Looking for some fun date-night activities in Williamsburg?
There are so many fun things to do in Williamsburg VA for couples! A lot of people think of Colonial Williamsburg when they think of things to do in Williamsburg, but there’s so much more to the town than that.
The town is a charming blend of history, nature, and adventure, and can feel very romantic with its cobblestoned streets, beautiful historic buildings, and gardens.
You’re sure to have a memorable date night in Williamsburg! Here’s my list of top 15 places and activities to help you connect and relax with your partner.
Short on time?
No time to read the full post? Here are my top picks for couples visiting Williamsburg. Stroll through Merchants Square, explore the Jamestown Settlement, sip wine at the Williamsburg Winery, take a ghost tour or try the “Murder and Scandal” guided tour, and ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens!
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15 Fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA for Couples
These are some of my favorite activities in Williamsburg, for couples! A lot of these activities are free, but some of them require admission fees!
1. Explore Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square
Merchants Square has so many cute shops, restaurants, and cozy cafes to explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There are some beautiful photo opportunities among the colonial-style buildings too, which make for some sweet couple pics!
I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the famous The Cheese Shop and doing some people-watching. Be on the lookout for seasonal activities, like their weekend farmers’ markets and wintertime ice skating!
2. See History in Action at the Jamestown Settlement
The Jamestown Settlement is super fun to visit. The museum is completely hands-on, open-air, and interactive.
You can sit inside the ships, walk through historically accurate huts and cabins, and read all about the time period through digital displays.
I also recommend visiting the historic 1610s fort and Powhatan Indian village. It’s a great spot to learn about history, and is a unique-to-Williamsburg date idea!
3. Relax at the Williamsburg Winery
The Williamsburg Winery is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. You can sip on delicious wines made from local grapes, enjoy a fantastic meal at their restaurant (I highly recommend their Sunday brunch), and even stay overnight for a peaceful, picturesque retreat.
The staff is super friendly and happy to share all the details about the wines they offer. Plus, the winery is just a short 10-minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg and only a quick exit from Busch Gardens, so it’s convenient to visit.
4. Try a Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Tour
A ghost tour in Colonial Williamsburg is a unique and spooky way to spend an evening together with your partner. These walking tours will take you through some of the town’s oldest and most haunted locations, and it’s a fun way to learn about Williamsburg’s history as a town.
Plus, if you’re as jumpy as I am, you can lean on your partner whenever things get a bit too spooky for you. It’s definitely a memorable way to spend an evening together!
If you decide to try a ghost tour together, I highly recommend this Colonial Williamsburg ghost tour. It’s the only tour that’s received consistently good reviews, and if you book the extended version for $5 more, you can tour exclusive haunted buildings on the William & Mary campus.
The tour is good for people of all ages, even for those with physical health issues. You learn all about Williamsburg’s history alongside ghost stories that are interesting and engaging. There’s also less acting that can come across as a bit cheesy and forced on other tours, which is why it’s my favorite ghost tour in Williamsburg.
If the two of you love history, you can also take this Colonial Williamsburg Patriots Tour!
➡️The Best Ghost Tour in Colonial Williamsburg
5. Ride Roller Coasters Together at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Did you know that riding rollercoasters together can potentially strengthen relationships? You get to create shared experiences, boost adrenaline levels, and foster a sense of trust and closeness between partners!
If that sounds like something you want to do with your loved one, spend the day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg! The park is uniquely themed with areas that represent different countries and cultures, and there’s even a Disney-inspired section.
It’s a beautifully kept park with some of the smoothest roller coasters on the East Coast—though watch out for InvadR, which can be pretty intense!
Your experience can vary depending on the season and crowds, so if you want to avoid long lines, visiting during the off-season is your best bet. Busch Gardens is definitely worth checking out!
6. Visit the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
This museum showcases an amazing collection of American folk art. There’s so much to explore, from restored musical instruments to vintage furniture.
The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is a great place to spend an entire afternoon, especially if you’re interested in the craftsmanship of early American settlers. The quilts and china on display are especially beautiful and give you a real sense of history and the artistry of the time period.
7. Do a Colonial Escape Room
For a really unique and fun experience, try a Colonial Escape Room in Williamsburg! Escape rooms can help bring you even closer together – you need to work together to solve puzzles and riddles, and uncover hidden clues and mysteries.
The Chesapeake Bay Butcher is one of their most popular escape rooms, but it’s a bit too scary for me. If you’re into haunted houses and things like that, then this escape room is a must-try! If you’re looking for something a little less scary, you can ask them about their other room options.
8. Walk Along The Crim Dell Bridge
The Crim Dell Bridge is one of the most picturesque spots in Williamsburg and a popular destination for couples. A short walk from the College of William & Mary, the bridge is surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful pond.
It’s a romantic place for a picnic, and legend has it that couples who cross the bridge together will be together forever! How cute is that?
Something to note: you can walk across the bridge, but DO NOT go near the water!! When I was at William & Mary, they warned us not to swim in the water, due to the weird algae population that lives there (I think they’re still researching it to see if it’s dangerous…)
But don’t let that stop you from walking around the Crim Dell! It’s a beautiful place for a quiet walk or picnic, and you can take some nice photos together while you take in the scenery.
9. Have a Beach Day at Yorktown Beach + York River State Park
For a relaxing day, head to Yorktown Beach, just a short drive from Williamsburg. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore, take in the scenic views of the York River, and enjoy a nice picnic together.
York River State Park is just a short drive away with plenty of hiking trails and kayaking opportunities, if you’re more of the outdoorsy type!
10. Catch a Show at the Kimball Theatre
The Kimball Theatre in Colonial Williamsburg is a great spot to catch a live performance. Every show is intimate and special, and it’s a great way to spend an evening in Williamsburg.
I had a great time watching a student performance of “Sense and Sensibility” at the Kimball Theater! I recommend grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants in Merchant’s Square and walking to the Kimball Theatre to see a performance. Visit their website for more information about upcoming performances.
11. Try a “Murder and Scandal” Guided Tour
This “Murder and Scandal” guided tour in Colonial Williamsburg is a unique way to dive into the area’s past! The tour will take you to the spots where famous crimes and scandals occurred. You’ll get to hear all the juicy details and gossip from an expert guide.
It’s a fun, unique way to spend time together, and you get to hear about the more scandalous side of Williamsburg!
➡️ Book A Special “Murder and Scandal” Guided Tour
12. Have a Spa Day at the Williamsburg Salt Spa
If you know anything about me, you know that I’m a bit of a spa connoisseur. I’ve tried a lot of spas over the last few years, and the Williamsburg Salt Spa didn’t disappoint! I really enjoyed the Salt Cave and Float Tank, and I’ve heard their massages are pretty good too.
It’s a fun date night idea! You can treat yourselves to a relaxing spa day and enjoy a couples’ massage. It’s a nice way to de-stress together.
13. Visit Chippokes Plantation State Park
Chippokes is one of the oldest working farms in America, offering a glimpse into the past with its beautifully restored mansion, farm museum, and picnic area. You can explore the scenic grounds, which include campsites, cozy cabins, and equestrian trails along the James River.
The beach is full of fascinating marine fossils, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, with plenty of biking and hiking trails to enjoy throughout the day. I recommend visiting during the summer or fall months!
14. Make Your Own Whiskey at Copper Fox Distillery
Copper Fox Distillery is a great spot for date night. The distillery has a welcoming, friendly vibe and offers great food alongside top-notch whiskeys.
You can take a tour and learn about how they make whiskey, and sample their whiskey flight! It’s a really fun way to spend an evening together.
15. Take the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
For a scenic and romantic afternoon, take a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. This short, 20-minute ferry ride across the James River offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape.
It’s a peaceful and scenic way to spend time together in Williamsburg.
Where To Stay In Williamsburg
Williamsburg has a lot of different hotels, from charming inns to luxurious resorts. Here are some of my top picks!
📍Budget Option: Holiday Inn Express Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area
Prices range from $90 to $120 per night, depending on the time of year. It’s one of my top picks in Williamsburg. The hotel is just about 2 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, in a peaceful, tree-lined area. It’s well-maintained, clean, and offers free parking and breakfast. Plus, kids stay free!
📍Mid-Range Option: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites
This official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel is only a short walking distance from the colonial city! It has spacious rooms, which range from $143-$179/night. There’s a splash park for kids to enjoy, making it very family-friendly! Parking is extremely easy (and free).
📍Luxury Option: Williamsburg Inn
The Williamsburg Inn is the only Four-Star Forbes-rated resort in the Historic Triangle, and it’s hosted some famous guests, like Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and Henry Ford. The hotel is stunning, beautifully maintained, and full of luxury. If you decide to splurge and stay here, you won’t regret it!
Getting Around
Williamsburg is a very walkable city, and many attractions are located within walking distance of one another.
But if you want to explore further or visit nearby areas, renting a bike or car is an easy and convenient option. Many local taxis and ride-share services are available as well.
➡️ Visiting from out of town? I recommend this car rental company to help you see more of Virginia!
FAQs
Some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Williamsburg:
How to spend a day in Williamsburg, Virginia?
Start your day with breakfast at a local café like Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe, then explore Colonial Williamsburg’s historic sites. After lunch, visit the Jamestown Settlement or enjoy a scenic walk at Yorktown Beach.
End the day with a romantic dinner at a nearby winery or restaurant like DoG Street Pub in Merchant’s Square (they have some of the best Fish and Chips!).
Can you just walk around Williamsburg?
Absolutely! Williamsburg is very walkable, especially in the historic district where you can explore Merchants Square, Colonial Williamsburg, and nearby attractions all on foot.
Is Colonial Williamsburg fun for adults?
Yes, Colonial Williamsburg offers plenty of adult-friendly activities, including historical tours, art galleries, and relaxing spots like the Williamsburg Winery and fine dining options.
What is Williamsburg, VA famous for?
Williamsburg is famous for its role in American history, especially during the Colonial period. It is home to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement, and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance.
Visiting Williamsburg as a Couple
There are so many fun things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia that are sure to bring you and your partner closer together. Between exploring cobblestoned streets, holding each other during a scary ghost tour, or enjoying a winery visit, there’s always something exciting to do in this charming, historic town.
Happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
