Most visitors treat Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown as the whole trip, but the surrounding country holds a second layer of history and scenery that is well worth a day. Three directions work best: west along the James River to the plantations, east to the coast at Hampton and Newport News, and north to the wild shoreline of the York River. All can be done from a base in Williamsburg.
Day trip one: the James River plantations
Route 5, the scenic road between Williamsburg and Richmond, is lined with some of Virginia’s oldest estates. Berkeley Plantation is about 30 miles from Williamsburg, a 1726 Georgian mansion on the James with a claim to an early Thanksgiving in 1619, the birthplace of William Henry Harrison and the place where Taps was first played in 1862. Sherwood Forest Plantation was the retirement home of President John Tyler and is described as America’s longest frame house, with self-guided grounds open daily and house tours by appointment. Shirley Plantation, founded in 1613 and still home to the Hill Carter family, offers a guided tour of the first floor of the manor house and a self-guided grounds walk, with open days March through December, Monday to Saturday. Doing all three in one day is possible but rushed, so choose two and linger. Upper Shirley Vineyards next door to Shirley is a convenient lunch stop. The drive is about 45 minutes each way.
Day trip two: Hampton and Newport News
The peninsula’s coastal side has two excellent sites. Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton is a moated stone fort at Old Point Comfort, with the first Africans in Virginia memorial from 1619, a free Casemate Museum, a lighthouse and a beach. The visitor center and museum open Wednesday through Sunday, so plan the day accordingly. The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, America’s national maritime museum, has a USS Monitor Center, charges just $1 for museum admission and has a free five-mile trail around Mariners’ Lake. Together they make a satisfying day, with about 40 minutes of driving in each direction. Fort Monroe fits the morning, and the Mariners’ Museum fits the afternoon, especially if the weather turns.
Day trip three: York River State Park
If you want nature, drive to the park near Williamsburg, which covers 2,954 acres and protects an estuary where fresh water and salt water meet. It has more than 40 miles of trails, a fossil beach reached along the Mattaponi Trail, a fishing pier and, when offered, guided canoe and kayak trips. It is a day-use park, open from 8 a.m. to dusk, with parking fees. Bring water, sturdy shoes and insect repellent in warm weather.
Day trip four: Yorktown after hours
This is a half-day rather than a day trip, but it deserves a mention. The Yorktown waterfront at Riverwalk Landing, the Victory Monument and Main Street are free to walk, and the York River views at sunset are among the best in the region. If you have already toured the battlefield, return in the evening for dinner by the water, or visit for one of the seasonal events such as Yorktown Market Days or the Christmas tree lighting.
Longer excursions
Richmond and Washington are within reach by tour or car but are long days; a guided tour that leaves from Williamsburg is the simplest way to make a Washington day without driving. Check tour providers for current availability. For a quieter option, a small-group sailing lesson on the water gives a very different view of the Chesapeake region.
Planning tips
Check opening days before you drive: Shirley Plantation is closed on Sundays and in winter, Fort Monroe’s visitor center and museum close Mondays and Tuesdays, and many sites close on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Pair indoor and outdoor stops so that bad weather does not spoil a day. Fill the tank and bring snacks for the Route 5 drive, because services are sparse. A car is essential for all of these trips, and parking is free or inexpensive at most sites.
Where to base yourself
Staying near the Historic Area keeps you close to the Colonial Parkway and Route 60, which lead to all of these directions. The Williamsburg Lodge and the Hampton Inn and Suites are convenient, and Kingsmill Resort sits on the James River on the eastern side of town if you plan to head toward Hampton.
