Day in Williamsburg Itinerary

Staying at Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed and memorable day exploring Williamsburg’s historic attractions while still leaving time to unwind.

Below is a sample itinerary many of our guests enjoy.

Morning: Breakfast at Colonial Gardens

A hand holds a painting depicting a brick house with black shutters, a porch, and a white railing. The house is surrounded by greenery, and a garden is visible in the foreground. The background shows trees and part of another house.

Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast at Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast. Enjoy coffee or tea and a homemade breakfast served in our dining room before heading out to explore.

After breakfast, take a short drive to Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum.

Late Morning: Explore Colonial Williamsburg

The image shows a historic brick building with a tall white bell tower under a clear blue sky. A brick wall is in the foreground, and trees with yellowing leaves are on the left. People are walking along a cobblestone path near the wall.

Spend the morning walking along Duke of Gloucester Street and exploring the Historic Area.

Popular experiences include:

  • Touring the Governor’s Palace and gardens
  • Visiting historic homes and government buildings
  • Watching trade demonstrations such as blacksmithing, weaving, and printing
  • Speaking with costumed interpreters who bring the 18th century to life

Guests often find that arriving earlier in the day allows them to enjoy the historic streets before the busiest crowds arrive.

Lunch in Merchants Square

When you’re ready for a break, head to nearby Merchants Square, located just outside Colonial Williamsburg.

Some popular lunch spots include:

  • The Cheese Shop – A local favorite for  specialty sandwiches 
  • DoG Street Pub – A favorite for casual British-style pub fare 
  • Blue Talon Bistro – A charming European-style café known for classic comfort dishes.
  • Precarious Beer Project – A lively spot with beer, tacos, and burgers

After lunch, continue exploring the historic district or browse the boutiques in Merchants Square.

Afternoon Options: Tea or Jamestown

Floral teacup filled with tea on a saucer, beside a matching teapot, set on a white tablecloth. The table also has a salad plate with peeled mandarin slices and pink glassware. A hand holding a pitcher is visible in the background.

In the afternoon, guests can choose from two relaxing options.

Option 1: Visit Jamestown Settlement

Alternatively, take a short scenic drive to Jamestown Settlement, located just minutes from the inn.

This fascinating museum brings the story of America’s first permanent English colony to life through:

  • Replica 17th-century ships
  • A recreated English fort
  • A Powhatan village
  • Indoor interactive exhibits and galleries

It’s a wonderful complement to the history experienced in Colonial Williamsburg.

After exploring the museum, walk across to Billsburg brewery for a cold beer and water views. 

Option 2: Return for Afternoon Tea

Return to Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast to enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea.

Tea service provides a relaxing pause in the day with sweet and savory options, and of course, tea. Many guests love returning to the inn for this quiet retreat after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Dinner in Colonial Williamsburg

After a full day of exploring, Williamsburg offers many excellent dining options for the evening.

Some guest favorites include:

  • Amber Ox  –  Farm to table serving new American fare
  • Fat Canary – An upscale restaurant known for refined American cuisine and a romantic atmosphere.
  • Christiana Campbell’s Tavern – A historic Colonial Williamsburg tavern famous for seafood dishes inspired by the 18th century.

Evening Activities

Williamsburg offers several enjoyable ways to spend the evening after dinner.

Guests often enjoy:

  • Cry Witch or To Hang a Pirate Trial Reenactments 
  • An evening stroll through the beautifully lit historic streets
  • Seasonal programs and performances offered by Colonial Williamsburg, such as the Summer Breeze Concert Series, Symphony Under the Stars, or Virginia Arts Festival
  • Live music and drinks in Merchants Square
  • A relaxing evening back at Colonial Gardens

Many guests return to the inn to unwind in the gardens or enjoy a quiet cup of tea before turning in for the night.

Return to Colonial Gardens

At the end of the evening, return to Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast for a peaceful night’s rest.

Our quiet setting allows guests to relax and recharge before another day discovering Williamsburg’s historic sites, charming shops, and beautiful surroundings.

 

For more itineraries, check out other blog posts here!