Jamestown Island

Things To Do Near Jamestown Island

Jamestown Island lies in the tidewater area of the James River. Much of the island's wildlife is migratory waterfowl that visits, nests, and recovers in this protected area. Many birdwatchers come to observe these birds and other wildlife that thrives along the shores of the island. The main road runs onto the island via a corridor that replaced the isthmus that eroded away 100 years ago. The single trail on the island features boardwalks with observation sites that hikers and bikers share. History buffs come to see the remains of the Jamestown settlement, which was rediscovered in 1996. The site is an active archeological dig with many artifacts and experts that present programs about the settlement, its inhabitants, their way of life, and the reasons the settlers left.

Hiking Trails

• Jamestown Island Trail

  There is only one hiking trail on Jamestown Island known as the Jamestown Island Trail. Most of the pathway runs across boardwalks suspended above the marshes and swamps of the island. The boardwalks are ADA friendly and feature observation platforms that hover above nesting and feeding areas with spectacular views of the James River. 

  Location

  1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081

  Length

  1.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Yorktown Battlefield Historic Encampment Tour

  Close to Jamestown Island and still within the Colonial National Historical Park is the Yorktown Battlefield Historic Encampment Tour. The trail takes you behind the Continental lines at Yorktown to see how soldiers lived, fought, and endured the decisive battle for independence.

  Location

  Historic Tour Road, Yorktown, VA 23690

  Length

  10.8 miles

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

Sightseeing

• Yorktown Victory Monument

  Just 23 miles east of Jamestown Island in Yorktown, VA, the Yorktown Victory Monument commemorates the Continental Army's victory over General Cornwallis's British forces in 1781. The monument depicts 13 female figures dancing hand in hand, denoting the unity of the 13 colonies in their battle against British rule.

  Location

  Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

• Yorktown National Cemetery

  Yorktown was also the center of a significant Civil War campaign. The Yorktown National Cemetery is the final resting place of soldiers who gave their "last full measure" in the fight to preserve the Union. Most of the graves are marked as "unidentified." Of the 1,596 internments, 1,436 are Union soldiers.

  Location

  1000 Colonial National Historic Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23690

Museums

• DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum

  The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum is an unusual repository that deserves a visit. Here you find many of those “finer” things that decorated the interiors of wealthy Southern homes. While the museum houses the most extensive Southern furniture collection, it also holds one of the most significant British ceramics collections outside Britain.

  Location

  301 South Nassau Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

  Discover many hidden facts about the early history of America by visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Here, you'll find artifacts and documents on display revealing early colonial life, the forces that created the revolt, and the factors involved in its resolution. Many of the exhibits are interactive, including a farm worked just as it was in colonial times and reenactments of the decisive battle that took place on these grounds.

  Location

  10 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ 86045

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Quirk’s! Handcrafted Goods and Unique Gifts

  To commemorate your visit to Jamestown Island, drop by Quirk’s! Handcrafted Goods and Unique Gifts. Here, you can find some exciting items created by local artisans. Hand-embroidered pillows, unique license plate wall art, and inspirational grab bags are a few of the items found on the shelves.

  Location

  221 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

• Williamsburg Premium Outlets

  Williamsburg Premium Outlets houses 114 outlet shops, mostly from retailers that market nationally and internationally. Outlet stores generally offer deals on products you will not find in regular retail shops; stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Claire’s have outlets in this mall.

  Location

  5715 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

• Food For Thought Restaurant

  For some of the most American cuisine you will experience around Jamestown Island, visit the Food For Thought Restaurant. The restaurant's specialties revolve around old-fashioned tastes that are considered comfort food by most Americans. Try the pot roast or Grannie’s meatloaf to savor a flavor coming from deep in the past.

  Location

  1647 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

• The Hound’s Tale

  The Hound’s Tale is a restaurant that offers an eclectic menu mainly based on Asian cuisine. Try the Korean barbecue fried chicken or Hawaiian kalua pork for a different taste that will delight your palate.

  Location

  515-200 Prince George Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

How To Get To Jamestown Island

Most visitors approach Jamestown Island and Jamestown, VA, from the west via Richmond. To get from Richmond to Jamestown Island, start by finding United States Highway 1, and drive for 2.1 miles. Follow the signs to Interstate 64 East, and merge onto the freeway. Drive I-64 E for 43.4 miles, and then take the right ramp to get onto Virginia Highway 199 East. Go for 8 miles, and turn right onto Jamestown Road, also designated as Virginia Highway 31. Travel VA-31 for 3.7 miles, and turn left onto State Route 359. Travel for 0.3 miles, and then turn right onto Colonial National Historic Parkway. Drive for 1.1 miles and continue straight to get onto Island Drive. Your destination is 0.5 miles ahead on the right.

Jamestown Island and its facilities are open year round. Most visitors arrive during the summer when the air is crystal clear, but some prefer to visit during the winter and watch the storms run across the James River.

Address

1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $20.0

Visitors who travel to Jamestown Island in an RV will discover comfortable campgrounds in the surrounding area from which to visit the island. There is no shortage of things to do whether you are into the area's scientific, historical, or cultural aspects. Prepare for magnificent views and a deep dive into U.S. history when you visit Jamestown Island in an RV.