Springtime in Williamsburg

Springtime will soon be upon us, and Williamsburg is here for it with a long list of beautiful sights and fun activities to honor the season! When winter days are over, the Colonial capital becomes a hotspot destination for those who love to learn, play, and wine and dine! As the weather warms up, the grounds at King’s Creek transform as we welcome visitors for a spring getaway in a cottage, townhome, or estate home in the heart of the Historic Triangle. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when it’s Springtime in Williamsburg!

1) Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens opens its doors for the season on March 15! Experience the European-inspired park themed after six countries and spread over 382 acres! Each “country” creates an authentic feel with its delicious cultural food, artistic performances, world-renowned rides, custom landscapes and unique gift shops. 

For the adrenaline chasers, the Pantheon coaster is making its 2020 season debut! The fastest multi-launch coaster in the world, Pantheon incorporates the five mighty gods: Pluto, Mercury, Jupiter, Minerva and Neptune. Experience two inversions, four launches, five air-time hills, a 95-degree drop, a height of 180 feet and top speed of 73 mph!  

There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions all over the park! Ride the Kinder Karussel, wander through The Land of Dragons, and get behind the wheel of a bumper car. Hang out with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street gang for some interactive fun during the Sesame Street kids’ weekend happening April 30-May 10 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

2) Freedom Park

Freedom Park is an essential addition to your Williamsburg spring itinerary! You can head to the visitors’ center any day of the week to plan your day of adventure in the 600-acre forest. Freedom Park is home to two multi-use trails, as well as over 20 miles dedicated to rigorous mountain biking! If you’re seeking more adventure, try the tree climbing experience or soar through the sky on the Go Ape zip line excursion!

You can also stroll through the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens to watch the beautiful butterflies and experience scenic meadows, pine woodlands and wetland sites. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and hit the picnic tables at the pavilion!

3) Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Jamestown Settlement is a beautiful place to visit in the springtime, and there’s something for everyone! Plan your trip around specific events like the artifact adventures, blacksmith demonstrations or the exciting archaeology day on March 28. Be sure to check out the variety of crops, herbs, and veggies that have been grown since the 17th and 18th centuries.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the tale of life during the American Revolution through the “Liberty Fever” film that plays in its comfortable 170-seat theatre. Walk through the halls of the 22,000-square-foot permanent exhibition galleries that offer short films, artifacts, and descriptions to create a deeper understanding of the Revolution. Participate in the outdoor interactive historical interpreters in drill fields to watch artillery demonstrations! Beyond the drill field is an 18th-century farm fully equipped with a kitchen, tobacco barn, and living quarters of those who were enslaved.

4) Virginia Living Museum

The Virginia Living Museum boasts the largest display of native flowers in Virginia. The Living Green House is a conservation garden that highlights the native botanical history in Williamsburg dating all the way back to 1607! Learn some earth-friendly gardening tips in The Conservation Garden, where they share the latest techniques and products for “green” garden maintenance!

Experience the magic in the outdoor Butterfly Garden, home to more than 60 species of plants and butterflies. Take part in the hands-on native plant horticulture for children and adults in the Hot Plant Heritage Green House!

5) The College of William & Mary

A perfect addition to your stay in Williamsburg is a stroll through the second oldest college campus in the United States, the College of William & Mary. Voted by the Princeton Review as one of the top 20 most beautiful U.S. campuses, William & Mary is home to historic landmarks like the Sir Christopher Wren building, the oldest college building in America!

The grounds also showcase gorgeous gardens and green spaces like the William & Mary Wildlife Refuge and Shady Habitat, home to a variety of ferns, wildflowers and rare species! Follow the enchanting pathways full of rhododendrons, azaleas and rare spring flowers to end up at the Crim Dell bridge. The Crim Dell is notably one of the most beautiful places to take pictures in the springtime!