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay in Williamsburg, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
Williamsburg Lodge– This hotel at Colonial Williamsburg has rooms and suites featuring artisan furniture and folk art. Guests have access to on-site parking, a local shuttle, a fitness center, and two pools as well as multiple restaurants. Read our review here.
Williamsburg Inn– The resort’s second hotel is a luxury property where the Queen of England and Winston Churchill have stayed. Elegant rooms, welcome drinks, discounted attraction tickets, and multiple restaurants make it a popular choice.
Williamsburg Winery– In addition to its onsite wine and food offerings, the winery has European-themed rooms with daily breakfast, fireplaces, coffee makers, and high-speed internet.
Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony– The Marriott Vacation Club property has spacious villas with full kitchens and comfortable decor. The resort has a pool, sauna, and fitness center.
Marl Inn Bed and Breakfast– Located in Yorktown, the historic inn has WiFi, gardens, and a location close to Yorktown River Beach. Each room and suite has a different style and prices are budget-friendly.
Kingsmill Resort– The award-winning condominium golf resort has views of the James River, a golf course, spa, and pool. The property has rooms, condos, and rental homes, depending on the size of your group.
Parkside Resort by Kees Vacations– Located across the street from Busch Gardens, this resort has one to four bedroom suites with balconies, refrigerators, and laundry facilities. There is also an outdoor pool.
Camping- You can even go camping or “glamping” in Williamsburg. Anvil Campground has cabins and campsites. KOA Williamsburg has cabins and yurts in addition to traditional campsites.
Rentals- Williamsburg has a diverse selection of rentals including condos with resort amenities, historic homes, and rural cabins. Airbnb and VRBO are good places to find them.
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Booking.comMy stay in Williamsburg was arranged by Visit Williamsburg and Percepture.
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