Williamsburg, Virginia
The historical treasures of Williamsburg, Virginia, are undeniable, but the region also offers access to pristine nature areas where you can enjoy some outdoor adventure during your stay.
Hike, Bike, and Paddle
The James River is a gateway to all sorts of activities. Head to James City County Marina for a 10-mile kayak trail around Jamestown Island, home of the first successful English settlement in North America, dating to 1607. Prior to the English, the Powhatan used the island for hunting grounds due to the plentiful animal life. Today, the best chance for spotting wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, is with an early morning departure. If you’re not feeling the paddle, you can pedal, with bike rentals available in the park. Choose a three- or five-mile one-way loop along a cycle-friendly lane to enjoy similar views to what the early settlers might have witnessed.
Across the peninsula, York River State Park offers more than 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park on the York River is a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, preserving its natural waterfront environment. The park also offers salt- and freshwater fishing spots and a boat ramp to get further into the river.
Meanwhile, the popular 52-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail that runs between Richmond and Jamestown is frequented by hikers, cyclists, and runners. Mile Zero is at the Jamestown Settlement park, and the trail passes through natural areas and historic plantation homes all the way to Richmond.
Wilder Rides
Nearby Busch Gardens offers all the familiar theme park attractions with a European feel. The Loch Ness Monster, the park’s classic roller coaster, got a full restoration in 2024, ensuring the double-loop will continue to thrill for years to come.
Another fan favorite, The Big Bad Wolf, was retired in 2009, but its successor will be unveiled in 2025. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge is a family-friendly inverted roller coaster that will bring the total number of rollercoasters at the park to nine.
