Philadelphia is steeped in history, but this summer, take your revolutionary spirit on a road trip. Just a few hours south, Virginia’s Historic Triangle — Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown — is calling with its unbeatable mix of colonial charm, thrill rides, wine pours, waterfront breezes, and family fun.
As America gears up for its 250th birthday, there’s no better time to walk in the footsteps of the nation’s founders — and then trade in your tricorn hat for a harness and zipline like an action star through centuries-old treetops. Whether you’re chasing history, adrenaline, or just a really good ham biscuit, this is your sign to hit the road.
Plus, with the free Cool Summer Savings Pass, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts, deals, and more — making right now the perfect time to plan your visit.
Williamsburg: Thrills, treetops, and toast-worthy moments
Colonial Williamsburg may look like a sleepy 18th-century village at first, but this place is bursting with liveliness. You can click-clack on cobblestone streets and chit-chat with blacksmiths by day, and then howl your way around the heart-pounding roller coasters at night.
Start your adventure at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, tucked inside Freedom Park, where rope ladders, Tarzan swings, net bridges, and ziplines weave through the beauty of the forest. With both a full Treetop Adventure for ages 10 and up and the shorter, all-ages Treetop Journey, it’s a great pick for families or anyone itching to get off the ground.
If you prefer your pace a little more grounded, head to The Williamsburg Winery, one of the largest in the state, for a guided tasting of award-winning vintages in a setting inspired by Europe’s finest estates. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Gabriel Archer Tavern while marveling at the vineyard views. Beer lovers can opt for a cold one at Frothy Moon Brewhouse or Billsburg Brewery, both relaxed and locally loved spots.
When it’s time to refuel, Williamsburg brings the flavor. Try fresh seafood at Berret’s, where the she-crab soup is a local legend, or enjoy oysters and brews at Craft 31. For a true taste of the South, head to Old Chickahominy House, known for its famous ham biscuits and homemade pies. After your meal, explore the town’s boutiques, browse a seasonal market, or catch live music with a waterfront breeze.
For those who like their recreation with a bit of precision, Kingsmill Resort delivers. Its three championship courses include the River Course, a masterpiece by Pete Dye that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. The layout bends with the river’s natural topography, creating a dynamic rhythm that shifts with every hole.
Short on time? The Shoe, a newly built 9-hole, par-3 course located next to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and designed by Rees Jones, son of Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a scenic and satisfying round in just over an hour. It’s a family affair that blends legacy design with modern playability.
Like to make a splash? Then Water Country USA is your place to play. From mega-slides and dueling pipelines to a multi-level water play structure and a free-floating river adventure, this park is the ultimate family-friendly destination for staying cool.
However, if your ideal getaway includes adrenaline and all-day adventure, look no further than Busch Gardens. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful theme parks in the country, it’s a full-throttle experience with world-class roller coasters, live shows, European-themed villages, and family-friendly attractions. This summer’s standout is The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, a newly reimagined inverted coaster that howls through a Bavarian village with sharp turns and dramatic drops. It’s a fresh take on a park classic with a bite of its own — just don’t expect to find Grandma’s house waiting at the end.
Jamestown: Where America’s story begins
Step into the birthplace of American identity, where costumed interpreters bring the past to life, glassblowers shape molten art, and the nation’s earliest stories unfold in vivid detail.
At Jamestown Settlement, immersive museum exhibits dive deep into both well-known and overlooked chapters of America’s founding. Inside, galleries showcase centuries-old artifacts, interactive displays, and cinematic experiences — including “1607: A Nation Takes Root” and the 4D “Bacon’s Rebellion” theater that puts you right in the heart of a colonial uprising.
Outdoors, history becomes hands-on. Interpreters from the past guide you through full-scale re-creation of a 1610s fort, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily life of early Virginia. You can help fire a musket, stir a stew over open flame, or learn how settlers lived, traded, and shaped each other’s worlds.
Just next door, Historic Jamestowne marks the site of the original 1607 English settlement. Ongoing archeological digs continue to uncover new artifacts each season, while archaeologists and historians reframe the story of America’s earliest days in real time. The nearby Jamestown Glasshouse keeps one of the colony’s first industries alive. Here, costumed glassblowers demonstrate 17th-century techniques, using traditional tools to craft green-glass replicas and original pieces. It’s all part of a four-year apprenticeship program that blends art, craftsmanship, and living history.
After all that discovery, head to James City County Marina across the road. It’s your launch point for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or biking along trails once traveled by Captain John Smith. If you’d rather float with a drink in hand, hop aboard the Jamestown Discovery Boat Tour. Their Booze Cruise offers a spirited ride along the James River, with music, cocktails, and scenic views that stretch across centuries.
Yorktown: River views and revolutionary vibes
In Yorktown, the final chapter of the American Revolution comes to life. Walk the battlefield where General Washington secured victory, then step inside the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for an immersive look at the people and events that shaped a nation. Through interactive exhibits, surround-sound films, and live reenactments, the journey from colonial unrest to independence unfolds, complete with an up-close look at the Declaration of Independence.
Timed perfectly as a preview to America’s 250th, the museum is a must for anyone looking to connect with the heart of the Revolution.
Just beyond the Yorktown battlefield, Historic Yorktown reveals another side of its charm. Set along the York River, this walkable town blends coastal beauty with small-town warmth. Riverwalk Landing is the hub, where locally owned shops offer everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage finds and coastal decor.
Worked up an appetite yet? You’ll find some of the region’s best seafood, sushi, and artisan pizza right along the water. It’s nearly impossible to stroll past Water Street Grille, Carrot Tree Kitchens, or Riverwalk Restaurant without being tempted.
Steps away, Yorktown Beach offers a sandy spot to swim, sunbathe, or picnic with a waterfront view. The calm waves and gentle breeze make it an ideal break between museums and markets.
If you’re looking to get on the water, the Yorktown Fishing Pier is open year-round and fully wheelchair accessible. For a scenic ride, book a cruise with Yorktown Sailing Charters, or bring the kids aboard a pirate-themed adventure that’s equal parts history and fun.
Want even more? This summer, Yorktown’s event calendar is filled with family-friendly fun, including fishing tournaments, evening concerts, and a Fourth of July celebration that pulls out all the stops. Every Saturday, Yorktown Market Days fills the waterfront with fresh produce, baked goods, local art, and plenty of friendly faces.
With its deep roots, river views, and laid-back charm, Yorktown is the perfect place to end your Triangle tour or start planning the next one.
One destination, three ways to play
Whether you’re traveling with kids, history lovers, foodies, or just your own need for a change of scenery, Virginia’s Historic Triangle delivers. With roller coasters, treetop adventures, river views, wineries, and museums wrapped in centuries of stories, this summer getaway checks all the boxes.
And, starting July 1, you can unlock extra perks with the free Cool Summer Savings Pass, a mobile-exclusive program from Visit Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. It’s your key to discounts on attractions, restaurants, shops, and hotels, plus the chance to earn a prize just by checking in at participating spots. Stop by the Chamber to claim your reward — think Bogg bags and sunglasses — before the pass wraps up on August 31.
Plan your getaway and grab your Cool Summer Savings Pass at VisitWilliamsburg.com.