In 1930, the National Park Service began investigating a road leading tourists between Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown so that visitors could move among these three Virginia cities. Several difficulties plagued the project, including lack of money during the Great Depression, World War II and the fact that there were so many historical sites that needed preservation in the area. Nevertheless, the National Park Service accomplished the task. You can drive on this beautiful highway, which is particularly enjoyable during the fall when the trees are putting on their glorious colors. The road, with its many curves, has a top speed of 45 miles an hour, and vehicles over 10 feet 4 inches tall will not fit under the 1,190-foot tunnel.
The area surrounding Colonial Parkway is gorgeous with many historical sites, so be sure to bring your RV so that you can easily move throughout the region. If you do not have an RV, then renting one on RVshare.com is the way to go.
Colonial Parkway is a scenic drive or bike ride connecting three cities filled with America’s early history. Consider starting your trip by exiting the parking lot located behind the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. From this location, the road runs 10 miles to Jamestown or 13 miles to Yorktown. This tree-lined road leads over gently rolling hills and past ponds and rivers to reach its destination.
Hiking TrailsThe Powhatan Creek Trail is a dog-friendly trail running along Powhatan Creek. Enjoy amazing views as you hike across the 696-foot-long timber bridge. This trail connects to the Greensprings Interpretive Trail.
3131 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
2 Miles
Easy
This beautiful trail connects to Church on the Main Historic Site, the oldest continually farmed location in America and other historic Williamsburg sites. There are many opportunities to rest along its route. There is also interpretative signage to help you understand what you are seeing.
3131 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
2 Miles
Easy
Enjoy beautiful views of the lake from the Waller Mill Park Tower Trail. Dogs on leashes can enjoy hiking with you on this paved trail. The terrain is mostly flat, but there is some elevation change in a place or two.
901 Airport Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
2.7 Miles
Moderate
SightseeingLet your inner child come out by riding one of the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coasters. There are 49 other thrill rides to enjoy. Watch live stage performances and enjoy tasty treats.
1 Busch Gardens Boulevard Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
See the first free black settlements in America, a 17th-century home and the site where the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Spencer's Ordinary occurred by visiting Freedom Park. Go hiking through the 600-acre forest. Bring your mountain bike along to ride on this park’s trails.
5535 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
MuseumsView 17th- through early 19th-century paintings, textiles, furniture, metals, ceramics and prints at the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum of Colonial Williamsburg. Check their calendar of events because this facility often hosts special live performances. They have a fantastic history shop and a small café to enjoy during your visit.
326 West Francis Street, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Stop at the Muscarelle Museum of Art on the campus of The College of William and Mary to see 5,000 artworks ranging from pre-Columbian to post-modern times. They often host traveling exhibits. You may also see college students working on their art in this space.
603 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsBring Christmas to life throughout the year by shopping at The Christmas Shop. The selection at this store has been delighting shoppers since 1961. Many of the items offered for sale are handmade by regional and international artists.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 401 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Find art from American artists at Auntie M’s American Cottage. You can also create your own art at stations like the flower bar at this shop. They often host workshops and other learning opportunities to help you sharpen your creative skills.
330 Water Street #502, Yorktown, Virginia 23690
Settle into an ultra-comfortable chair at Movie Tavern Williamsburg to dine on chef-inspired dinners while watching the latest hit movie. Enjoy a margarita with your dinner.
1430 High Street, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Enjoy views of the York River while dining on your favorite tavern foods at Yorktown Pub. You can often catch live performances at this restaurant. This restaurant has a very relaxed vibe that you are sure to love.
540 Water Street, Yorktown, Virginia 23690
The Colonial Parkway is a two-way road running between Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Consider starting at the Historic Jamestown Visitors Center. You can get there from Interstate 64 by taking Exit 238 toward Williamsburg. Turn left onto Capitol Landing Road, which becomes Virginia 143 East. Turn right on Virginia 132 South. Turn left on Visitors Center Drive. The Colonial Parkway will be right in front of you.
Historic Jamestown Visitors Center 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee to drive this road.
If you plan to visit Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown on your Virginia vacation, then consider using the Colonial Parkway to travel between the cities. The National Park Service created scenic overlooks in many places along this road. Each lookout is marked with interpretative signage to tell you more about what you are seeing. The route for the road, which is lined with beautiful trees along much of its way, was carefully chosen so that people could enjoy seeing historic sites without disturbing them. There are great campgrounds to stay in near this road, so be sure to bring your RV and plan to spend a few days traveling the route. If you do not have an RV, don't worry because it is easy to rent one on RVshare.com. Different size options are available, so you can easily find one that fits your needs.
