City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Williamsburg, Virginia
Founded in 1638, Williamsburg is located between Baltimore, Maryland and Virginia Beach. With easy access to the James River and the York River, as well as Mobjack Bay and the Chesapeake Bay, the historic city is a prime destination for boaters. When you're ready to get off the water for a while, history, shopping and roller coasters make for a fun collection of activities the whole crew can enjoy from a private boat dock for rent.
Colonial Williamsburg
The living history museum of Colonial Williamsburg offers gardens, tours, costumed guides and authentic Colonial-era buildings, homes and businesses such as shoemakers, apothecaries, blacksmiths and more. Notable buildings include Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the stately Capitol Building (Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia during the Colonial era) as well as historic tavern eateries (you’ll want to make reservations in advance) like Josiah Chowning’s Tavern and Shield’s Tavern. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or scan the fields for sheep, horses and cows as you stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street, E. Nicholson Street and E. Francis Street.
Merchant’s Square, at the end of Duke of Gloucester Street, offers shopping and dining in an 18th-century-inspired setting. Check out the toy, cheese, peanut and tea and spice shops. Don’t miss the candy store. It’s one of our favorites to visit from a private boat lift for rent. The 1933 Kimball Theatre holds performances by the community and William & Mary college students.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg / Water Country USA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the most beautiful theme parks around (in fact, it’s won the Most Beautiful Theme Park award for the past 30+ years). Spend the day riding roller coasters, listening to live music and meeting unique animals like gray wolves, Clydesdales and Scottish highland cattle. The European-themed villages of England, Ireland, Scotland Germany and Italy offer shopping, dining and expert landscaping.
Busch Gardens’ sister park, Water Country USA, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and certain weekends prior to Memorial Day). Between the water slides, splash pools, wave pools and shopping, you’ll have a full day of fun in the sun.
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Photo: Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Wikimedia)
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg include the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Newly expanded, they feature folk art and pottery, decorative arts, Native American textiles and antique tools, furniture and architectural pieces. After perusing the exhibits and galleries, check out the café and gift shop before heading back to a private boat lift for rent.
Colonial Parkway
For a scenic drive, the 23-mile long Colonial Parkway takes you past coastal marshland, nature preserves and scenic overlooks. Part of the National Park Service’s Colonial National Historical Park, it links the “triangle” of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown. It runs from the York River in Yorktown to the James River in Jamestown (easy enough to remember). The parkway is also a great area for bicycling, walking and picnicking. We just think it makes a cool place to visit from a private boat lift for rent. We especially love the historic tunnels.
Williamsburg Farmers’ Market
Photo: Williamsburg Farmers' Market (Facebook)
The Williamsburg Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays and is a great place to pick up seasonal produce, fresh seafood, honey, wine, cheese and more to enjoy later at the private boat dock rental. There are more than 40 vendors and concession stands to browse. It’s located in the Merchant Square area on Duke of Gloucester Street (near the P4 parking lot). You can enjoy live music and presentations by master gardeners.
We hope you’ve discovered some things to do the next time you’re in Williamsburg for the day or staying at a private boat slip rental. Let us know what you find!
