should i visit yorktown and jamestown

10 Surprising Tips for Visiting Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg

By: Author Kim

Posted on Published: July 7, 2022  - Last updated: December 31, 2023

The Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg area have been around since our country’s beginning – Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the America.

For a travel destination so rich in history, you might think you’ve heard it all already. Well, you’d be wrong! Here are 10 Surprising Tips for Visiting Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg .

If you are wondering how far apart these destinations are, they are very close to each other. You can easily do one or more destinations in a day. Here are the drive times between Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg:

• Jamestown Settlement to Yorktown Museum: 26 minute drive (18.3 miles)
• Jamestown Settlement to Colonial Williamsburg: 14 minute drive (7 miles)
• Colonial Williamsburg to Yorktown Museum: 17 minutes to drive (11.6 miles)

Table of Contents

1. There are two destinations to learn about Jamestown.

This was really surprising to us when we visited the Williamsburg area. There are TWO destinations to learn about the Jamestown settlement.

Actual Jamestowne Settlement

The first is the actual Jamestowne site , now a part of the National Park System (NPS). This is where English colonization (the first successful attempt) began in 1607. Captain John Smith and Pocahontas once roamed these same lands.

The historic Jamestowne site has a museum and gift shop at the Visitors Center.

On a visit in 2017, we wished we had skipped watching the film because it was really dated. It just wasted our time.

After watching the film (or skipping it), go outside to explore the original settlements on the waterfront.

There are entrance fees for this historical site (check the National Park Service site for the most up-to-date information).

Even if you have a National Parks Annual Pass, you will still need to pay a fee to visit.

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement relives the experience of the original Jamestowne. It is located nearby the original site, but is more interactive.

The film at this location is spectacular and not to be missed! The multiple gallery exhibits are also amazing and it can take you quite a lot of time to see them all.

You could spend an entire day in the galleries alone, but there’s plenty more to see. Head outside with reenactments of daily life in a Powhatan Indian Village and a fort from the 1610-1614 colonial era.

Then make your way towards the pier to see the stunning re-creations of the three ships that brought the original settlers in 1607.

It is a thrill to be able to climb onboard the ships, peeking into living quarters and talking with re-enactors dressed in period costumes.

Jamestown Settlement also has a wonderful restaurant and gift shop. You can spend a lot of time at the destination, so be sure to leave enough room in your itinerary.

Get a 7-Day combo ticket for Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum (with free parking).

2. Stay in a Yurt

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in the Williamsburg area, but a fun and unique place to stay is in a yurt at the Williamsburg KOA . The air-conditioned yurts have beds and sleep up to six people.

Not ready to rough it? Check out the amazing cabins for rent at the KOA, too.

As you can see in our video tour above, you’ll also have access to all of the fun amenities, such as a pool, bounce station, campfires, ice cream shop, gem mining and more.

3. Learn About the Past with State-of-the-Art Technology

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown was one of our favorite destinations in the entire area. We had not heard anything about this museum before our visit, but found ourselves not wanting to leave once we saw how interactive it was. Be sure to save enough time to explore this one!

Part of what makes the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown a joy to explore is their state-of-the-art technology. It might seem ironic to use technology to explain history, but it really works!

Swipe through touch screens to read the stories of real people from the era, try your hand at historic quizzes or even leave a message electronically on a tree. You really do have to see it to believe it!

Among all of the high-tech storytelling, though, is the ancient artifacts that were a part of the drama centuries ago, including a 1776 broadside (which is a sizable piece of paper) of the Declaration of Independence.

Do NOT miss the film , “The Siege of Yorktown.” This movie is so well done, and combines an 180 degree of immersion into the Yorktown story along with special effects that bring the movie to life.

Outdoors, walk through a Continental Army encampment and duck into a tent, be disgusted with the barbaric nature of ancient medical tools, and see how food was cooked daily.

In the Revolution-era farm, you’ll walk among chickens and discover how ancient herbal remedies were used.

Get a 7-day combo ticket for Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum (with free parking).

4. See Wine Bottles Being Made

Part of the National Park System Historic Jamestown Site is The Glasshouse and Glasshouse Gift Shop. Here, you can see another part of Colonial life being recreated – making glass.

Wine bottles crafted from distinctive green glass, similar to glass found in Jamestowne, are made in demonstrations every day. Watch the artisans, then purchase glass gifts if you’d like. Part of the proceeds go back to support the National Park Service.

5. Explore Colonial Williamsburg for Free

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the biggest draws to the area. It is the largest living history museum in the United States and can be an all day activity. Yet it can cost a pretty penny, starting at $46.99 for an adult.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need a ticket to see what Colonial Williamsburg is like. You can walk around the blocks of the recreated city for no cost, getting a taste of what the attraction is like.

You can dine in the restaurants and shop in the gift shops, too, without an admission ticket.

You will need to pay when you enter a business or building where there are re-enactors, however you might not want to do those things if you are not staying for the entire day.

If you decide you want to have the full experience, then go back to the Visitor Center to buy a ticket.

Even if you don’t want to pay the higher ticket prices for admission, you can still get an interesting tour in Colonial Williamsburg for less.

The Williamsburg Ghosts, Witches and Pirates tour costs less than half of the price of day admission. You will have a guided, immersive tour of just under 2 hours in the historic district.

Or download a Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Tour for $8 so that everyone you are traveling with can learn more about the sites you are seeing.

6. Ham and Biscuits is a Destination

Old Chickahominy was a place we nearly passed by, if not for a random text from my cousin after he saw my Instagram account and said not to miss the biscuits at this favorite eatery.

The ham biscuits here were awesome! As was all the food!

If you don’t come as soon as the place opens in the morning, chances are you will need to wait in line for a table to open in the small eatery. It is well worth the wait, though, and you can shop in the gift shop while you’re working up an appetite.

7. Go More Places to Save Money

Combo tickets are the name of the game in Williamsburg. If you want to save money and save time, buy a combo ticket for all of the major attractions.

The JYF 7-Day Combo Ticket allows you to see the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with unlimited admissions.

The America’s Historic Triangle Ticket gives you the same admission as the combo ticket above, along with Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown Battlefield.

Both combo tickets can be purchased online before you arrive.

However, we suggest saving a few dollars and getting the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown pass through this travel experience website with the lowest price guarantee.

8. The Best Waterfront Town You’ve Never Heard Of – with Pirates!

York County in Virginia is absolutely charming, and so close to all of the action of Jamestown and Williamsburg.

Be sure that you find time to visit the waterfront town, with shops, dining, lodging and promises of lazy afternoons spent gazing at York River.

There’s even a public beach and pirate cruises!

At night, do the Candlelight Walking Ghost Tour to learn about the city’s past.

9. Sign Your Name with a Quill Pen

Yep, it is a fun activity to enjoy at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, along with many other interactive experiences.

10. Take a Trolley Between Historic Sites

In Yorktown, you can take a free, air-conditioned trolley between the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, as well as all of the shopping and sites in-between.

This lets you forget about worrying about finding parking spaces. You can sit back and enjoy a trolley ride as you relax before getting to your next destination.

The Yorktown Trolley runs from April to December. It has an infotainment system on board and you can even track it’s location via an app, so that you know when it is coming.

Jamestown vs. Yorktown

Both Jamestown and Yorktown offer important learning lessons in American history. However, they are quite different in how the history is portrayed. Here are the major differences between Jamestown and Yorktown:

• The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown uses a lot of modern-day technology to share the nation’s story. Expect movies, touch screen exhibits and special effects in the museum.
• Yorktown is a small, waterfront community that offers a lot to do outside of the museum. There is plenty of dining and shopping available, along with a hotel downtown.
• Outdoor activities are big at Yorktown, which can be great for kids and active adults. Rent a bike, take a Segway tour, enjoy the Yorktown Beach, kayak or go fishing on the Yorktown pier.
• There are historical recreations at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, but they are different than the types you’d find at Jamestown Settlement.
• The Jamestown Settlement operated by the National Parks Service doesn’t have as many technology-based exhibits. If you just like reading exhibits, without fancy pictures or videos, this might be the best for you.
• Jamestown Settlement allows you to see historical reenactments of daily life in a setting that is created to be very entertaining. While the reenactments are interesting at Yorktown, they seemed to just be people in a field with a tent showcasing some ancient skills, such as gardening. We weren’t as captivated by these reenactments as we were at Jamestown Settlement.

Jamestown vs. Colonial Williamsburg

If you are trying to decide between Jamestown vs. Colonial Williamsburg, here are some helpful tips:

• Jamestowne Settlement, operated by the NPS, is a lot of walking around fields to explore the history. It can be somewhat boring to younger children.
• Jamestown Settlement is a lot of fun for kids and adults. The interactive experiences are definitely fun to watch and participate in. You will need to pay an admission fee to see any of the sites.
• Exploring the ships is a unique activity at Jamestown Settlement that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Colonial Williamsburg is better if you want to enjoy a day of shopping, dining and leisurely strolling.
• You can enjoy the atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg without having to pay an admission fee.
• Historical recreations of daily life at Colonial Williamsburg focus on the trades, such as hat making. At Jamestown Settlement, the historical recreations focus on more outdoor activities, such as blacksmithing or forging.

If you enjoyed these helpful tips about visiting Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, you might also like our other Virginia travel guides of best things to do, including:

• Charlottesville Cider, Wine and Spirits Tour
• 26 Best Fun Things to Do in Roanoke, VA
• Colonial Williamsburg KOA Review
• Clifton Forge, VA Guide
• Day Trips from Roanoke

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Elaine Anderson

Wednesday 3rd of April 2019

This is a very good review. I only have one correction. The tickets at Colonial Williamsburg are a bargain. Compare to other tourist places in New England, etc. Or consider Busch or Disney costs. A multi day ticket is even better and there are specials and discounts. You should go inside the places available each day. Absolutely go in the palace, capitol, houses, shops, museums.

Virginia’s Historic Triangle: complete guide to exploring Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: November 17, 2019  - Last updated: February 12, 2021

Most of us who grew up in the USA had lots of history classes that referred to all kinds of sites and events on the East Coast, and specifically Virginia. The Historic Triangle is the name of one of the coolest places to visit in Virginia:  Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

Between visiting the Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown and Colonial National Park, and then Colonial Williamsburg itself , you’ll learn a ton and have a blast doing it!

Historic Triangle Pass

The Historic Triangle Pass is an easy way to gain access to several historic sights and attractions in Southeast Virginia. Included in the pass:

• All exhibit buildings
• Non-specialty tours
• Art museum access
• Complete museum exhibition
• Living history village
• Indian village
• Jamestown tall ships
• Museum of the American Revolution
• Colonial National Park sites (including Historic Jamestowne) – also covered by America the Beautiful Pass

The cost of the Historic Triangle Pass is (as of 2019):  $89 – $110 for adults (16+) and $41-$50 for kids (6-15 years old), depending on time of year and special sales. If you’re planning on hitting most of the sites and attractions included in the pass, the savings is at least $10 per person if you’re only planning to visit the big sites, but much more if you’re doing everything.   Buy your Historic Triangle pass in advance here !

Visiting the Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown is much more than just an archaeological site. It’s a complete historic experience, both inside and out. There are a few different areas to visit for a complete experience.  Purchase tickets for Jamestown Settlement here !

History of Jamestown

Settled by the British in 1607, Jamestown was the site of the Virginia Company’s first village site. When they arrived they needed food and to figure out their place in the land. Over time, they killed or displaced countless indigenous people and claimed the land for their own.

The story of Pocahontas is centered around Jamestown and the relationship between the existing residents, the Powhatan Indians and the British settlers. The stories you see in Disney movies or learned in school aren’t entirely accurate as to the glossy side of things, but give enough of the story that you can figure out what actually happened if you think about it.

Tip :  spend time actually reading the information and watching the videos at the Jamestown Settlement to get the full picture of what happened at Jamestown, from the Indians to the Africans who lived there.

Things to do at Jamestown Settlement

Because Jamestown is our recommended first stop when you do the Historic Triangle, we recommend getting there at opening and being deliberate in how you spend your time. Allot at least two and a half hours for getting the full Jamestown Settlement experience.

Exploring the Jamestown Museum

the museum at Jamestown Settlement is really amazing. We spent about an hour and a half going through Reading the exhibits and watching some of the videos. We could have spent three hours.

A combination of dioramas and movie Set like exhibit areas, the Jamestown Museum is one of the best historic Museum spaces we’ve ever visited.

Tip : this is a great place to encourage big kids who are just getting into reading to really take time understanding history. The combination of reading and interactive exhibits is excellent.

Living History at Jamestown: tall ships and village life

The living history areas at the Jamestown Settlement are super fascinating for both kids and adults. You can visit in Indian village, several sailing ships, and walk through the village. Each has very different experiences.

In the village we saw traditional Craftsman making native crafts and building tools. On the ships we learned about sailing life in the voyage across the Atlantic. In the village it was a lot of demonstrations around 16th century life.

The best demonstrations we felt were the blacksmith shop, the kitchen, and the musket demonstrations. The staff was all very knowledgeable and ready to share an answer any question.

Tip : since most of the living history areas are not directly next to outdoor fireplaces, have your visit in the fall or winter be sure to dress warmly. The Jamestown Settlement is located just off of the James River and the breeze can be quite cool.

A lthough the historic triangle does include Colonial Williamsburg, spending time doing the living history experience at the Jamestown Settlement is definitely worth it and you’ll be glad you did.

Visiting Jamestowne Archaeological Site

The last part of the Jamestown area is the National Park site . Historic Jamestowne is a part of Colonial National Park. Here you can check out the remnants of the original Fort James as well as several other pre-colonial ruins. Like at the Jamestown Settlement, there are also costumed interpreters.

Entry into Historic Jamestowne is included with either your Historic Triangle Pass or Colonial National Park admission. It’s also included if you have a National Parks pass such as an America the Beautiful Pass or Access Pass .

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg

We definitely want to encourage you to check out our full article on Colonial Williamsburg , but here are the highlights and why it’s also worth your time when visiting the Historic Triangle.   Get advanced tickets for Colonial Williamsburg here !

Top sights with kids at Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg could be an entire day’s activity. We actually have an article about exactly have to spend a full day with kids. The things not to miss though include the Governor’s Palace, the Market Square, and at least one Colonial dining experience.

There are so many layers of history, in both revolutionary war and 18th century life , that you could do every guided tour and still be ready to learn more.

Best activities in Colonial Williamsburg

I know I just said that dining is something that you need to do while you’re in Colonial Williamsburg but it really is true. The King’s Arms Tavern is a wonderful candlelit dining experience with traditional foods and the coolest restaurant atmosphere we’ve ever experienced.

The Governor’s Palace tour is also one of the best activities in Colonial Williamsburg. Meant to be interesting for all ages, you get to experience both be formal political side of the house and the fun in decorative side. It’s pretty cool.

Lastly, taking time to go into the many artisan shops in Colonial Williamsburg is a must. Whether you want to see how bookbinding is done or you’re interested in silver smithing, the many shops and demonstrations are amazing.

Exploring Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown, Virginia is it part of the Historic Triangle as well. It is not a large town, but its historic district and waterfront make it a wonderful place to visit on a weekend trip to this historic region .

Colonial National Park sights

Colonial National Park is a combination of revolutionary war sites, including where the British surrendered. A comprehensive visitor Center has videos and exhibits to help explain both the revolutionary war as a whole and the importance of the Yorktown area.   Check out more Virginia National Park sites here !

Exploring Colonial National Park is best done either on bikes or in a car. Between the military cemetery and the battlefields, there’s quite a distance to cover.

Tip : be sure to stop in The visitor Center to pick up a map to guide you along the route to see the most interesting parts of colonial National Park. And don’t forget to get your National Parks Passport stamped.

Uptown and Downtown Yorktown

Uptown Yorktown might be the cutest neighborhood we’ve ever walked through. Located above the harbor, the old neighborhood of Yorktown is still just as beautiful today as it was in the 1700s. Brick homes and government buildings are small in comparison to other colonial towns but they are the perfect backdrop for a beautiful day of exploring Virginia.

Tip : there aren’t many businesses in the historic uptown area, but you can for sure grab a coffee and check out a gallery or two. Summertime offers more events so take that into consideration if you are visiting October through May.

Easy to walk from uptown down to the waterfront. a long promenade gives access to Sandy Beach and lots of benches to watch the ships go by. Historic placards and statues as well as Cornwallis’s Cave are all accessible from the waterfront promenade.

Tip : it’s open with limited hours but the Watermen’s Museum is a fun place to visit with kids to learn about the maritime culture of the Virginia Coast. It’s not huge, but it has some cool features, including a reconstructed windmill and lots of nautical gear.

American Revolution Museum

The gem of Yorktown is definitely the American Revolution Museum. Admission to the museum is a part of your Historic Triangle Pass or you can purchase it as its own ticket (in-person at museum).  Combo Yorktown/Jamestown historic sites ticket here !

The most comprehensive of any museums addressing the revolutionary war, it will take you a few hours to get through the American Revolution Museum . There is a cafe on site as well as picnic areas if you would prefer to bring your own lunch.

Tip : this is a popular school field trip destination so take into consideration when you are planning to visit the American Revolution Museum knowing that you may be sharing the space with a hundred or more kids.

How to plan your time exploring the historic triangle

Let me start by saying that one day is not really enough time to visit Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown. You do need at least two days to get the full experience, but three are recommended. As you make your plan, consider the driving time between sites, which can be up to 40 minutes.  We recommend doing Yorktown and Jamestown in the same day, and then doing Colonial Williamsburg on its own day. Add another day if you want to cross the big bridge and visit Cape Charles and the peninsula .

Even though the drive time isn’t bad between any of the sites, limiting your time in the car is always nice. If you’re going between Jamestown and Yorktown, you can add in a stop in the Newport News area for lunch. #geniusidea

Tip :  for a trip that also has a crazy spin on it, add a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg . Crazy roller coasters and theme park attractions!  Get advance tickets for Busch Gardens here !

Where to stay in the Historic Triangle

All around Williamsburg you’ll find a variety of resorts and charming B&Bs, but also travel brands you’ll find elsewhere. We visited with Best Western Hotels and Resorts, so had three options for our weekend in the Historic Triangle.  

Search Best Western hotel options here !  (this is for booking directly through BW)

Best Western Historic Area Inn

The Best Western Historic Area Inn was our home base while we visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. We enjoyed the location, as it was just outside of the business of the resort areas, including the Busch Gardens theme park, and it was easy to get to Yorktown.

Since it’s a Best Western property, daily breakfast is included, as well as wifi, a fitness center, pool, and lots of great public spaces. Our room was quite large and ideal for the four of us for two nights. Really, it was perfect for getting good rest and relaxing at the end of the day.   Book BW Historic Area Inn here !

Best Western Williamsburg Historic District

Located very near to the Historic Area Inn, it’s another Best Western option. The main difference is the walk-ability, being less than a 15 minute walk into the historic colonial preservation area. The public areas of the BW Williamsburg Historic District also are more grand, but as we didn’t stay at this property we cannot provide too much detail.  Book BW Williamsburg Historic District here !

Best Western Plus Newport News Inn

Just beyond the immediate historic area of Williamsburg, the BW Plus Newport News Inn is located between Jamestown and Yorktown to the south. Also, it’s near the Newport News / Williamsburg International Airport, and that’s why this is another great option for a home base!   Book the BW Plus Newport News Inn here !

Woo hoo!!! Who’s up for an awesome trip to explore Virginia’s Historic Triangle? I cannot wait to go back. Even though we had two days, we know we’ll plan for three or four for our next trip. Please let us know if you have any questions. Either leave a comment or send us a not e and we’ll help you out!

Want to pin this for planning your own trip to Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg? Go for it!!!

Rachel Yonkers

Friday 4th of February 2022

This was very helpful. Just made reservations at King's Arms Tavern based on your recommendation - very excited!

That's awesome! Thank you for sharing! Yes, we love the King's Arms and it is such a different sort of dining experience. It's the most Williamsburg of Williamsburg things to do. Have a great time!

Lisa Marie Allen

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

Thank you. This was helpful!

Friday 10th of December 2021

So glad! Have an amazing time! This area is one of my favorites, both as a parent and just as an adult interested in history. Love it!

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All You Should Know Before Visiting Jamestown Settlement, Virginia

Last Modified: September 9, 2023 //  by  Anda //   34 Comments

Visiting Jamestown Settlement is as much of an adventure today as it was 400 years ago, when the European settlers established here the first permanent British colony in North America. Together with Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that tells about the lives of the first colonists, as well as the Indigenous peoples who lived in this region before the British arrived.

Jamestown Settlement is an interesting weekend getaway if you are in Virginia . The Settlement is part of the Historic Triangle, a group of three colonial communities that also includes  Colonial Williamsburg  and Yorktown .

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Jamestown – the First British Colony in North America

What to look for when visiting jamestown settlement, what to look for whenvisiting historic jamestowne, admission price and hours of operation, where to eat in jamestown settlement.

In 1607 three ships from England ( Susan Constant , Godspeed , and Discovery ) carrying around 100 men, landed in the Virginia Peninsula. The settlers picked a site and named it Jamestown after their king, James I. Soon after they came ashore they started building a fort to protect themselves against the local Indians.

Half of the Jamestown settlers were craftsmen, soldiers, and laborers. Among them there was a tailor, a barber, and two surgeons. The other half were wealthy men who probably underestimated how difficult it would be to survive in the New World.

Despite their efforts to adapt to the harsh conditions, the settlers found themselves unable to cope with their new situation. The food they transported from England had spoiled, the water was unfit to drink, and soon after they settled in half of the colony population perished from disease.

Among the survivors was Captain John Smith, an adventurer and explorer who became one of the leaders of the colony. Despite the hardships, he kept the colony going by establishing a trade with the Indian tribe Powhatan .

But peace didn’t last very long and soon Captain Smith was captured by the Indians. They eventually released him at the intervention of Pocahontas, the Indian’s chief’s daughter, who pleaded with her father for the Captain’s life. Pocahontas later married a tobacco planter and eventually moved to England.

Visiting Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne

Jamestown Settlement is the more visual and interactive part of your visit, documenting the beginnings of the first British colony in America. Here you’ll see replicas of the three ships that arrived from England in 1607, as well as a replica of the fort and a Native Indian Village.

Historic Jamestowne on the other hand, is the actual site of the first British colony from 1607. Here is where you’ll walk into the footsteps of Pocahontas and Captain Smith and see the actual remains of James Fort. Also, here you’ll view the archeological site where thousands of artifacts from the first colony have been discovered.

Jamestown Settlement features a few interesting sites, among which the re-creation of the three ships that brought the English colonists to Virginia in 1607.   You can explore the ships and find out about their four-and-a-half months voyage from England. There are also demonstrations of the 17th century navigation. Stepping aboard these ships is a very interesting experience. It’s chilling to see the miserable conditions these sailors endured below the decks. It was cold, damp and dark. You can only imagine the smell of the unwashed bodies, the snores , the coughs. Not a good place to be for 135 days!

You can also visit the replica of James Fort on the site. It’s very interesting to see how the settlers lived in the first half of the 17th century. The dwellings and the artifacts will give you an insight into the life of Jamestown during the first half of the 17th century.

Another interesting site to visit in the Jamestown Settlement is the Powhatan Indian Village. The village was designed based on archeological discoveries at an Indian site very close to Jamestown.

Before starting your visit, I suggest watching the introductory film that trace Jamestown Settlement’s beginnings and the first century of the Virginia colony. The movie also describes the Powhatan Indian, English and west central African cultures that merged in early Virginia. 

In the Historic Jamestowne you’ll be taking a walking tour with a park ranger or an archeologist who will show you the remains of the fort as well as the archeological site.

The original fort had a triangular shape with circular watch towers. The construction was very basic, using indigenous trees stripped of branches and bark. Today’s replica reveals just a small part of the original structure.

Next to the fort you’ll see a bronze statue of Captain John Smith, one of the first settlers of Jamestown.

At the archeological site you’ll see carcasses of dogs, cats and horses presumed to have been consumed by the settlers during the “starving time.” Even more, in recent years some human bones have been discovered that seem to tell a far more gruesome story: the cannibalization of a 14-year-old English girl.

The archeological site also reveals remnants of the original Church at Jamestown, where Pocahontas was married.

The present day church (a.k.a. the Pocahontas Wedding Chapel) is a replica from 1906 which sits on the foundation of the original chapel. This is actually the fifth reconstruction, as the previous churches have either perished in the fire, or fell into ruin.

There is also an archeological museum at the Visitor Center that you can visit and a Glasshouse, where costumed glassblowers demonstrate Jamestown’s first industry.

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Calico Ghost Town in California

Practical Information for Visiting Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is located at 2110 Jamestown Road, in Williamsburg, VA 23185.

The site is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Outdoor living-history areas open at 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The information below has been updated in 2020 to reflect the latest prices.

The site is open between 8:45am–4:30pm. Admission prices for Jamestown Settlement are $30.00/adults, while children 15 and under are free. Tickets are good for 7 consecutive days and include admission to Yorktown Battlefield. You can buy your combo ticket here .

The best deal is to buy a Historic-Triangle Ticket for $119.00 (adults) or $53.00 (children 6-15). This ticket grants you access to all three sites ( Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Battlefield ) for seven consecutive days.

Parking for Jamestown Settlement is free.

Time Needed on the Site : You can visit both Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne in half a day. I suggest combining your visit with the next door Yorktown Battlefield, which is included in your ticket.

Jamestown is a very small place with very few choices for food. We had lunch at Jamestown Settlement Café where they serve some sandwiches, soups and pizza, but the food is mediocre.

However, if you are not quite starving after visiting Jamestown Settlement, I’d suggest going back to Williamsburg where the food choices are far more numerous and much better. The driving is only 12-15 minutes.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

October 20, 2020 at 3:34 pm

Wow 400 years of history! Now, this is something that I love and would want to visit straight away. The Jamestown Settlement looks like a great place to dig into the past. I love reading about the history even if it is sad sometimes like the cannibalisation. But thanks for introducing me to this place.

October 20, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Indeed a great place to dig into America’s history, Raksha!

October 20, 2020 at 11:38 am

Very interesting and historical place. These kind of places are usually on our travel map when we go somewhere. We have not been to Virginia yet, but hopefully we get to visit soon. I’m surprised they haven’t added Jamestown to National Park Historic Sites. It is certainly worth of treasuring and keeping up.

October 20, 2020 at 11:58 am

You are right, Paula. The Historic Triangle of Virginia is quite unique.

Yukti Agrawal

October 20, 2020 at 7:32 am

I love history and good to know about Jamestown as I have never heard this before. Jamestown Settlement really look like adventure today as it was 400 years ago, when the European settlers established here the first permanent British colony in North America. I would love to see history museum here which depict the first colonists and other useful stuff from that era. Also the story of Indian tribe Powahatan looks very interesting.

Cristina Thomas

October 18, 2020 at 8:34 pm

Thanks for your very clear explanation about Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne. They really are distinct in their own ways! I didn’t see if you preferred one over the other? Which do you like better? If I only have one day to see both sites, which one should I go to first? Thanks for your tips and have a lovely Sunday!

October 17, 2020 at 12:29 pm

Wow! I had no idea about Historic Jamestowne but after you mentioned about Pocahontas, I am now interested to visit. It would be nice to see how the settlers lived. Thank you for sharing this post. We will definitely consider this during our future trips.

Jennifer Prince

October 17, 2020 at 5:15 am

I didn’t realize that they had replicas of the ships! I live in Virginia, and Williamsburg seems to get the most attention. I need to head to Jamestown next time – your photos make it look so beautiful, too!

October 17, 2020 at 11:51 pm

The Historic Triangle of Virginia is really worth visiting.

October 17, 2020 at 2:49 am

It is always exciting to visit historical sites and museums. I have not heard of Jamestown settlement before and it was very interesting to read your article. I get the impression that they have spent a lot of time recreating buildings and ships, which is great as it contributes to a more authentic and inspiring experience. Will definitely add Jamestown to my list of places to visit in the future.

September 24, 2020 at 2:19 am

Visiting the Jamestown Settlement sounds like a fantastic history lesson! It’s the kind of place that would be interesting to both adults and young explorers. Being a sea lover, I guess that my favorite part would be venturing inside the recreations of the ships that brought the colonists to Virginia 🙂 I’m gonna take note of this place, thanks for sharing it!

Linda (LD Holland)

September 23, 2020 at 7:34 am

I am sure it is fascinating to learn more about the first settlers at the Jamestown Settlement. It certainly is a reminder of how hard it was for those who arrived early. Starting with the introductory film would certainly help with understanding what is available on the site. Like a good navy guy, Hubby would spend all of his time with those replicas of the first ships.

September 21, 2020 at 7:37 pm

I love how much history is in Virginia! I live in Lynchburg, which is central, and we have lots of Civil War history. Although, I love how much further back the heritage goes on the coast. I haven’t been to Jamestown in so long – I need to head back there soon!

September 22, 2020 at 10:16 am

Yea, I agree. Virginia is so rich in Civil War history.

September 21, 2020 at 2:27 pm

I did not know the existence of this place. What an interesting journey back in time . To visit with the ranger and archaelogists. I had no idea they maintained the site with the finds. That is gruesome indeed.

September 21, 2020 at 12:43 pm

The replicas of the ships sound really cool. Sailors are used to cramped conditions, but imagine being from one of the families traveling to the new world like this! Sounds like a fun place to go with kids.

September 21, 2020 at 11:46 am

Fascinating to read about the history of Jamestowne, dating back to 1607! I was definitely more intrigued by the Jamestowne Historic than the settlement, though stepping onboard the ship to relive the experience would be quite something. History can be gory at times, the cannibalization of a 14 year old girl is just so sad. I didn’t know about the cultural tracing of early Virginia to Powhatan Indian, English and West central African cultures, intriguing. I usually find it difficult to eat at historical places, so my pick there would be driving back to Williamsburg! Informative post..

September 22, 2020 at 10:17 am

Thanks for commenting, Aradhana.

Debra Schroeder

September 21, 2020 at 11:31 am

Who knew Pocahontas had other roles in US history? Seeing and exploring the wooden ship replicas would be fun. Great tip about watching the movie before exploring the settlement.

September 20, 2020 at 10:57 pm

I was surprised to hear that the previous churches have crumbled so many times due to fire or just fell to ruins! It’s incredible that they continue to rebuild it. This places sounds like such a beauty and mystery to visit with all of the history and space to learn!

September 22, 2020 at 10:18 am

Yea, I was surprised to hear that so many churches have crumbled too. It seemed strange and the only explanation can be that they weren’t properly built, hahaha!

September 20, 2020 at 5:22 pm

I’m from Virginia and have never been to Jamestown (although I have been to Williamsburg) so I appreciate this post. It is crazy to see the replicas of the 3 ships that sailed from England. I would imagine any ship crossing the Atlantic now adays would be 5 times the size. The replicas of the ships, the English settlement and Powhatan’s village are a great way to visualize history and and put into perspective those stories we all learned in grade school about American history.

September 22, 2020 at 10:21 am

Yea, I was thinking the same thing: how could they cross the Atlantic in those small ships?

September 14, 2015 at 10:39 am

On the road from Williamsburg to Jamestown there is a local place called the Chickahominy house. Old southern classics like chicken & dumplings, Brunswick stew and buttermilk pie served in a restaurant inside an antiques shop. we’ll be mentioning it in an upcoming blog. it’s worth a stop.

Anda Galffy

September 14, 2015 at 3:34 pm

I should check it out next time I’ll be in the area.

Connie Reed

August 19, 2015 at 6:22 pm

How interesting to find out the gruesome parts of history you don’t learn in school. We visited Colonial Williamsburg so long ago I don’t remember much about it but didn’t make it to Jamestown or Yorktown. We need to go back.

Jolanta aka Casual Traveler

August 17, 2015 at 6:46 pm

What I liked the most about Jamestown was their extensive museum with lots of interesting artifacts and excellent explanation of the history of those times. I only wish my kids (who were quite little at that time) gave me more time to read all that information.

August 16, 2015 at 10:43 pm

Ahhhh! I am a middle school teacher, and I used to teach U.S. History. We studied Jamestown! How cool it would have been to bring my kids here!

August 17, 2015 at 2:17 pm

This is a great experience for children, Jacqueline. At least you can tell them about it. Maybe the can visit with their families.

Amanda & Brian - Eat_Work_Travel

August 16, 2015 at 6:17 am

Jamestown looks to be a fun historical place! We had only been to Williamsburg as kids but hope to get back to the area now that we are adults and can appreciate the rich history of the region. We will certainly add Jamestown to the itinerary.

August 16, 2015 at 7:24 pm

I’m sure it must have improved a lot since you were kids, Amanda. They change things for the better every year.

August 15, 2015 at 3:02 pm

Great prep for our upcoming visit. Bookmarked it!

Stacey Valle

August 9, 2015 at 4:38 pm

I really should go and visit this place! Pochatonas is my all time favorite Disney character growing up, and this would be an interesting place to learn the history of everything there!

August 9, 2015 at 4:26 pm

I really enjoyed this post. I have never been to Jamestown, but it looks like an interesting place to visit. I can’t wait to pass it along to others.

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Middle Journey

Solo travel, journey through time at jamestown, williamsburg and yorktown.

September 27, 2022

In Virginia, they call Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown the “Historic Triangle” because these three iconic colonial towns are within a few miles of each other. If you mapped them, the space between them would form a triangle. This makes them a perfect couple-of-day adventure for anyone interested in American history. Even if you’re not already a history buff, you’re bound to leave with new insight and appreciation you never expected.

I spent two days exploring Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. History nerd that I am, I was dying to see if these old towns could live up to my imagination and my teachers’ descriptions. They did more than that – they gave me an entirely new perspective.

But there’s so much to see and do in the area, and the National Park Service and private entities manage the sites, so it can be a Bermuda Triangle of confusion if you’ve never been there. Here’s how I navigated Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

What you’ll see and do in Jamestown

Do you know the story of Pocahontas, John Smith and the first settlers? Like me, you’re probably most familiar with the Disney version. But there’s another, more accurate version, which took place at Jamestown. This is where the Powhatan Indians lived for centuries before the English arrived in 1607 and established the first British colony. It was with the help of those Indians that they were able to survive at all. It’s also the site of the first documented arrival of Africans and slavery in 1619.

But, upon arriving in Jamestown, you’ll face a confusing option – should you visit Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Settlement? The places are next to each other, but there’s no additional description on the signage to guide you. However, these are two very different places, and your choice will likely be based on who you’re with.

Historic Jamestown

The National Park Service and Preservation Virginia jointly manage Historic Jamestown. It’s the actual archeological site of the original city. Here, you’ll find predominantly outdoor exhibits and spaces. You’ll be able to see archeologists working to uncover the old town and many recreated displays. The archeology takes you through the history of the Virginia colony through 1699.

Luckily, I ended up here first, instead of the other location. You have a 50/50 chance. At Historic Jamestown, you’ll have the opportunity to read signs and talk to hosts who tell stories about the Powhatan Indians, Pocahontas, John Smith and the colonial settlers who arrived that first Jamestown winter. There are epic tales of survival, cannibalism, warfare and death.

Several historic structures have been unearthed, like the old church, graveyard, and houses. There are also various statues, recreations of the fort walls, and an Archaearium museum filled with artifacts. You’ll learn how the Powhatans were instrumental in the survival of those early pilgrims and the cost they paid for their kindness. As a daughter of the chief, Pocahontas was a key player in the relationship building and was imprisoned at the site for a year before converting to Christianity and marrying tobacco grower John Rolfe.

Fun Fact: Pocahontas married Rolfe in the Jamestown church in 1614. The couple later traveled to Europe, where Pocahontas died in Gravesend, England.

There are a few miles of trails and historic sites for spending the day walking around outside. The Dale House Café offers food and drinks when you’re ready for a break.

If you Visit Jamestown

You’ll want to visit Historic Jamestown if you love the real history, looking at artifacts, reading signs, walking outside, and setting your feet on the land the first pilgrims walked.

A visit to the glasshouse, located between Historic Jamestown and the Jamestown Settlement, is included with your ticket to Historic Jamestown. There, they make and sell glassworks just like they would have when the colony began.

Admission includes entrance to the site, church, museum, the glasshouse, Island Loop Drive, and Yorktown Battlefield (see below).

You cannot enter the site without going through the visitor’s center and paying a fee. The cost to enter Historic Jamestown is $30 per person unless you have a National Park Pass; it’s just $15 each.

Find it at 1368 Colonial Pkwy., Jamestown, Virginia.

Jamestown Settlement

You will pass this place on your way to Historic Jamestown. Jamestown Settlement is a privately owned living history museum with actors, reenactments, and recreations of 17th-century Virginia history and culture. While Historic Jamestown is an archeological site, this place is for entertainment and educational purposes. It does not have historical value, though they display some artifacts in the visitor’s center museum.

You’ll enter the Jamestown Settlement via a large, modern visitor’s center with an attached museum. If you arrive here first, it would be difficult to understand that it’s not the original site – unless and until you ask, as I did. Historic Jamestown and Jamestown settlement are not affiliated, and both seek to gain visitors.

At Jamestown Settlement, there are modern kiosks to explore immersive films, gallery exhibits and outdoor living history.

Living History

In the outdoor living history area, costumed actors describe and demonstrate what daily life in early Jamestown was like. The site includes life-size recreations of the fort, town and one of the three ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery) that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.

Jamestown Settlement is worth visiting if you aren’t big on reading or have kids. It will be a more engaging and lively experience for people with short attention spans or little interest in classic history.

You can expect to spend about two or three hours each visiting Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Settlement. If you do both, you should plan for a full day.

It’s $18 each to enter Jamestown Settlement. Find it at 2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Driving the Colonial Parkway

When leaving Jamestown and heading for Yorktown, I faced another confusing decision: to take the highway or the Colonial Parkway. Again, the signage was limited and I had no idea what the Colonial Parkway entailed, but I chose it anyway. I’m glad I did.

The Colonial Parkway is a 10,221-acre, twenty-three-mile Colonial National Historical Park maintained by the National Park Service. This two-lane scenic roadway runs between the James and York Rivers in Virginia and is lined with lush green trees and flowers. Historic arched brick bridges covered the road for much of the way every mile or so. It connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, and they say several million people use the parkway to travel between Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg while exploring the historic triangle.

What you’ll see and do in Yorktown

Yorktown, Virginia, is famous as the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. It’s where Cornwallis’ British Army surrendered to George Washington, and the American Revolution was won.

If you’re a Lin Manuel Miranda “Hamilton” fan, you’ll want to visit Yorktown. There you’ll see the battlements, surrender field, the ramparts where the boy waved the white flag, and the Moore house where they agreed to the conditions of freedom. The area has so much history of the battles conducted by George Washington, Marquise de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, and others. Fans of the Hamilton play will recognize the names, places and events, and it’s fun to see them detailed in real life.

But Yorktown, like Jamestown, is a bit confusing too. The signage again gives you two choices, Historic Yorktown or the Yorktown Battlefield. But which to choose?

Yorktown Battlefield

Again, I made a random choice and ended up at the Yorktown National Park Service visitor center. The $15 I paid in Historic Jamestown included the visitor’s center and the Yorktown Battlefield Tour Roads.

The Battlefield Tour Roads are 16 miles of roads and sites open to pedestrians, bicycles and cars. The app-based guided, scenic, historic drive includes eight stops at the battlefields and 26 interpretive panels to help visitors understand what happened in each place.  

Rangers at the visitor’s center provide maps for the route that takes you through the “Siege of Yorktown” and highlights the most important spots where the last battles of the Revolution were fought. Red arrows and signage provide additional guidance to get you from one location to the next. Stops include the British Inner Defense Line, Redoubts 9 and 10, and the Moore House, where Washington negotiated the terms of British surrender, among others.

You can pull up at the stops, press play on the appropriate selection in the app, and listen as a narrator describes the location’s history. Some tracks and areas even include patriotic music, and I’ll admit I got a big swell of pride at Surrender Field. You can also get out of your vehicle and walk around the Yorktown Battlefields, enjoying the sights, reading more signage and basking in Virginia’s lush green landscape.

Visiting Jamestown and Yorktown on the same day was an interesting juxtaposition – the site of the first landing on American soil to the place where we established freedom from British rule, just a few miles away.

Find Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, Virginia 23690.

Historic Yorktown

The road slopes up from the Yorktown harbor, and flowers line the roads in this small, historic town. Everything is neat and quiet; ironically, it resembles and reminds me of an English country town. 

After the Revolution, Yorktown became a vital tobacco port. At its peak, it was a bustling community with a few hundred buildings and nearly 2,000 people. Now, though, its main economy is tourism, and people are few and far between. At least they were when I visited late on a weekday.

If you go during a more popular time, the Yorktown Trolley will take you around the village and along the mile-long Riverwalk Landing, but it’s easy to walk too if you don’t mind hills.

I found a few humble restaurants and local small businesses open, but other than that, the main attraction in the village is the historic homes. Signs mark the historical significance of each location, and there are many, including the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the custom house which was a barracks during the war, and Dr. Corbin Griffin’s medical shop, which is now a small museum.

Yorktown Victory Monument

The Yorktown Victory Monument is the most obvious sign that the Revolution ended there. The monument is a 100-foot white granite pillar with various symbols of the victory and Lady Liberty at the top, arms outstretched.

The American Revolution Museum

The museum wasn’t open when I arrived, but it’s said to hold indoor and outdoor exhibits from the time of the Revolution. There are artifacts, films, and experiential reenactments, including a Continental Army encampment with demonstrations on revolutionary medical treatment, musket firing, and colonial farming.

The American Revolution Museum costs $18 per person. Find it at 200 Water St, Yorktown, Virginia.

Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown are worth visiting if you’re a history lover like me. This one had the least to see and do of the three locations. Battlefields, after all, are mostly just open land. However, this land still holds the energy of victory and death, making it unique.

What you’ll see and do in Colonial Williamsburg

So, if Jamestown is where the first pilgrims landed, and Yorktown is where we fought for freedom from British rule, what happened at Williamsburg? Well, everything else. It is, essentially, where the American idea was born. Williamsburg is famous as being the first capital of the Virginia Colony in 1699 and was home to many notable people in early American history.

I’m originally from Detroit, where we have Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. It’s a historical recreation town with several historic buildings that Ford collected. He set it up like a colonial American town where actors recreate a way of life. It’s fabulous. Colonial Williamsburg is similar, except for one thing – it is and was a real town that still exists just as it ever was. Now, the colonial craftsman and townspeople are actors, but the city itself is very real.

In Colonial Williamsburg, most businesses and houses are original, restored or recreated to look still as the town would have looked hundreds of years ago. As Virginia’s capital until 1780, it was the center of education and culture. All the famous people of the day, such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, James Madison, George Wythe, Peyton Randolph, and others, have walked these streets.

It wouldn’t be the Historic Triangle without some confusing elements. When I arrived, I wasn’t sure what to do in the town, so I walked around with people dressed in colonial garb, retirees and students until I found a ticket office. The clerk told me I could walk around the town for free, looking at the old houses, buildings and outdoor elements, or buy a ticket for the demonstrations. Dozens of the buildings and sites offer reenactments and demonstrations from the many actors throughout the town.

Historic Demonstrations in Williamsburg

These demonstrations include showings of various colonial arts such as tin and brick making or silver smiths. They showcase an apothecary, bookbinding, coopers, engravers, seamstresses, historic gardening, and various other tools, trades and skills that were part of life in colonial Williamsburg.

There are several shops to buy things like handmade soap, candles, glass, tin, cloth dolls, wood toys, pottery, and silver, all made in Colonial Williamsburg using traditional methods. Further, there are a lot of farms and farm animals on the outskirts of Main Street to observe.

You can spend a few hours walking around the town for free or an entire day watching all the demonstrations, which is your best bet if you want the full experience. You should plan to arrive in the morning to ensure you can see as much as possible.

Architecture in Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown

Bruton parish church.

This Episcopal church is three centuries old and has hosted many famous patriots. At the time of the Revolution, the Church of England was the official church, and all Virginians attended. Sunday services are still hosted there!

Magazine Yard

The Magazine Yard symbolizes British commitment to defend and expand its empire. Ironically, this military storehouse was critical in supporting the new nation.  

Presbyterian Meeting House

Meetinghouses like this one were community centers and places for non-Protestants to worship.

First Baptist Church Archaeology Site

Visitors can see archaeologists excavating the foundation of First Baptist Church and the Baptist Meetinghouse.

The College of William and Mary in Virginia

Aside from being a complete historic town, Williamsburg is also a college town with one of the oldest educational facilities in the country. William & Mary was a royal institution from 1693 until the American Revolution. It’s the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It’s notable for educating American Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler and many other historically well-known men.

Fun Fact : The oldest college in the US was New College in Massachusetts (1636), but you probably know it by its modern (1639) name, Harvard University.

Williamsburg is worth visiting, even if you have only a minor interest in history. There’s a lot to see, do and learn about colonial America. There are also several blocks of commercial businesses where you can shop and eat.

Entry into the houses and sites with demonstrations costs $47 each for a pass that you must visibly wear. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum has an additional cost of $15 per person.

How Much Time You Need to Visit the Historic Triangle

I spent two days exploring Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown and it wasn’t enough time. There is a lot to see and do in the three towns and it takes some figuring out. Two days was enough to see each place and do moderate exploring. I’d have liked to have seen and done more in Jamestown and Williamsburg if I had it to do over again. While you could feasibly drive to each town in a day, there’s no way you’d be able to tour them all.

If you visit Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown

You should plan to have at least two days to visit Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. It takes nearly an hour to drive between the locations, but you’ll need plenty of time to see the sites, reenactments, museums and tours. Colonial Williamsburg, which has the most to see, should get one entire day.

Read other stories about Virginia here .

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More about Rene Cizio

Rene Cizio is a solo female traveler, writer, author and photographer. Find her on Instagram @renecizio

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Visitor's Guide to Historic Jamestown

What to See and Do in Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, is a major tourist attraction and an interesting place to visit in Virginia. In 1607, 13 years before the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock, a group of 104 Englishmen began a settlement on the banks of Virginia’s James River. The story of Jamestown’s founders and the Virginia Indians they encountered is told at Jamestown Settlement through gallery exhibits and outdoor living history museums: a re-created Powhatan Indian village, replicas of the three ships that landed in 1607, a representation of the colonial fort, and a riverfront discovery area that explores waterway transportation and commercial activities. Jamestown Rediscovery, a separate destination, just down the Colonial Parkway, preserves the original settlement site and features an Archaearium archaeology museum and active excavations.

Getting to Jamestown 

Jamestown is located between Route 31 and the Colonial Parkway; adjacent to Colonial National Historical Park and six miles from Williamsburg, ten miles from Interstate 64, Exits 242A and 234.

Jamestown Settlement 

2110 Jamestown Road. The Visitor Center opened in 2006 in honor of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. The modern facility features an indoor theater and gallery exhibits that chronicle the nation’s 17th-century beginnings, a 36,000-square-foot education wing, two museum gift shops, classrooms, an open atrium for public events, offices and a 190-seat café. The highlights of Jamestown Settlement include: 

• Indoor Galleries:  An introductory film, “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” is shown at regular intervals providing an overview of how the Powhatan Indian, English and African cultures impacted the Jamestown Settlement. Exhibits include portraits, documents, furnishings, toys, ceremonial and decorative objects, tools and weapons, and hundreds of Virginia archaeological artifacts. 
• Powhatan Indian Village:  After viewing the indoor exhibits, visitors arrive at the Powhatan Indian village, an outdoor re-creation of a site once inhabited by Paspahegh Indians, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown. The village consists of several houses made of sapling frames covered with reed mats, a garden and a ceremonial dance circle. Historical interpreters discuss and demonstrate the Powhatan way of life. They grow and prepare food, process animal hides, make tools and pottery, and weave natural fibers.
• Jamestown Riverfront Discovery Area and Ships:  From the Powhatan village, a path leads to a pier where replicas of the three ships that transported the original Jamestown colonists to Virginia in 1607 are docked. Visitors can board and explore the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery and talk with interpreters about the four-and-a-half-month voyage from England. There are periodic demonstrations of piloting and navigation, cargo handling and sail making.
• James Fort:  This area   serves as a representation of the colonial settlement during 1610-14, reflecting its predominantly military and commercial character. The fort includes dwellings, an Anglican church, a court of guard, a storehouse, a cape merchant’s office, provisioning areas and a governor’s house. Historical interpreters forge and repair metal objects in a blacksmith’s forge and, near one of the fort’s three bulwarks, show how matchlock muskets are fired. Seasonally and periodically, interpreters also cultivate food and tobacco crops, produce wood products using 17th-century-style tools, and demonstrate domestic activities such as sewing and meal preparation.

Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily year-round, Summer hours until 6 p.m. (June 15 through August 15) Closed on December 25 and January 1.

Admission: $17 adults; $8 children ages 6-12. Combination tickets with the American Revolution at Yorktown Museum: $23 adults, $12 ages 6-12.

Website : www.historyisfun.org

Jamestown Rediscovery - Historic Jamestowne

1368 Colonial Pkwy.   Jamestown Rediscovery’s archaeology brings to life the stories of early James Fort. The site is administered jointly by Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service. Walking tours are available from park rangers April through October. Visitors can explore the archaeological site and the Archaearium archaeology museum and learn about the more than 2 million artifacts that have been discovered here. You can also walk the trails, observe wildlife and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the James River. 

Hours: Grounds 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visitor Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.

Admission: $14 adults, includes admission to the Yorktown Battlefield. 

Jamestown is a part of what’s known as America’s Historic Triangle, including  Colonial Williamsburg  and  Yorktown . The historic region makes a great getaway destination and is conveniently located just a few hours south of Washington, DC. 

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Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia (Plus Yorktown And Jamestown)

Table of Contents

Welcome to America’s Historic Triangle! If you’re unfamiliar with this phrase, it’s the region in southeast Virginia that connects Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. This area is probably the most historical in the US and is a popular place to visit for families and locals alike hoping to learn a bit more about American history and the Revolutionary War. This guide is going to cover things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia, along with Yorktown and Jamestown!

Disclaimer: Today’s blog post is sponsored by the Fife and Drum Inn in Colonial Williamsburg, Virigina. The inn was kind enough to host me for a night on my recent road trip through the Historic Triangle and work with me on this post and on my Instagram. You can read more about the inn in detail below. As always, all opinions written here are my own. 

How To Get There

There are several different ways to get to this area, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular trip. The most common way is by car. It’s easy to drive in from the surrounding states on the scenic, 23-mile Colonial Parkway. You can also fly into this area through either Richmond or Norfolk, both of which are about an hour away. I recommend Norfolk if you’re looking to visit Virginia Beach on this trip as well. The Outer Banks are also easily accessible from this airport! Whether you choose to fly into the Historic Triangle or drive, you’ll want to have a car to get to the things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown is about 35 minutes from the Yorktown Battlefields, so a car is imperative to getting around.

Where To Stay

Staying in the colonial downtown is one of the top things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia. Yorktown Beach does have a small downtown, but it’s not as popping as Williamsburg. Additionally, Jamestown is basically just the historic site and settlement – I didn’t see any hotels here.

There are lots of accommodation options in Williamsburg, most of them being boutique inns. I highly recommend staying at the Fife and Drum Inn here!

This historic inn is located right downtown in Williamsburg and is central to a lot of the area’s shops and restaurants. It’s actually above a cafe, that’s how centrally located it is! This inn is owned by the sweetest family and will make you feel like you truly stepped back in time. My room came with a four-post bed and claw-foot tub, just like the bedrooms used to have during the Revolutionary War! This inn also has a common area that provides breakfast each morning, along with snacks throughout the day. If you drive here, the inn will also give you a parking slip for your car at a nearby lot!

Thank you again to the Fife and Drum Inn for hosting me during my recent stay and for working with me on this post. Everyone told me this place books up months in advance, so I was thrilled to experience this place and encourage you to as well!

Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia

Now that you know how to get to the Historic Triangle and where to stay, let’s dive into things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia! I’m starting with Williamsburg because this is where you’ll be spending most of your time during your visit to the Historic Triangle.

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center

I always recommend people swing into a Visitor’s Center before starting a trip to ask questions and make plans. The Visitor’s Center here was great – it had a small-scale replica of the city, an informative museum, and a gift shop! Swing in here to grab tickets for local attractions before beginning your trip.

Walk Around William & Mary

Second on the list of things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia is to visit William & Mary. The College of William & Mary is the second oldest university in the US, behind Harvard , and also happens to be one of the prettiest college campuses I’ve ever seen! Williamsburg is a planned city, meaning the main streets of the city align with the city’s most important buildings at each end. For example, the Capitol Building and William & Mary sit opposite of each other on the Duke of Gloucester pedestrian street. This campus is open to the public and is full of some of the oldest buildings in the city, so definitely go for a stroll around here!

Fun fact: Founded in 1693, William & Mary is the 9th oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Governor’s Palace

Constructed in the early 1700s, the Governor’s Palace was the official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Viriginia. This building was erected to impress visitors with a display of authority and wealth, so be sure to check it out! It’s stunning.

The Homes On Duke Of Gloucester

As you make your way from the College of William & Mary to the Governor’s Palace, you’ll become acquainted with the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke of Gloucester is the main road that runs through Colonial Williamsburg. This pedestrian-only street is one of the top things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia. All along this road you’ll pass stunning 300 year old homes, old taverns, merchant shops, and a few inns.

Pro-tip: The DOG is about one mile long. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s also horse-drawn carriage rides here!

Colonial Williamsburg Capitol

The next iconic site on the list of things to do in Williamsburg, Virignia is to visit the Capitol. This building was used as the Capitol by the seat of Government in Viriginia as the state transitioned from Colony to Commonwealth. The Governor’s Council, General Court, and House of Burgesses met here. The original building was constructed in 1705 and destroyed by fire in 1747. Its replacement also burned down about one hundred years later. The third reconstruction opened to the public in the 1930s and still stands today.

Colonial Williamsburg Inn

This inn sits across from the Governor’s Palace, behind the old Market Square, and is one of the luxury resorts in the area. If you’re looking for more things to do in Williamsburg, Virignia, this place has it all! This historic hotel is complete with a golf course, spa, and multiple on-site restaurants. Swing by here to snap a quick picture in front if you’re not staying here!

Merchant’s Square

The last thing to do in Williamsburg, Virginia is to explore Merchant’s Square. Located adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg historic area and William & Mary, this area is a 18th century style retail village with over 40 shops and restaurants. I recommend grabbing dinner here at the Fat Canary, but book it in advance – reservations are hard to come by at this place.

Things To Do In Historic Yorktown

The second point in the Historic Triangle of Virginia is Yorktown! Yorktown is home to the battlefields in this area, Yorktown Beach, and downtown Yorktown. I don’t recommend staying here (stay at the Fife and Drum Inn mentioned above), but definitely come here for a full day. From Williamsburg, Yorktown is about a 20 minute drive on the scenic Colonial Parkway.

Yorktown Visitor’s Center

As mentioned above, I always like to start a trip at the Visitor’s Center ! I highly recommend doing this for Yorktown so you can pick up a map, especially since Yorktown is a National Historic Park! There’s also a trolley that leaves from here to bring you downtown if you choose not to drive.

Yorktown Battlefields

The Siege, or Battle of Yorktown, occurred in October 1781 and was the victory of the American and French forces over the British army. The battle here was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War , and led to the British Government negotiating the end of conflict. The war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. There’s lots of signage in the fields that will explain all of this to you if you’re looking for more information. Hopefully this post gives you some context to the significance of the Historic Triangle to American history!

On your Visitor Center map, you’ll see there are two drives through the Yorktown Battlefields – the red and yellow paths. The yellow route is quite long, and extends off of the more popular red route. I recommend driving the self-guided red route! With the help of your map and signs throughout the area, you’ll have no problem visiting the 6 stops. This 7-mile route creates a loop that will allow you to see most of the battlefields here, including historic homes, original trenches, canons, and more. I recommend setting aside about an hour to complete the loop at your own pace.

Yorktown Beach

Looking to hit a Chesapeake Bay beach? Head to Yorktown Beach! This 2 acre beachfront sits along the York River and is a great place for families looking to sunbathe, boat, and swim. There’s plenty of parking in this area for day-trippers, along with a few pubs and shops. I recommend spending some time here if you’re traveling with younger children!

Downtown Yorktown

Downtown Yorktown has very few restaurants and shops in it and consist of mostly historic homes. This area is also mostly pedestrian-only. The major road here is Main Street and has a few charming homes and inns on it that I recommend checking out. Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters is one of the few cafes in this area and also happens to be in a super Instagrammable historic building, so check it out! Be sure to swing by the Yorktown Victory Monument here too!

Things To Do In Jamestown

The third, and most southern point, of the Historic Triangle is Jamestown! This area is probably the most visited in the triangle and has two major attractions I want to cover.

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne , like Yorktown, is a National Historic Park, meaning you’ll have to pay a fee to visit here. The Visitor’s Center and museum opens at 9 am, and I definitely recommend arriving early!

This cultural heritage site is where the first permanent English settlement was in the United States. The town of Jamestowne was built within the James Fort in 1607, and consisted of multiple grave sites, a church, storage houses, etc. Unfortunately, most of the original buildings have decimated overtime, leaving behind just the ruins. I highly recommend setting aside about an hour or two to see the ruins here. You’ll have to use your imagination to envision what this settlement used to look like, but it’s cool to know you’re walking right where the English first landed from the James River.

Pro-tip: If you have an America the Beautiful National Park pass, your entrance fee will be $10 instead of $25! I highly recommend investing in one of these if you plan on visiting any national parks .

Jamestown Settlement

About one mile back up the road is the Jamestown Settlement. I highly recommend seeing both on your trip, although the order doesn’t matter. I enjoyed seeing the actual ruins and learning about the history here before seeing the reenactments at the Settlement. The visit to Historic Jamestowne definitely provided some context to the Settlement. You’ll want to set aside 2-3 hours here.

Outdoor Exhibits

Jamestown Settlement is very well-known for bringing tourists back in time. The settlement has Native villages, replicas of the three ships that crossed the Atlantic in 1607, along with a replica model of the James Fort! Aside from these buildings, there’s also actors here that portray what life would’ve been like in early 17th century Virginia. For example, I saw basket weavers in the Native village, ironsmiths in the Fort, and tour guides throughout, explaining what day-to-day life would’ve been like.

As I mentioned, I really enjoyed seeing the ruins of Historic Jamestowne come to life in the outdoor exhibits of the Settlement. The reason why I recommend setting aside more time here is because there’s more to see. In the outdoor exhibits, you’ll want to take your time watching the actor’s presentations, asking questions, and also visiting the various sites. I was able to climb aboard all three ships here and ask questions about the journey, which I recommend doing! Aside from the outdoor exhibits, there’s a lot to see in the museums and galleries here as well. After you buy your ticket in the lobby (which was $18 for adults), you’ll want to exit left towards the galleries.

The Museum & Galleries

The galleries at the Jamestown Settlement walk you through life before Fort James, when the area was inhabited solely by Native peoples, and through the various centuries leading up to modern-day. These galleries were super interactive and informative. If you read every sign here, you could probably spend 2+ hours in this area alone. There’s also restrooms, a gift shop, and a cafe for lunch inside this building as well. Jamestown is about 20 minutes from downtown Colonial Williamsburg, so again you’ll want to drive to reach this area.

That’s all for my Historic Triangle blog post! I hope you enjoyed learning more about Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, and are well on your way to planning an upcoming visit of your own! This post gave you several recommendations for things to do in Williamsburg, Viriginia, but as always, feel free to leave any questions below. Thank you again to the Fife and Drum Inn for sponsoring this post about things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia!

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What charming places to explore! I could spend hours wandering the streets and admiring the pretty buildings! A day at the beach sounds like a delightful way to relax! Plus, I’d love to see those replica ships! Thanks for the great guide!

Love this curated guide to all the things to do in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. I love all things history so this area would be a perfect destination.

I just visited Williamsburg in June and all of these are great suggestions! The Fife & Drum Inn looks super cute too.

This is a great guide and brings me back to all the times I stopped by Williamsburg and the historical area when visiting my family in Virginia. Your pictures of the area are so pretty, too!

There is so much history in the historic triangle! I haven’t had the chance to visit yet but I’d love to especially as it is so rich with American history. All the buildings and where you stayed are so charming and look like you are stepping back in time!

Thanks for your kind words, Hannah! I hope you make it here one day!

It’s perfect for history lovers and family! I highly recommend this trip!

So glad you made it here, Anna! I hope you had an incredible time!

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed reading my guide 🙂

Yes, I loved how charming this whole area is! Totally recommend booking a trip here to learn more about US history!

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Top Things to Do in Jamestown, Virginia: Don’t Miss These Sites

When visiting Virginia’s Historic Triangle area, you really should plan to add a day visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne to your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary . Here’s what you should know about all the things to do in Jamestown, Virginia.

Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

From that tiny colonial foothold in North America came so much of the good (representative government) and the bad (slavery, conflict with Native Americans) that makes up American history.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Plan your perfect trip to Jamestown, Virginia, with this FREE printable travel planner .

Historic Jamestowne vs. Jamestown Settlement 

So, what’s the difference between Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne? Should you go to one or the other or both? 

Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that combines video, excellent exhibits, and living history to educate guests about the founding of Jamestown and what life was like there.

They have full-scale models of the three ships that brought the first settlers to Jamestown (Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed) as well as re-creations of James Fort and a Powhatan village.

Historical interpreters are on hand to answer questions about many aspects of what life was like at Jamestown, from cooking to weapons and armor. 

Historic Jamestowne, on the other hand, is the actual site of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia. It’s part U.S. National Park (Colonial National Historical Park) and part active archaeological site (Jamestown Rediscovery) managed by Preservation Virginia.

Archaeological discoveries they have made over the last 25 years are on display at the Voorhees Archaerium at Historic Jamestowne. Items there include coins, personal items, armor, and even human remains. 

I highly recommend both visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne if you can.

Since not much remains of the actual Jamestowne site, a visit to the Jamestown Settlement living history museum first will help you understand what went on at the colony, what it may have looked like, and who the key players were in its founding before you make your way to Historic Jamestowne. 

Related → What to do With One Day in Colonial Williamsburg

Jamestown ticket options 

You can purchase Jamestown Settlement tickets ahead of time online or at the large Jamestown Settlement visitor center. There are a variety of multi-day and combination tickets available (some are “online only” specials).

Visiting Jamestown Settlement 

Jamestown settlement visitor’s center and exhibit area .

Your visit to Jamestown Settlement will start at the large visitor’s center. Once you purchase your tickets (or check in with your multi-site, multi-day pass) and pick up a map, you’ll be directed to the exhibit area. 

Start with the video that shows in the theater every half hour or so, “1607: A Nation Takes Root.” It will give you an overview of the founding of Jamestown, the why’s and wherefores, and the key players. 

After you leave the theater, you’ll want to spend some time reviewing the exhibits in the galleries especially if you’re the kind of person who’s interested in myth-busting.

You’ll learn more about what life was really like for the English settlers, the native Powhatans (including Pocahontas), and those first Africans who were enslaved and forced to come to the New World. 

Jamestown Settlement recently commemorated the 400th anniversary of two very important events.

The first was the 400th anniversary of the very first meeting of the General Assembly in Jamestown in June 1619, meaning this was the very first meeting of representative government in what was to become the United States of America.

To help Jamestown Settlement celebrate this important anniversary, the National Archives of the United Kingdom lent them the minutes from that first meeting to put on display. They were old, faded, and difficult to read, but I do have to say that this history nerd geeked out quite a bit by being so close to such an important document. 

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The other important commemoration was the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the New World. Taken from Angola by the Portuguese, their ship was captured by English privateers and they were brought (along with the ship’s manifest) to English North America.

At least one of those slaves, Angela, made her way to Jamestown (more on this later). All this to say, don’t bypass the exhibit space at Jamestown Settlement. It is exceedingly well done and provides important historical context for the rest of your day.

They do not allow photography or videography in the exhibition area. 

Jamestown Settlement Outdoor Exhibits 

Once you’ve had your fill of the Jamestown Settlement indoor exhibit galleries, you can make your way to the outdoor exhibits. There you’ll find re-creations of the three ships that brought 104 settlers to Jamestown, the Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed.

When we were there, all three ships were open for visitors to climb aboard and poke around. Living history interpreters answer questions about the ships and what the voyage may have been like. 

The replica James Fort includes several buildings open for visitors to walk through such as a chapel, an armory (where the weapons, ammunition, and armor were stored), and a small house.

Living history interpreters are on hand to demonstrate early cooking techniques and offer special programs, like the fun and interactive program on 17th-century Christmas traditions we saw. 

At the Powhatan village re-creation, you can walk through reed-covered houses and talk to interpreters cooking or making weapons as the native tribes in that area did.  

Where to eat in Jamestown 

Food options are somewhat limited in Jamestown without leaving the entire Jamestown historical sites area and driving back toward Williamsburg.

The large and convenient Jamestown Settlement Café in the Jamestown Settlement Visitor Center serves good and reasonably priced lunches cafeteria style with a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

The small Dale House Café on the James River at Historic Jamestowne is also a convenient option for lunch, a snack, or a cup of coffee. You can find it between the Memorial Church and the Voorhees Archaerium. There are vegetarian and/or gluten-free options marked on the menu. 

There are picnic areas at both Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne for those who would prefer to pack a lunch.  

Visit Historic Jamestowne 

Virtually next door to Jamestown Settlement is Historic Jamestowne, the actual site of the first permanent English colony in the New World. 

Once again, you’ll want to stop at the Visitor Center to purchase your tickets or check in with your multi-day pass. The guest services representative will give you a map of Colonial National Historical Park, covering Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield plus the Colonial Parkway that connects the two sites.

He or she can also let you know when the next orientation film is showing and what special programs or tours they have scheduled for that day. 

Historic Jamestowne programs 

After you watch the film (and I always recommend you do this), you’ll exit through the rear of the Visitor Center and walk over a footbridge to the Tercentenary Monument. This is where we met up for the Historic Jamestowne tour, which was really more like a talk since we didn’t actually go anywhere. 

Always take advantage of any opportunities to join guided tours or talks with a National Park Service ranger.

They do an excellent job (Thanks, Ranger Doug!) of setting the scene and providing important historical context, especially if you’re at a site that requires a bit of imagination. 

And since you were just at Jamestown Settlement, you can dazzle the park ranger as you answer all of his questions about the history of Jamestown.

They don’t need to know that you just learned it all earlier in the day (wink, wink). But don’t be obnoxious about it. Let a few of the other visitors answer questions too.  Depending on the time of year and staffing, there might be several other tours or official programs offered throughout the day.

Walking Jamestown Island  

After the park ranger gives you an overview of Historic Jamestowne, you can use the map you picked up in the Visitor Center to continue your visit. On the map, you’ll see that the site is divided roughly in half.

To the right of the Tercentenary Monument (as you face the James River) is Old Towne, where you will find:

• the hundred-year-old Memorial Church
• a statue of Pocahontas
• a statue of John Smith
• several archaeological dig site
• part of the site of James Fort
• the Voorhees Archaerium
• Dale House Café (see “Where to eat in Jamestown” above).

The Memorial Church sits over the foundation of the Jamestown church in which the First General Assembly met in 1619.

The Archaerium is well worth a visit. Here is where you will find on display many artifacts that archaeologists have unearthed from the digs around Jamestown Island.

You’ll see all sorts of things that the colonists at Jamestowne used in everyday life, and they even have a couple of skeletons of early colonists (gulp!). 

To the left of the Tercentenary Monument is New Towne. This part of the park, showing how Jamestowne expanded, includes some ruins of old houses including the Ambler Mansion.

Signs along the way provide more information about the sites as you walk past. It is at the Pierce Properties where archeologists think it is possible they may have found the remains of some of the first enslaved Africans to ever live in the New World.

They called it “The Angela Site,” named for one of the captured women from Angola who was forced to live out the rest of her life thousands of miles from her home in Africa.  

Jamestown Island Drive 

If you are so inclined, after you walk through Historic Jamestowne, you can continue your visit by doing the Island Drive. There’s a short loop and a longer loop option, neither of which is very long.

Both are marked, just follow the signs from the Visitor Center parking lot. As you make your way around the island, signs will provide more information about what went on there.  

Where to stay in Jamestown 

There are a lot of great accommodation options all within easy distance of Jamestown and the other Historic Triangle sites. We chose to base ourselves in Williamsburg for our trip since we were going to be spending more of our time at Colonial Williamsburg than either Jamestown or Yorktown. 

We got a great rate at the Residence Inn Williamsburg and enjoyed having a free breakfast every day as well as a kitchen in our room. Check availability and room rates here .

If you would prefer to stay a little closer to Jamestown than we did you might like Wedmore Place . Each of the European-themed rooms has its own fireplace. You can check availability here .

Final thoughts on visiting Jamestown

I highly recommend spending a day in Jamestown, visiting both these important historical sites—Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne. You’ll gain an appreciation for America’s early history, and it will set the stage well for the time you spend in Colonial Williamsburg.

More articles to help you plan your visit to Virginia’s Historic Triangle

• The best day trips in Virginia
• Key tips for visiting Yorktown, Virginia
• Making the most of your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary
• Great places to eat in Williamsburg
• Essential day trip packing list

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

10 Comments

Im coming down for the Pow wow during Memorial weekend, and wanted to see Jamestown I only have one day to explore. What should I see and can you see where Pocahontas and John got married if so where would that be located?

Hi, Karen. If you only have one day, you can do the things in this post (Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne). Pocahontas and John Rolfe were married in Jamestown.

I am planning on visiting this year the triangle. However, I don’t drive and wanted to know is there shuttles that will take people to the different areas? Also, should I get one hotel close to Colonial Williamsburg and then Yorktown and Jamestown?

There is a shuttle that operates within Colonial Williamsburg, but I am unaware of any shuttle that operate between the sites. The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority covers a lot of the area, but it’s not a direct shuttle service between sites. Have you checked to see whether Uber or Lyft operate around there? As far as hotels, we tend to prefer staying in one place rather than changing hotels, especially for visiting sites just a few miles apart. You’ll find a lot more hotel options close to Colonial Williamsburg.

We are planning a trip for the week after Christmas 2021. Will this be a good time to visit?

Hey, Glenda. That’s a great question. I’ve never been the week after Christmas but I have been there just before Christmas and it was a nice time to visit for the most part because it was not crowded and Jamestown Settlement had some Christmas programs going on. It was on the cold side so that’s something to consider. Also at Historic Jamestowne there was no activity at the archeological digs since it was so close to Christmas; however, that doesn’t mean they won’t be active the week after Christmas this year.

We have just came back from our 2nd vist to Jamestown. I would highly recommend going just to Historic Jamestown, the other is somewhat run down and a waste of time.

Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your experience at Jamestown Settlement. Our experience there was excellent and we recommend it without reservation.

I regret not going to Jamestown when I lived in DC. It would have been such an easy weekend trip. This post makes me want to go and visit.

I hope you can one day. My husband and I really thought it was a great day. Thanks for reading!

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Jamestown, Yorktown or W'burg? - Williamsburg Forum

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Hi, all. We're headed your way for about a day and a half next week (wish it were more!). Recently a friend told me they decided just to go to Jamestown and Yorktown and skipped W'burg. They were glad with their choice, she said. Two others, who had been to both, said skip Jamestown/Yorktown and spend as much time at W'burg as possible. I'm totally confused! ;) We have a family of 7 - kids aged 7-14 plus grandma/grandpa (young, athletic ones). What would you all suggest? Thanks!

Have you thought about how much you want to spend? Tickets for all of you for just a short period in CW can be expensive (probably about 25-30 per person). Jamestown/Yorktown cost quite a bit less. I don't know if this would be a factor in your decision, but it is something for thought for you. Your kids would probably enjoy Jamestown since there are many hands on activities there...Yorktown not as many. CW does have activities for kids, so call ahead to find out what they are, if there are costs involved, etc.

I will try to provide some information to help you make up your mind, and you have to understand that there are two Jamestowns, both historic in nature, and two historic Yorktowns, plus a modern Yorktown.

When you do have the passes, figure on an hour for each building you want to tour; this includes waiting in line, taking the guided tour, and moving on to the next building.

All prices listed below are for the 2005 season - they are probably different this year.

Ticket prices are $34 per adult for a one-day pass and $48 for a two-day pass. I would suggest the two-day pass; there are some buildings that the two-day pass will get you into that the one-day pass will not. I suggest that you spend your first day in the area at either Jamestown or Yorktown, then take a walk through Colonial Williamsburg that evening to scout out the area. Then get your tickets early the next day, leaving your car in the visitor center parking lot, and use the shuttle bus system to get around.

Colonial National Park includes Jamestown Island, the actual site of Jamestown, the Yorktown battlefield, and some buildings in the village of Yorktown. The admission fee is $10 per adult, which includes both the Jamestown and Yorktown portions of the park - the pass is good for 7 days, not just the day you buy it (if you only want to tour one, fees are $8 for Jamestown only, $5 for Yorktown only). Jamestown Island also has the recreated Glasshouse (they make glass there). The Colonial Parkway is a road that connects the Yorktown and Jamestown portions of the park, and it is accessible without a fee - good views of the James and York rivers from the Parkway.

Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are not part of the National Park system, but are provided by Virginia . Admission fees are $17.00 per adult for both, or $11.75 for Jamestown only and $8.25 for Yorktown only. The displays are a lot more interactive than the national parks - or example, at Jamestown Settlement are replicas of the ships the original colonists arrived in, of Jamestown Fort, and of a Powhatan Indian village.

Thank you! How very confusing if you didn't know this. Your response will save us lots of time and confusion. I like the idea of going to Jamestown then scouting out the bldgs for W'burg so we know where we want to go the next day.

Since we're coming all the way from Seattle, I don't want to miss the "best parts" because we don't want to spend the money, but I had no idea how much this was all going to add up to. It's going to be quite a lot! Do you think just Jamestown (the one with the ships and hands on things) and a one day pass to W'burg will be sufficient? Are the things the two day W'burg pass gets you into really a priority worth the extra even if we aren't going to be there for two days?

Thanks again! I know this info will make a significant difference in how much we can relax and enjoy our trip!

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• Information on accessiblity for Colonial Williamsburg's sites

Welcome to WIlliamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown!

• February 27, 2024

On behalf of City Council and our residents, welcome to the Greater Williamsburg area. We are a unique community, having the charm of a small town and the sophistication and vibrancy of a 21st-century city. This makes Williamsburg a wonderful place to live and visit. Here you can be a part of the story at Colonial Williamsburg, the internationally renowned living history museum that brings the 18th century to life. Watch skilled tradespeople demonstrate 18th-century craftsmanship, and interact with historic interpreters in a “Revolutionary City” street scene to debate issues that are just as relevant today as during the Revolution. Nearby you will find further opportunities to explore our rich history at Jamestown and Yorktown.

Williamsburg is also home to William & Mary, one of America’s oldest institutions of higher learning (boasting Thomas Jefferson among its illustrious alumni), and the students and faculty add energy and creativity to our city. Throughout the year we offer an exceptional array of visual and performing arts as well as outstanding shopping and dining. For modern thrills and entertainment, Busch Gardens and Water Country, USA are here, too.

Whatever you choose, I wish you a wonderful stay in our community and extend a warm invitation for you to return.

Finally, Williamsburg is a green community, so you can easily leave your car behind. We’re bike- and pedestrian-friendly, or you can take one of the natural-gas powered shuttle buses or the Williamsburg Trolley. We have championship golf courses—one that is Audubon-certified—and beautiful parks for hiking and kayaking. Williamsburg Farmers Market has been voted one of America’s Favorites for 22 years.

Douglas Pons, Mayor CITY OF Williamsburg

My name is Ruth Larson, and I am the chair of Visit Williamsburg. On behalf of my colleagues, it is our pleasure to roll out the red carpet for you. 

I was born and raised in this community. My first paying job was as a front desk clerk at the Patrick Henry Inn. I fell in love and got married here, raised a family here. I have served on the School Board, and I currently serve as a member of the James City County Board of Supervisors. 

My families’ roots run deep here. I tell you all of that so I can tell you this. I am proud of the people and places of my hometown and if you’re looking to refresh, unwind and relax in a safe and fun environment, I am happy to inform that you have chosen the right place to enjoy life at your pace.

Welcome! Ruth Larson

• Douglas Pons , Mayor , Ruth Larson , welcome to williamsburg
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Best Tips for Visiting Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown With Kids

By: Author tanialamb

Posted on Published: May 3, 2019

What’s there to do when visiting Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown with kids? I’m glad you asked. You can visit ships, farms, forts, Indian villages, army encampments, and that’s just to name a few. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown with kids.

Thank you, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, for hosting us. All opinions are my own.

Best Tips When Visiting Jamestown and Yorktown With Kids

When deciding where to visit and vacation with my family, I want them to experience something different each time. In my girls’ old elementary school, the 4th grade field trip was always to Jamestown Settlement. My oldest daughter couldn’t stop talking about it. Then we moved to Texas and changed schools.

Eventually we came back to Virginia, but their new schools didn’t have the same field trip. Luckily, we’re close enough to visit with our whole family. Admittedly, I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough for the little kids to do in Jamestown and Yorktown, but my fears were put to ease.

Between the exhibits and movies inside to the outdoor spaces, villages, and farms, your children can run out some energy! 

Buy the Combo Ticket to Jamestown and Yorktown

One of the best tips when visiting Jamestown and Yorktown is to purchase the combination ticket! You won’t be able to do it all in one day. There are too many awesome things to see.

Visit Jamestown Settlement one day and then visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown the next day or vice versa. You decide. You’ll get 7 days of unlimited admission! Plus you’ll save 20% off the single admission price.

How much are tickets to Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown?

The combination tickets for adults are $26 and kids 6-12 are $12.50. Kids 6 and under are free! Purchase your tickets online !

Where to Stay When Visiting Jamestown and Yorktown

Staying in Williamsburg is close enough to both Jamestown and Yorktown, plus you get the benefit of all the restaurants nearby. We stayed at the Holiday Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Historic Gateway and had a fabulous time! With our larger family, we stayed in two connecting rooms, but they also offer suites.

The rooms were clean, had a mini fridge, a desk, and they also had an indoor pool! My kids loved being able to swim at night, and even sat in the hot tub for a few minutes. If there’s a pool, my kids are happy! Plus, the location was central to everything we needed.

Where to Eat in Jamestown and Yorktown

While visiting the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, we didn’t want to leave the fun, so we ate at both food courts. The selection was plentiful, and the prices were reasonable.

In Yorktown I ate chili and cornbread while the kids opted for sandwiches and brownies as big as your head. The dining area at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown is smaller and has a quaint feel and closes earlier than the museum hours.

At Jamestown Settlement, the quick-service dining location is bigger and has plenty of options for everyone like salads, pizza, chicken fingers, ice cream, and jello. Oh how we ate our weight in jello. We liked it so much, we ate there twice!

Jamestown Settlement

My best advice is to arrive early, like right when they open, or stay later. Jamestown Settlement is popular and can get crowded. I had to laugh as we walked to the Jamestown Settlement outside areas, and the people behind me yelled, “This is way better than Busch Gardens!” I admit, it is very impressive.

You get a real feel of what it was like to live in Jamestown at James Fort. You can walk through buildings and live a day in the life. You’ll see bedrooms, an Anglican church, furniture, kitchens, weapons, etc. Plus there are historical interpreters that give you more information and offer demonstrations on meal prep and how to fire a musket.

Jamestown Settlement Ships

Exploring the Jamestown Settlement ships were probably my 6-year-old’s favorite part. Being able to go onboard and below deck provided her a sense of adventure.

Re-creations of three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607 are moored at Jamestown Settlement’s pier for visitors to board and explore.

Powhatan Indian Village

You can also explore the Powhatan way of life in a re-created village featuring reed-covered houses, crops and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts. Learn about the world of Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan. The whole village was really beautiful.

TENACITY – Women of Jamestown and Early Virginia

As the mother of 5 girls, TENACITY was the exhibit I was waiting to see. TENACITY: Women in Jamestown and Early Virginia,” is a special yearlong exhibition on display November 10, 2018, to January 5, 2020. It explores little-known, captivating personal stories of real women in Jamestown and the early Virginia colony.

The exhibit is very powerful and meaningful, describing women in different roles, each offering their own contributions. At the end you can see examples of modern role models and even have your picture taken and added to a timeline for your personal contributions to the world. It made me grateful for the responsibility and honor of raising 5 young women.

The gift shop upstairs had a ton of merchandise reflecting the power and importance of women in history. I even purchased a “Votes for Women” mug. I loved it! It reminded me of Mary Poppins and the Sister Suffregette scene.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

If your kids are a fan of Hamilton, then they’ll love the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. My kids learned all about Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence and even read Common Sense by Thomas Paine, like the lyrics of The Schuyler Sisters.

The Continental Army Encampment 

Here you’ll get to experience what life was like for a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  You can walk into the tents, see their bedding and clothing, and talk to volunteers portraying soldiers.

The kids loved being able to be a part of the action. We saw a musket demonstration, and they all got to hold one. It was a lot heavier than they thought!

While learning in textbooks and online is a more practical way to learn America’s history, it’s the hands-on learning that makes a powerful impact. My 6-year-old loved pretending to write letters while sporting a revolutionary hat.

Her older sisters, meanwhile, decided to test out the sleeping quarters.

Jamestown and Yorktown For Little Ones

If you have little ones and are visiting Jamestown and Yorktown, I suggest doing a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Watch a movie, then take a look outside. Come back and explore more exhibits, then venture outdoors again. 

We also grabbed lunch, made pressed pennies, got snacks, and explored. Everyone had a great time, and I think my husband could have stayed there for several more days reading all the information at every gallery. 

If I say the phrase, “History is fun!” I may get some eye rolls from a couple of my kids. But when I say, let’s go pretend we’re a colonist, their smiles get big, and they know exactly what I’m talking about.

Learn more about what we experienced at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown in this video!

• Directions & Maps
• Hours & Schedule
• Events Calendar
• Group Information
• Family Activities
• Shopping & Dining
• Accessibility
• Dig Updates Explore Jamestown Rediscovery’s exciting finds in monthly archaeological updates. Archives cover years of archaeology at James Fort.
• Map of Discoveries Click each James Fort feature to learn more about what archaeologists have learned in 20 years of work.
• Dig Deeper Videos
• Digital reDiscovery Virtual Tour
• Publications & Resources
• Field School
• Archaearium The award-winning Archaearium museum houses over 2000 artifacts that bring James Fort’s story to life.
• Explore the Artifacts Explore selected artifacts from Jamestown Rediscovery's collection.
• Collections Research Resources
• Archaearium Virtual Tour
• History Timeline Follow the growth of England’s first permanent colony in North America and learn about life in James Fort.
• Genealogy Find your connection to the Jamestown story.
• History of Jamestown
• First Settlers
• The First General Assembly
• The First Africans
• Educators & Students Bring Jamestown to the classroom through our lesson plans and virtual school programs.
• Kids & Families Download kid-friendly activities and learn more about family fun on the island.
• Jamestown from Home Explore online resources to learn more about the archaeology and history of Jamestown.
• The Jamestown Fund Making a gift directly supports the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation’s ongoing efforts to research, preserve, and educate about the significance of the original site of America’s birthplace.
• Save Jamestown Support our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on Jamestown and its archaeological resources.
• Jamestown Legacy Society Learn more about making a lasting impact by including the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation in your estate plans.

connecting with the colonists

Historic Jamestowne offers much to see and do. A typical visit can last 2 to 3 hours, but those wishing to delve deeper into Jamestown's history can easily spend half a day or more exploring the island. See archaeology in action as the Jamestown Rediscovery team continues to excavate parts of the island. Listen as an archaeologist or education specialist tells the story of the first colonists or describes the most spectacular archaeological discoveries. The 1907 Memorial Church is a cool space to contemplate the beginning of English representative democracy in North America. Break for lunch or a quick snack at the Dale House Café by the water’s edge before continuing on to the Archaearium, a museum that houses some of the most spectacular of the three million artifacts uncovered since the Jamestown Rediscovery Project began in 1994. Explore the links below to help plan your next visit!

In 2019, we will be commemorating the 400th anniversary of the First Assembly at Jamestown. Join us for our upcoming events, in participation with American Evolution and Virginia is for Lovers .

plan your visit

Explore this interactive map to learn about all of the things to see and do at Historic Jamestowne, from visiting the Archaearium museum to seeing an active excavation.

tours & programs

Explore the James Fort site with an archaeologist who has troweled the ground, a Park Ranger who has studied the stories, or an educator who can bring the past to life.

family activities

Learn more about the fun and educational programs for our younger visitors.

hours & schedule

Find current operating hours and see what programs are offered this week.

events calendar

Check for upcoming living history events and other special days on the island.

directions & maps

Shopping & dining, accessibility.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse? Here's when you should look up in your area

On Monday, April 8, the sky will momentarily darken for millions of Americans in the path of totality during the 2024 solar eclipse .

This is the first total solar eclipse to pass through North America in seven years, and the next one will not be seen from the contiguous U.S. until Aug. 23, 2044 , according to NASA .

The exact time the solar eclipse will occur will vary, depending on the state and the time zone. And of course, eclipse visibility will also be dependent on Monday's weather .

Whether you're experiencing the path of totality from home or traveling to witness it in person, here's what to expect for the exact eclipse time.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The eclipse will begin in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday, April 8 before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even if you're not in the path of totality and won't see the full eclipse, you may still see a percentage of it.

To find out exactly when the eclipse will be happening in your area, you can search by USA TODAY's database by zip code for a viewing guide.

Even if you still see a fraction of the eclipse, you can use the database to search the time, duration, peak and percentage in your area.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality in the United States (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Where is the 2024 total solar eclipse?

The eclipse begins in Mexico , and then crosses over into the U.S. through Texas. From there, the path of totality, which is approximately 115 miles wide, extends northeast, crossing through 13 states. In the U.S., totality will end in Maine, but the eclipse will eventually enter the maritime provinces of Canada.

Other major cities along the eclipse's path of totality include San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Indianapolis; and Rochester and Syracuse, New York.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Ramon Padilla and Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY.

Watch CBS News

What time does the solar eclipse start, peak and end in New York? Map shows timeline

By Renee Anderson

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 4:54 PM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK --  The 2024 solar eclipse  peaked  Monday afternoon in New York . The lasted up to four minutes before it ended. 

Upstate New York was lucky enough to fall within the path of totality , where the moon will fully cover the sun. New York City will see a partial eclipse, with the moon covering about 90% of the sun's light. 

CBS News New York  streamed live coverage  of the eclipse with reporters across New York and New Jersey, as well as Chief Weathercaster Lonnie Quinn in Lake Placid and CBS2 News at 5 Anchor Kristine Johnson in Niagara Falls. 

• Solar eclipse 2024 live updates and scenes from the path of totality

What time will the solar eclipse start, peak and end in New York's path of totality?

The  total solar eclipse  started around 2:07 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2024 along Mexico's Pacific coast. It will then travel across parts of the United States and Canada before leaving continental North America at 5:19 p.m. EDT.    

It is expected to enter southwestern New York shortly after 3:15 p.m., then leave the northeastern part of the state just before 3:30 p.m. The  124-mile stretch through New York spans 29 counties , including cities like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

The entire event will last approximately two and a half hours, but the total solar eclipse will only be visible for about two to four minutes, depending on location.

• Jamestown: Partial eclipse begins 2:03:38 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:17:55 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:20:46 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:31:43 p.m.
• Buffalo: Partial eclipse begins 2:04:56 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:18:20 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:22:06 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:32:10 p.m.
• Rochester: Partial eclipse begins 2:07:00 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:20:08 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:23:47 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:33:26 p.m.
• Syracuse:  Partial eclipse begins 2:09:01 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:23:03 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:24:30 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:34:49 p.m.
• Watertown: Partial eclipse begins 2:10:05 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:22:33 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:26:12 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:35:01 p.m.
• Plattsburgh: Partial eclipse begins 2:14:03 p.m., Full eclipse begins 3:25:44 p.m., Full eclipse ends 3:29:18 p.m. , Partial eclipse ends 4:37:07 p.m.

The path of totality will then move over Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

• Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times across the U.S.

What time will the solar eclipse start, peak and end in NYC? 

New York City is expected to see a partial solar eclipse, with the moon covering about 90 percent of the sun. The partial eclipse will peak at 3:25 p.m. across the five boroughs, lasting no more than a minute.

• Staten Island gets the first glimpse, with the peak starting around 3:25:11 p.m. in Tottenville and ending around 3:25:28 p.m. in Tompkinsville.
• Next it will peak in southwestern Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Coney Island, around 3:25:30 p.m. 
• In the heart of Manhattan, peak is expected at 3:25:39 p.m. by the southern end of Central Park and then at 3:25:41 p.m. by the northern end.
• The peak wraps up in northeastern Queens, including Little Neck, Glen Oaks and Floral Park, around 3:25:59 p.m. 

City officials warn people to use caution as they drive and walk around during the eclipse. Drivers are urged to use their headlights, especially during the peak, and state officials say cars are not allowed to pull over and watch from the shoulder of roadways. 

• Lake Placid

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