12 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia

1. Visit the Mariners' Museum and Park

Are you fond of marine objects and collections? If yes, make sure you visit Mariners’ Museum and Park when vacationing in Williamsburg. It houses one of the most extensive maritime collections in the world. You can find more than 32,000 objects here as well as many archived materials preserved and conserved in the Mariners’ Museum. You are sure to appreciate the collection here.

Mariners' Museum and Park

Address: The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606

Website: Mariners’ Museum and Park

Opening hours: Museum: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm; Park: 6am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 1-7 USD

2. Catch a movie at Kimball Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Kimball Theatre is the performing arts center of Williamsburg and is located in the popular Merchant’s Square. This 410-seat theater offers a main theater that regularly screens movies. Many a community program and performances are held here. Make sure to catch a movie at the popular Kimball Theatre when holidaying in Williamsburg.

Kimball Theatre

Address: Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester St. Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: Kimball Theatre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Price: Varies

3. Buy peanut butter from Whitley's Peanut Factory

Do you love munching on peanuts and spreading peanut butter on your sandwiches? Make sure you include visiting Whitley’s Peanut Factory in your growing list of unique things to do in Williamsburg. For over 33 years, this establishment is known for producing the finest quality Virginia peanuts. Do not miss eating Whitley’s ‘home-cooked’ peanuts which are known for their crunchy freshness and distinct flavor.

Peanuts here are made in an old-fashioned way and are hand cooked slowly to perfection. You can find a great variety, such as salted, unsalted, sweet, roasted-n-shelled, redskin, and seasoned peanuts to please your palate. Also, you can find here the finest quality peanut butter. So, buy peanuts and peanut butter for you and your loved ones back home.

Whitley's Peanut Factory

Address: Whitley’s Peanut Factory, 1351 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Website: Whitley’s Peanut Factory

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 9.30am - 6pm; Thu - Sat: 9.30am - 8pm

Price: 13.95 USD

4. Explore the Public Hospital Museum

Pay a visit to the Public Hospital Museum, which is known for being a treatment center in the 18th century, for the mentally ill. It is often illustrated as ‘part jail, part infirmary’ by the historians. It is the first building structure of its kind in North America. Explore the museum by walking among the haunting sounds of past residents. Learn about the treatments used that you may not have heard earlier.

Public Hospital Museum

Address: Public Hospital Museum, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: Public Hospital Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 10-70 USD

5. Ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for free

Are you longing for a pleasant ferry ride? Then, do not miss a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. It is a free ferry service which takes vehicles and travelers comfortably and safely across the scenic James River. It comprises of four vessels. Each ferry ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the charming James River one way. So, enjoy a refreshing ferry ride for free.

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Address: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Website: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

6. Canoe at Waller Mill Park

While it is vast and scenic, Waller Mill Park is a hidden gem in Williamsburg. This amazing park is located near a reservoir that has been open since July 1972. You can find here a lovely 360-acre (145.68-hectare) lake to enjoy activities, such as boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. So, have fun in the pleasant waters of this lake. Also, you can find here many picnic tables, play fields, picnic shelters, and playground equipment for your recreation.

Waller Mill Parky

Address: Waller Mill Park, 901 Airport Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Website: Waller Mill Park

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 2-25 USD

7. Go on a wine tasting tour at AleWerks

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Established in 2006, AleWerks is a popular hometown brewery in Williamsburg supplying fine beers to the stores and restaurants of the entire Virginia state and Washington DC. Besides this, it also hosts regular tours which let you taste the beer in the taproom of the brewery. If you wish to taste beer at AleWerks, go for its Brewery Tour which comprises of a guided tasting session. Learn about the history of AleWerks, an overview of the brewing process of AleWerks, and visit the Taproom. Only guests over the age of 21 are allowed.

AleWerks Brewery Tour

Address: AleWerks Brewing Company, 189B Ewell Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Website: AleWerks Brewing Company

Opening hours: Taproom Hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

Price: 8-9 USD

8. Buy antiques at the Williamsburg Antique Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you an antique lover? If so, Williamsburg Antique Mall is not just any other attraction in Williamsburg. This establishment has been in business since 1997 with numerous antique dealers exhibiting their unique collectibles. You can find rare artifacts, vintage jewelry, impressive antique furniture, and several trinkets for sale here. Shop for your choice of antiques.

Williamsburg Antique Mall

Address: Williamsburg Antique Mall, 500 Lightfoot Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23188

Website: Williamsburg Antique Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

9. Visit Lord Botetourt Statue

Visit the statue of Lord Botetourt, which stands in the front of the famous Wren Building in Williamsburg. Lord Botetourt i.e. Norborne Berkeley was well known as the governor of the Virginia colony from the year 1768 to 1770. Today, the Lord Botetourt Medal is rewarded as the top prize to a graduating senior, eligible for a scholarship.

Lord Botetourt Statue

Address: Lord Botetourt Statue, Wren Bldg, 111 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Website: Lord Botetourt Statue

10. Visit Williamsburg Winery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Embark on a delightful journey through Virginia’s wine country with a visit to the Williamsburg Winery in Williamsburg. This esteemed winery is nestled amidst picturesque vineyards and rolling hills and offers a charming and immersive wine-tasting experience. Take a guided tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities to learn about the winemaking process and the rich history of winemaking in the region.

Indulge in a tasting of their award-winning wines, carefully crafted from locally sourced grapes. From crisp whites to robust reds and delicate rosés, the Williamsburg Winery showcases a diverse selection that caters to every palate. Enhance your visit by enjoying a stroll through the vineyards or savoring a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, which offers delectable pairings of food and wine.

Visit Williamsburg Winery

Address: 5800 Wessex Hundred Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: Williamsburg Winery

Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 12pm - 5:30pm; Fri: 12pm - 6:30pm; Sat: 11am - 6:30pm

11. Drive through the Colonial Parkway

Experience the charm of centuries past as you embark on a scenic drive through the Colonial Parkway in Williamsburg. This historic roadway takes you back in time, connecting three iconic sites: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. As you cruise along the tree-lined Parkway, you’ll be immersed in the ambiance of colonial America. Admire the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, including glimpses of the James River and serene forests.

Take advantage of the numerous pull-off points and overlooks to pause and appreciate the panoramic vistas. Capture photos of the historic landmarks and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the nearby attractions, including the living history museum of Colonial Williamsburg, the archaeological site of Jamestown, and the Revolutionary War battlefield at Yorktown.

Explore Williamsburg in an altogether new way

Williamsburg is a fascinating destination with an abundance of exciting activities to enjoy. So, enjoy all the unusual activities in Williamsburg, Virginia when vacationing here. Enrich your travel experience by exploring Williamsburg in a unique way.