Williamsburg vacation rentals

Historic appeal near Williamsburg vacation home rentals

Tucked on the Virginia Peninsula between the James and York Rivers, Williamsburg takes you back to the earliest days of America. Founded in 1632, the town served as the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, and played a pivotal role in the county's history leading up to the Revolutionary War. A Williamsburg vacation rental offers the unique opportunity to experience life as it was in colonial times (though your rental is sure to have all the modern conveniences). You can also act like a kid again at two of the country's most popular theme parks.

Why just visit history when you can live it?

No one comes to Williamsburg without visiting Colonial Williamsburg, which immerses you in a reenactment of actual life in the 18th century. The history doesn't end there -- the College of William & Mary, dating from 1693, is right in town, and even more pre-Revolutionary experiences await at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, the Yorktown Battlefield, and the Jamestown Settlement museum. For a healthy dose of thrills, head to the famous Busch Gardens theme park and the neighboring Water Country USA. If modern art is more your thing, you'll want to check out the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center or the Muscarelle Museum of Art.

Things to do near Williamsburg vacation homes

Maybe not, but they're here now. Williamsburg is about so much more than just history. If Segways aren't your transport of choice, you can also explore the area on bike or horseback. On the York and James Rivers, try your hand at kayaking, or opt instead for a leisurely boat cruise or sunset sail. There are more than a dozen world-class golf courses in the area, not to mention plenty of spas where you can pamper yourself. Cap it all off with a tour down the Williamsburg Tasting Trail, featuring the area's top wines, microbrews, and spirits distilleries.

Local weather for your trip to Williamsburg vacation homes

You'll love the modern air conditioning at your Williamsburg vacation rental after exploring all the historic sites, because the summers are hot and humid. Expect highs in the 80s from June to September, peaking in the 90s or even triple digits in the hottest months of July and August. Winters are cool and mild. While the lows may occasionally dip below freezing between December and February, you'll typically only see about five to six inches of snow throughout the entire season. Rain tends to be consistent throughout the year, so maybe pack an umbrella just in case.

Over the river and through the woods (to the beach we go)

With the York River to the north and the James River to the south, Williamsburg offers plenty of chances to get out on the water. Keep traveling down to the far end of the Virginia Peninsula and you'll eventually be at the vast Atlantic Ocean. Inland you'll find picturesque forests and rolling hills. If you're craving a day of surf and sun, you can be on the sands of Virginia Beach watching the sun rise over the crashing ocean waves in just about an hour.

Transportation to and around Williamsburg

Fly into Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC), the closest airport, located 38.1 mi (61.3 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF), which is 15.2 mi (24.5 km) away.

If you prefer train travel, the main station serving the city is Williamsburg Transportation Center.

Family fun near Williamsburg vacation rentals

Williamsburg has endless family-friendly attractions for kids of all ages. Vacation homes can be found near places like Governor’s Palace, a stately mansion home of British royals and early Virginia rules, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, a unique museum with strange artifacts and oddities. Kids will also like Waller Mill Park, a scenic park and woodland along the lake with fishing, cornhole, a playground, and hiking trails.