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If you’re one of the many history buffs attracted to the Washington, D.C. area, consider taking a two-and-a-half-hour drive south from D.C. to Williamsburg, Virginia, for a unique window into America’s colonial and revolutionary days.
The center of the town itself has been restored as Colonial Williamsburg, which bills itself as “the largest living history museum in the United States.” You can visit the colonial capitol, a tavern, courthouse, and jail, and watch blacksmiths, milliners, wigmakers, and other tradesmen go about their work as they would have more than 200 years ago. Kids can rent colonial costumes and watch local actors re-enact scenes from the time of the Revolutionary War. Scenes might include two slaves discussing whether emancipation will mean anything for them, or one of Virginia’s leading patriots (Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, or Patrick Henry, depending on the day) recounting his life.
Twenty minutes to the east of Williamsburg, you’ll find Yorktown Battlefield–the spot where British forces surrendered to George Washington, ending the Revolutionary War. An hour-long, self-guided auto tour shows you American siege lines and the location of the decisive surprise attack that ended the battle. A second, half-hour auto tour reveals the locations of American camps during the siege, including Washington’s headquarters. You can also take a tour with a park ranger.
Ten minutes to the west, you’ll find Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in America, now an important archaeological site. At the Archaearium you’ll see some of the objects that have been unearthed at the site, as well as the location of the current dig. Just next door is Jamestown Settlement, where you can tour a recreation of Jamestown and listen to costumed actors describe daily life in the early 17th century.
Travel Tips
For more about Colonial Williamsburg, visit www.history.org. For more about Yorktown Battlefield, visit www.nps.gov/york. For more about Historic Jamestowne, visit www.historicjamestowne.org. For more about Jamestown Settlement, visit www.historyisfun.org/Jamestown-Settlement.htm.
For vacation packages, hotels, tickets, and more, see our Busch Gardens Vacations page.
Travel InformationWilliamsburg, VA Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, with evening programs many days. Admission: $41.95 for adults, $20.95 for children ages 6 to 12, children 5 and under free. Parking: There is parking available at the Visitor Center. Driving directions: Interstate 95 south to I-295 south at Richmond, then take I-64 east to Exit 238 and follow the signs. |
I want to know if there are day tours that take from Washington DC to Williamsburg, like leaving early in the morning and coming back late in the evening..Unfortunately we do not have enough time to spend the night in Williamsburg. Could you please let me know. I know there is plenty to do in Williamsburg but at least we could see something in a day.
Did you ever find out about a tour from D.C. to Williamburg? I am looking for the same kind of tour.
I believe that Martz Gray Line used to offer the kind of tour you are looking for. I would email them at GLtourinfo@martzgroup.com for more information.
Greyhound (http://www.greyhound.com) offers bus service to and from Washington, DC and Williamsburg, VA. You can also take the train from DC to Williamsburg. Check train schedules at http://www.amtrak.com. These are not tours, but they do provide the needed transportation.
I need information on how to purchase the Patriots Ticket, which sells for $80 and includes visits to Williamsburg, Jamestown, the archaeological dig, Yorktown, etc…Please advise.
Based on your description, it sounds like you are asking about the “America’s Historic Triangle Pass” tickets. These sell for $81 for an adult ticket and $35.50 for a youth ticket (ages 6-17). Each ticket provides admission to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield and Yorktown Victory Center for 7 consecutive days of unlimited visits. You can buy these tickets on our site here: http://travel.thedistrict.com/1999_attraction-tickets_a934.html.