Jamestown, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ready to explore America's beginnings? Jamestown, Virginia marks the first English settlement in North America. It's rich in history and outdoor fun. You can step into the life of the past at Colonial Williamsburg or have a blast at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Both are great for all ages. But what more can you find in this historic spot?

Join us in discovering the top activities in Jamestown, Virginia. Visit the digging site at Historic Jamestowne. Here, the 17th-century settlement's remains are found. Next, visit Jamestown Settlement. You can see a Powhatan Indian Village and a mock-up fort there. Don't miss walking through Yorktown Battlefield. This was where America won its independence in the Revolutionary War. It's a journey through history.

There's more to see than just old places. Take in the stunning Chesapeake Bay. Go on a boat tour or travel by RV through beautiful landscapes. Jamestown is not just for history lovers. It's for anyone who wants a bit of everything, from colonial tales to outdoor joy.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the rich history of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia.
• Explore immersive living history experiences at Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.
• Traverse the Yorktown Battlefield and learn about the American Revolution's decisive moments.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay through guided boat tours and outdoor adventures.
• Embark on an RV adventure to explore Jamestown and the surrounding region at your own pace.

Explore Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping into the 18th century. You walk through the area and see people in old clothes. They show what life was like back then. This lets you really get a feel for those times.

Historic Area

Take a walk through Colonial Williamsburg. The streets and buildings are just like they were in the 1700s. You can meet craftsmen and see how people lived. It's a vivid peek into history.

Art Museums

Visit art museums in Colonial Williamsburg to see colonial art. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum has old furniture and more. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum shows the art of that time.

Guided Tours

Join a guided tour to really dive into the history of Colonial Williamsburg. These tours cover the important places and traditions. They give you a deep insight into daily colonial life.

Discover Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne was the first site of the 1607 Jamestown settlement. It shows us the early days of English people in the New World. Walking there, you feel like you're going back in time. You see the rich history and amazing findings from the past.

Archaeological Dig Site

At the dig site, they've found parts of the first English settlement. You can watch archaeologists carefully uncover items and old structures. These findings tell us much about the Jamestown colonists' lives.

Memorial Church

Visit the Memorial Church to see the settlers' strong faith. It's built on the same place as the 17th-century church. Here, you can feel the early Jamestown settlers' hard work and faith to build a new society.

Yeardley House

See the Yeardley House, a unique surviving home of the settlers. It’s been restored to show how the settlers lived. It helps us imagine their daily life and the choices they made.

Strolling through Historic Jamestowne, you sense the deep history. The sites and findings give us a real link to the Jamestown colonists. It helps us understand and value what they accomplished.

Experience Jamestown Settlement

The Jamestown Settlement is next to the Historic Jamestowne. It's a museum where the 17th-century colony comes to life. You'll see immersive exhibits and demos. They show the cultural heritage of the area. Start with the Powhatan Indian Village. Here, you'll learn about native traditions.

There is a colonial fort to visit too. It's all recreated. You'll see what life was like for the colonists.

Powhatan Indian Village

Learn about the Powhatan people. They were a tribe in the Jamestown area. At the recreated village, see how they lived.

Observe their crafts and learn about their farming. Understand their society.

Colonial Fort

Visit the recreated colonial fort. It's like stepping back in time. There are true-to-the-time buildings and tools.

Interact with people in period clothing. Join in on activities. This will help you understand the colonist's lives.

Visit Yorktown Battlefield

At the Yorktown Battlefield, Americans won a key battle in the Revolutionary War. It reminds us of the huge efforts and fights for our freedom. This place honors the courage of those who made the US free. It's a must-see for history lovers.

Surrender Field

At Surrender Field, imagine the end of the fighting. British troops gave up, and Americans won. Think of the relief and joy the American soldiers felt. They had fought hard for their freedom.

Battlefield Tour Road

Walk the Battlefield Tour Road to learn about the battles. You'll see the old forts and positions. It shows how smart and brave the Americans were in the fight.

American Revolution Museum

Don't miss the American Revolution Museum near the battlefield. It tells the Revolution's story well. You'll feel closer to the people who won our freedom. The museum really brings history to life.

Thrill at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Looking for something exciting? Try Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It's a top-notch theme park that mixes thrill rides with an Old World village feel. Here, you can fly high on rollercoasters, go on epic water rides, and enjoy different areas inspired by countries around the world. Whether with family or friends, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a great place to have fun.

Jamestown, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Jamestown, Virginia has more than just historic spots and theme parks. It boasts hidden gems like the Jamestown Glasshouse at Jamestown Settlement. Here, you can see 17th-century glassblowing in action. Skilled artisans show how the original Jamestown colonists made glass.

Glasshouse

Visiting the Glasshouse lets you travel back in time. You can see how glassblowing was done by the early Jamestown settlers. The artisans shape and craft glass items beautifully. These items are not only pieces of art but also show the cleverness of the colonial period.

Jamestown Beach

Want a quiet break? Visit Jamestown Beach by the James River. You can swim, have a picnic, or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It’s a great spot to relax and feel the area's natural beauty with its rich history nearby.

Yorktown Victory Center

The Yorktown Victory Center dives into the last main fight of the American Revolution. Live the Revolutionary War Encampment and see what life was like for soldiers. You'll also find a reenacted 1780s farm. It shows how civilians helped the war.

Revolutionary War Encampment

Experience the Revolutionary War Encampment and imagine being in the soldiers' shoes. You'll learn about their daily life, jobs, and the tough times they faced. This was all in preparation for the big battle against the British.

Outdoor Living Museum

Visit the outdoor living museum at the Yorktown Victory Center. There, a detailed 1780s farm awaits. See what civilians did to aid the war, like growing food, raising animals, and making clothes.

Chesapeake Bay Highlights

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. For nature lovers, it's a paradise. Here, you can enjoy boat tours or water sports. There are many ways to experience the bay's beauty.

Boat Tours

Jump on a boat tour to see this area's wildlife and maritime history. These tours are a great way to learn and relax. They show the importance of the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Or, get hands-on with kayaking or paddleboarding. Feel the calm of the bay as you paddle. It's a peaceful way to see the bay's wonders.

GoRVing Tours

Go on an adventure in Jamestown, Virginia, and its surroundings while in an RV. GoRVing Tours offers tailored plans and help for those eager to explore the region's historic spots, natural wonders, and beautiful views on their own time. It doesn't matter if you've been RVing for years or if this is your first camping adventure. GoRVing Tours is here to support you in creating an unforgettable journey through this stunning part of Virginia.

Riverwalk Landing

Riverwalk Landing is right by the scenic York River in Yorktown. It's a perfect place for anyone who loves the water. You can choose to eat at casual spots by the river or dine in fancy places with great views. They all serve local seafood and other tasty dishes.

Waterfront Dining

Riverwalk Landing has a lot of dining options for you to enjoy. You can walk along and find many places to eat, from small cafes to fancy restaurants. Each spot has its own special dishes for you to try while you look out over the river. You'll find lots of food to love here, from seafood to local and international treats.

Live Entertainment

At night, Riverwalk Landing becomes a hub of live entertainment by the York River. You can enjoy live music and exciting outdoor events. There are festivals that everyone can have fun at, enjoying everything from local bands to seasonal fun. It's a great place to be for a lively night with a fantastic atmosphere.

Conclusion

Jamestown, Virginia, offers history and fun outdoors for everyone. It's great for all ages. You can explore Colonial Williamsburg or see the archaeological sites of Historic Jamestowne.

Another fun spot is Busch Gardens with its exciting rides. Don't miss the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Visit Jamestown for a chance to make memories that last a lifetime.

Jamestown is full of culture and has many things to explore outside. It's a key place to learn about America's history. Come and discover the unique blend of the past and present here.