15+ Avoidable Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Wondering how to avoid common tourist mistakes on your trip to Colonial Williamsburg? Check out these easy tips from someone lucky enough to have called Williamsburg home.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Taking a trip back in time to Colonial Williamsburg?

Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg

Lucky you! Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I had the absolute pleasure of living in Williamsburg during my four years as an undergraduate at The College of William & Mary, where I majored in Early American History (yes, you read that correctly!) I can't calculate how much time I spent in "the historic area," or "CW" over the years, strolling down Duke of Gloucester Street and exploring every corner of this intriguing corner of the world.

Unique in my experience with historic destinations, Williamsburg is a massive, cohesive collection of exquisitely restored buildings, which effectively evoke the era in which they thrived. Billing itself as "the largest U.S. history museum," walking mile-long Duke of Gloucester Street is immersive in a completely novel, and historically relevant, way that almost no other historic site can match. 

Williamsburg's historic area gives a sense of the past, but Williamsburg's resorts, golf, world-class art museums, and spas add a high-end aspect to the experience that makes a trip to the Williamsburg area more than you might expect. The "Historic Triangle" as it's affectionately called, is also home to several other excellent attractions we will discuss, Jamestown (both Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement) and The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.


So let's explore my top mistakes tourists make in Colonial Williamsburg, so you can avoid them!

Back garden, Colonial Williamsburg

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Not staying long enough

Colonial Williamsburg historic home

Let's start with the earliest phase of planning your trip to Colonial Williamsburg: selecting how long you'll be in Colonial Williamsburg itself. There are many tempting attractions in the Williamsburg area, from great outlet malls, to Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens, and competing historic sites. Most visitors spend about a week in the area, often for spring break, which is an ideal amount of time. That said, an *extremely* common misconception about Colonial Williamsburg that I hear over and over is that the historic area can be "done in a day."

If you have *any* interest in history, you need at least two full days to explore Colonial Williamsburg itself. It simply cannot be experienced in a day.

Sample 6-Day Itinerary
​in Colonial Williamsburg

An agenda for 6 days in the Williamsburg area might look something like this:

• Days 1-3: Colonial Williamsburg (including admission tickets)
• Day 3: Jamestown (one or both of the Jamestown historical sites)
• Day 4: Yorktown (museum and modern town. Lunch at Carrot Tree Kitchens)
• Day 5: Busch Gardens
• Day 6: Virginia Beach

Depending on your preference on Colonial Williamsburg tickets (discussed below), I might space out the CW days and scatter them throughout my visit, if, for example, you just went ahead and bought Annual Passes.

I would also encourage you to stay close to Colonial Williamsburg, so you can spend magical evenings strolling Duke of Gloucester Street, eating in quaint restaurants, hitting the shops, and absorbing the general enchanting 18th-century ambiance.

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Not buying an admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg

George Wythe House, Colonial Williamsburg

On that note, another surprisingly common misconception is that you don't "need" a ticket to see Colonial Williamsburg. It is technically true that you can walk through the historic area without a ticket (there has always been talk of this policy changing).

However, you cannot enter any of the historic buildings or attend the numerous Colonial Williamsburg-sponsored events without a Colonial Williamsburg entrance ticket. Beyond the fact that the purchase will unbelievably enhance your experience, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation relies on ticket purchases for financial support (which, frankly, it desperately needs). Tickets come with special benefits. The Colonial Williamsburg free shuttle can be particularly helpful, depending on where you're staying (now operated by Williamsburg Area Transit).

If the ticket purchase presents a financial burden and you do not qualify for discounts, consider buying a ticket for only a portion of your stay, and arrange your ticket-required activities accordingly. If needs must, single-day tickets are also available. Keep an eye on Colonial Williamsburg's social media channels and websites for special offers.

Duke of Gloucester Street

Love historic spots? Discover my guide to Boston's Freedom Trail

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg:
​Not learning the history

Capitol Building, Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a city that time left behind, much to the benefit of us, the modern day visitors. Williamsburg went, surprisingly quickly, from serving as the capital of a thriving and populous colony, the richest in the original 13 colonies, to a rustic, somewhat provincial college town, when the colonial capital moved to Richmond before the end of the American Revolution. While the College of William & Mary remained, the colony, and later state, administration and politicians moved onto Richmond, leaving Williamsburg with little industry. The Civil War saw a battle, including damage to the College, and further population decline in the area as the Tidewater plantation economy ended and the area fell into decline.

Time continued on without it, and luckily for us, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and his wife, Abbey, saw Williamsburg's value, and along with local support, funded the restoration of the town to its former glory - and turned it into a preserved, now-300 acre historic area, complete with hotels and restaurants.

Williamsburg was (and is) a real town. The houses you'll see have been renovated and some fully reconstructed, but by and large, what you are visiting and seeing were peoples' homes and the sites in which actual events took place. It is not an amusement park.

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg:
Picking the wrong hotel

Strolling in Colonial Williamsburg is one of the best parts of a stay in this area. It's particularly nice in the morning and evening, when the day trip crowds ebb, and the weather is a little more manageable. Staying close to the historic area is a huge advantage.

While there are a number of hotels in the area, if you are able to stay within walking distance, you'll thank me. If walking distance is not in the cards, there are shuttles and buses, in addition to parking near the historic district. ​

FAQ: Where should I stay in Colonial Williamsburg?

Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg

If at all possible, I would absolutely recommend staying in an actual Colonial Williamsburg-run property. Staying in these properties gives you a number of other guest-only perks, such as Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket discounts.


Here are a few options that Colonial Williamsburg Resorts has to offer:

• The Williamsburg Inn: The nicest of the hotels in the area, The Williamsburg Inn is a five-star accommodation that has hosted Presidents and Prime Ministers. Located a stone's throw away from the center of the historic area, it's truly the perfect location. Even if you don't spring for a stay at The Inn, it's worth having a look around.
• The Williamsburg Lodge: The Lodge is a more affordable, less grand, but still nice, option, that's recently been heavily renovated. Located in the same hospitality area as the Inn, it's a great location as well. We stayed here several times before I went to college and I really enjoyed it.
• A historic home: Did you know you can actually rent a room in a historic house in Colonial Williamsburg? It doesn't come cheap, and of course you won't have the same amenities at hand as in the other hotel options, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You receive the benefits of the hotel guests, but with a little more ambiance (and a few more ghosts?)

Back garden, Colonial Williamsburg

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg:
​Thinking it's just for the kids

Lambs in Colonial Williamsburg

While Colonial Williamsburg has plenty of kid-friendly attractions, the whole area has plenty for adults as well! From high-end restaurants and spas at the Williamsburg Inn, to some surprisingly nice (modern) shopping and erudite lectures, it's more than just "kid stuff." A few fun events for adults visiting Colonial Williamsburg:

• The Williamsburg Winery
• Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
• Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (entrance included with your CW Admission Ticket), including Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
• Evening programs, such as ghost tours and concerts and court reenactments in stunning historic venues

​aaaaand...

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Skipping the taverns

Chownings Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg

Dining at any tourist attraction can be expensive, and Colonial Williamsburg is no exception. Williamsburg boasts several historic taverns which offer uniquely 18th-century fare and entertainment. It's quite an experience, from the ambiance of being in the candle-lit building at night, to the history lesson from the waitstaff and the live entertainment offered table-side. It's not necessary for every night of your stay, but do try it at least once. Christiana Campbell's and King's Arms offer the most ambiance and are absolutely transformative at night.

• Shields Tavern
• Chownings Tavern
• Christiana Campbell's Tavern (the favorite of George Washington)
• King's Arms Tavern

Tavern dining tips

It is much less expensive, and frankly less exciting, to visit the taverns for lunch. There's a lovely little watering hole behind the Raleigh Tavern where you can get cookies, drinks, etc., during the day (no indoor seating).

You'll definitely want to make reservations if you plan to visit for dinner, as the taverns can get quite crowded.

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Not indulging at The Cheese Shop

Photo credit: The Cheese Shop

There is no greater Williamsburg institution than The Cheese Shop. I'm ashamed to say I didn't visit as a tourist, before I was a student, because, given the name, my family and I assumed they sold....fancy cheese. And, unsurprisingly, they do. But The Cheese Shop's main attraction for William and Mary students and tourists alike is the shop's delicious deli meat and cheese sandwiches, house dressing, and 'bread ends.' They also sell drinks, both alcoholic and non. Why not have a picnic on The Governor's Palace lawn?


The best sandwich at The Cheese Shop? Turkey and cheese on French bread, with House Dressing and an extra side of House Dressing for dipping. You're welcome.

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Not springing for the carriage rides

Carriage ride, Colonial Williamsburg (S)

One of my earliest memories of visiting Colonial Williamsburg is riding proudly through the city, feeling like an absolute 7-year-old princess, seeing everything from my newest, and favorite, angle.


While they are a bit pricey, a horse-drawn carriage through the historic town in one of Colonial Williamsburg's historic carriages is perhaps the ultimate CW experience. Tickets are purchased day-of and often sell-out, so be sure to prioritize this, if it appeals to you! You rent the entire carriage, which you'll have to yourself. Some discounts are available.

Learn more about The Benjamin Lewis Spraggins, Sr. Sociable Carriage and the history of Williamsburg's Black Coachmen

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Avoiding the historical interpreters

Ok, I understand. It can be 'awkward' to talk to someone who's pretending to be Patrick Henry. I get it. But I promise, if you drop your guard, plunge yourself into the history, and embrace a little bit of 'weirdness,' you will learn so much from these incredibly knowledgeable Colonial Williamsburg  employees. There are a few different types of costumed employees with whom you may interact during your visit:

Well-versed actors put on live performances or have conversations with visitors ("Conversation: Meet a Nation Builder") as various known historical figures (Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, George Wythe), in addition to presentations representing the viewpoints and personalities of everyday and lesser-known Williamsburg inhabitants on the eve of the American Revolution and as it turned their lives upside down. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn as much as possible and immerse yourself in the period. Keep an eye on the CW Events Calendar for today's performances!

If you visit any of the historic trades locations, for example, the blacksmith's shop, the employees will be costumed, but open to conversation, as opposed to a performance. Feel free to chat with them about what they're doing! That's what they're there for.

Unlike some 'fully immersive' living history museums (such as Conner Prairie, where I live!), Colonial Williamsburg has many costumed employees who enhance the ambiance, but are not 'in character.' The person who checks your tickets will also tell you where the restroom is or where you can grab coffee, without having to translate it into an 18th-century request. Some of them are even William and Mary students!

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Skipping The Governor's Palace

While whiling away an afternoon on the Palace Green is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, make sure you give the Palace its due. A tour of The Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg is an absolute must-do. Williamsburg home-away-from-home to names you'll recognize, such as Lord Botetourt and Lord Dunmore, see the splendor with which the British empire wanted its representative in Virginia to live (and, most importantly, impress visitors). For the self-sufficient, alas a self-guided tour is not an option. Guided tours are available every 15-20 minutes. Take the tour, it's worth it.


And when you're done, take time to explore the gorgeous, manicured gardens behind the Palace. The Governor's Palace garden hedge maze is a Williamsburg right of passage.

The Governor's Palace

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg:
​Not visiting The College of William & Mary

The Wren Building at The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693

I can't tell you how many people have told me that they "didn't realize" The College of William & Mary is in Colonial Williamsburg. Founded in 1693, William & Mary the second oldest college in the US, behind Harvard, and the first American college to become a university. The College has many notable alumni, from Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler, to the first president of the Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph (whose home you can tour in Williamsburg), and more recently Jon Stewart, Patton Oswalt, and Glenn Close.

Not exploring the campus during your time in Williamsburg is a mistake for two reasons. First, William & Mary has a uniquely beautiful campus, which can be visited on foot from CW! It's so close that some people wander onto the campus not realizing they've left Williamsburg. Explore the historic Wren Building and meet the lovely Spotswood Society students who will give you a free tour (of course, I was one of these).  

Second, visiting William & Mary is a quick and easy way to show your kid a college! It was one of the first colleges I ever visited. I have had so many people tell me they had to take a separate trip, just a few years later, to show their children the school - when you could have killed two birds with one stone when you were already so close!

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Visiting in summer

Yikes!! It gets seriously hot in Williamsburg in the summer. Between the heat and the humidity, you're often looking at a heat index over 100. And there's no breeze. It's also the most crowded time of year to visit the 'Burg, with hot, over-tired families at every turn.

FAQ: What's the best time of year to visit Colonial Williamsburg?

Tulips in Colonial Williamsburg

Ok, so I've slammed summer. Hands down, the best time to visit Colonial Williamsburg is in the spring. Starting in March, the weather is absolutely to die for, the flowers are blooming, and the humidity hasn't set in yet. Fall is less crowded (avoid W&M move-in days!!), and of course, Christmas time is lovely!

Learn more about Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg 

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Packing the wrong shoes

Don't underestimate the physicality of a trip to Colonial Williamsburg! In addition to the heat (see above), the historic area itself is surprisingly large and the historical attractions, shops, and restaurants are spread over a significant area. Duke of Gloucester Street itself is a mile long, and that doesn't include side streets.

The most important item in your bag is close-toed shoes.

"But what about the heat?"

You'll be fine. Sneakers, please. Save the sandals for the beach. While many streets are paved, a lot of the side streets and entrances to original sites in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg use a ground covering of crushed shells which, I can tell you from years of experience, you do not want in your sandals. Oh and did I mention that those cuddly and ambiance-creating horses do their business where they please?

​Pack the sneakers.

Want to know more? Check out What to Wear in Colonial Williamsburg.

Tourist Mistakes in Colonial Williamsburg: Forgetting about the surrounding ​historic area

• Naturally, the capital of Colonial Virginia's surrounding region has many historic offerings as well! Beyond Williamsburg, I'd recommend:
  
• Yorktown: Site of the decisive battle of the American Revolution, and a cute little town! Visit the Carrot Tree Kitchens for lunch while you're in Yorktown.
• Jamestown: The first permanent settlement in English North America, there are actually two "Jamestowns" you can visit. The first is the site of the actual settlement, which is largely just ruins (Historic Jamestowne). A reconstructed museum has been built, which is a bit theme-parky (Jamestown Settlement).
• James River Plantations: An easy drive from Williamsburg are a number of plantations that are open for tours. Shirley Plantation, my personal favorite, is still responsibly run by the 11th and 12th generations of the Carter family, established in 1613.
• Bacon's Castle: Definitely a more obscure trip, but one I truly adore. Bacon's Castle is the oldest brick house North America, located in Surry, a very rural - and very Southern-feeling - small town. You take a ferry to get there, which is part of the enjoyment!

Thanks for stopping by!

I sincerely hope you enjoy your time in the town I was lucky enough to call home for four years. Don't forget to leave your recommendations for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg in the comments and subscribe to the blog newsletter!

Love it? Pin it!