If you’re looking for a vacation that’s rich in history, adventure, and Southern charm without breaking the bank, Williamsburg, Virginia, should be on your radar. Known for its colonial history, family-friendly attractions, and picturesque scenery, Williamsburg offers a budget-friendly escape that’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Here’s your guide to enjoying Williamsburg without overspending!

1. Dive Into History at Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the country’s largest living history museums, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century America. The best part? You can explore the Historic Area for free! Stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street, observe the colonial-style buildings, and catch historical reenactments in action. While there are ticketed tours and experiences that provide a more in-depth look, you can still immerse yourself in the ambiance and history without spending a dime.

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2. Discover the Great Outdoors at York River State Park

For nature lovers, York River State Park is a must-visit. With scenic hiking trails, waterways for kayaking, and spots for picnicking, this state park is ideal for a day of budget-friendly exploration. Admission is low-cost, and if you bring your own gear, you can enjoy a day filled with outdoor activities like bird-watching, fishing, or biking along the scenic trails.

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3. Visit the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

If you’re a fan of art and culture, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (including the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum) are a great choice. Tickets are affordable, and kids under 6 get in free! From fascinating folk art to artifacts of colonial America, there’s plenty to see and learn in this inspiring space. You can even find free events and programs here from time to time.

4. Explore William & Mary’s Beautiful Campus

The College of William & Mary’s historic campus is an architectural gem in Williamsburg. Strolling the campus grounds is completely free and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to visit the Wren Building, the oldest college building in the United States, and take a walk through the Sunken Garden, a serene space for relaxation and photos.

5. Save on Dining with Local Eateries

Dining in Williamsburg doesn’t have to be expensive! Try local favorites like Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que, a budget-friendly spot known for its Southern BBQ, or Retro’s Good Eats, a retro diner offering affordable comfort food. You’ll get a taste of Southern cuisine without the hefty price tag. For a sweet treat, head over to The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, where you can sample local peanut specialties.

6. Take Advantage of Free Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Williamsburg hosts various free or low-cost events that add an extra layer of excitement to your visit. From the Williamsburg Farmers Market, held weekly, to seasonal festivals and live music in Merchant’s Square, there’s always something happening. Check local event calendars before your trip to see what’s going on during your visit—you might catch a live concert, food festival, or even a reenactment!

7. Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options

When it comes to finding a place to stay, Williamsburg has plenty of budget-friendly options. Consider staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast or discounts for extended stays. Some hotels in Williamsburg, like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, provide comfort and convenience without the high prices, often including amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast to help you save even more.

8. Visit Jamestown and Yorktown for Free

Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown and Yorktown. You can explore the Jamestown Island Trail, an interpretive driving loop with historical markers, for free. Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing also offers a scenic view of the York River, along with historic sites and free public events. Together, these destinations round out your Williamsburg experience with even more history and culture.

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Final Tips for Saving in Williamsburg

• Get a Williamsburg Pass: If you plan to visit multiple attractions, look into combo passes that offer discounts for Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and more.
• Travel Off-Peak: Williamsburg’s busiest season is summer, but visiting in spring or fall can save you on hotel rates and offer more pleasant weather for walking tours and outdoor activities.
• Use Public Transportation: Williamsburg Area Transit buses are affordable and cover popular tourist areas, allowing you to save on gas and parking fees.

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Wrapping Up

A budget-friendly escape to Williamsburg, Virginia, is well within reach. With its historic charm, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of free or low-cost activities, Williamsburg is a destination that offers rich experiences without stretching your wallet. So pack your bags, grab a camera, and get ready to explore this charming Southern city!

An ideal vacation needs the perfect accommodations, and there’s plenty to choose from in Virginia Beach.

Resorts in Virginia Beach are as diverse as the surrounding nature. There are options for every budget and taste. You can choose among those located on the famous Oceanfront, the Town Center, Chesapeake Bay, and other city districts.

Families on vacation and solitary nature explorers alike can find the resort that fits their needs. Take a look at our list of the six top resorts in Virginia Beach and decide on the perfect one.

Turtle Cay Resort

Located at the south end of the city and right between the ocean and Lake Holly, this resort has a range of accommodations. Here you can choose between studios and suites of different sizes. Since Turtle Cay Resort is further away from the most active areas, it’s relatively peaceful and quiet.

The resort features two swimming pools and the city beach is very near. The swimming pools are very nice looking, with plenty of greenery and rock-like decorations. There are kid sections and even a mini-waterfall.

If you’re up for some relaxing and fishing, you can go to the small yet charming Lake Holly right across the road.

Hyatt House Virginia Beach

The Hyatt House is on the Boardwalk, overlooking the ocean. The Oceanfront hotel offers rooms with a perfect view. All balconies face the water, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. 

Hyatt House Virginia Beach focuses on going green and offers optional services to that end.

The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room, an excellent restaurant, and a store. It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel is pet-friendly. And the central location of Hyatt House guarantees you’ll always be just minutes away from the city attractions.

Belvedere Beach Resort

For the ideal family vacation, there are not many hotels as convenient as Belvedere Beach Resort. While it’s on the Boardwalk, the more relaxed northern-end location means the area’s less crowded. At the same time, the beach is right there, as are the restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you like golfing, the Princess Anne Country Club is in close proximity.

The retro-styled rooms are cozy and very functional. While some have a real kitchen area, all of the rooms have mini-fridges and microwave ovens. Depending on the room, you’ll be able to see more or less of the ocean from the balcony. 

There’s also a heated pool outside, and guests can take the hotel bikes out for a ride.

The Founders Inn and Spa

The Founders Inn and Spa offers a different experience compared to other popular resorts. It’s far away from the ocean, located in the countryside. 

Rather than the Atlantic, there are several gorgeous, small lakes and the Elizabeth River nearby. A lovely English garden surrounds the resort that overlooks a clear lake. The resort is pet-friendly, and there’s a dedicated dog park within the estate.

The rooms are stylish and comfortable, as is the entire resort interior. You can get accommodations with a view of either the lake or the garden. In any case, a beautiful sight will be there every time you take a look outside. And if you happen to get one of the rooms with a fireplace, you’ll enjoy the time spent inside even more.

The Founders Inn and Spa features two excellent restaurants. And the eponymous spa is worth mentioning, as it has many special treatments available. This resort is a great opportunity for rest and relaxation for those who don’t need to spend every day at the beach.

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

This resort is one of many near the Boardwalk. It’s right next to Neptune’s Park and the famous Neptune Statue. The resort is modern and luxurious, banking on the world-renowned level guaranteed by the Hilton brand. While not all rooms have an ocean view, all are still very enjoyable with cozy beds and flat-screen TVs.

The infinity swimming pool at the rooftop overlooks the Atlantic. There’s a hot tub right next to it offering the same amazing view. The hotel has an indoor pool as well and a gym to satisfy every fitness enthusiast. 

You’ll also find a restaurant and a top-class steakhouse in Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. So make sure to try the phenomenal Wagyu steaks there – it’s a memorable culinary experience.

Talking about Hilton, there’s another resort of the same brand a minute’s walk away. The Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers similar amenities. The style of this hotel is slightly different, though. If you’re up for the Hilton experience, check out both resorts to find out which one suits you better.

Four Sails Resort

Located at the north of the Boardwalk, the Four Sails Resort is right in the center of Virginia Beach activity. This resort is best suited for group vacations. The rooms have a scaled-down, very tasteful decor, which is the overall style of the hotel. Its spacious living rooms and kitchens featured in the suites make them perfect for families.

You can enjoy a wonderful view of the ocean as well as Jacuzzi tubs in some suites. If you’d like to sit down for refreshments, the resort has a cafe on the very Boardwalk. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are, of course, a given. The hotel also features a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool.

Choose the Best Place to Enjoy Your Virginia Beach Vacation

Your stay in Virginia Beach will undoubtedly be pleasant and fun. There’s nature to explore, plenty of places to visit, and various activities to engage in. Once you pick the perfect accommodation, you’re guaranteed to have the best experience possible. 

Our list of the best resorts in Virginia Beach will point you in the right direction and you’ll enjoy a memorable vacation.

In Virginia Beach, nature waits for you to discover it.

Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is an ideal place for an exploration of nature. There are beaches and parks, all with a distinct charm. And the gorgeous outdoor areas can be places for adventure, fun, and relaxation.

Among the things to do in Virginia Beach are hiking, kayaking, and various other activities. If you decide to experience the most of Virginia Beach nature, every day will be full of enjoyment. 

Check out our list of the most inviting areas to see on your next visit to Virginia Beach.

1. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The very coast of the Atlantic features long stretches of beaches. There’s no sight more reminiscent of an ideal vacation than the golden sand meeting clear, blue water. 

In Virginia Beach, the sandy shore doesn’t seem to end. Whether you want a serene piece of the beach or want to enjoy a fun day at the oceanside, you’ll find it all here.

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is three miles long and follows the beach. You can traverse it on foot, on a bicycle, skateboard, or skates. There are benches throughout the boardwalk if you want to rest for a bit and take in the mesmerizing scenery. 

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk separates the beach from Atlantic Avenue. Across the street, you’ll find the long streak of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

2. First Landing State Park

This park is the location where the first English colonists landed in America four centuries ago. However, the historical significance gets overshadowed by the splendor of nature. It’s because the First Landing State Park has beautiful forested areas, several small lakes, and a majestic beach. There’s even a camping area, and wood cabins are available for rent.

The beach stretches long and wide, and you can enjoy plenty of water sports. You can also rent a boat or a kayak, or take a jet ski for a spin. Inland, there’s a whole network of trails going through the forest and throughout the park. 

If you like to get immersed in nature, First Landing State Park is the perfect place to spend the day.

3. Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

The Back Bay Wildlife Refuge is a vast area of diverse biomes with beaches, marshes, sand dunes, and forests. The main animal species sheltered here are migratory birds, so the occasional ornithologist is sure to get something extra from the visit. But, the birds aren’t the only wildlife you can see in the refuge. There are also otters, bobcats, deer, and other animals that inhabit the area.

The existing paths are ideal for scouring the refuge. They are the best way to spot wildlife and you can find dedicated scopes for just that alongside. When you’ve had enough of animal and bird spotting, you can take a relaxing walk or paddleboard on the water.

4. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

If instead of heading north to the Back Bay you decide to go south, the road will take you across Lake Rudee. On the lakeshore, you’ll find the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. This is the perfect location to marvel at the sea life, with species both local and from around the world.

With over 300 exhibits, you’ll get a chance to see turtles, sharks, stingrays, and even Komodo dragons. Of course, that’s not all that the Aquarium has to offer. There are touch pools, various pavilions, and a 3-D theater. For nature lovers not interested in watching movies, there are screenings of educational films as well.

If you continue to follow the shore past the center, you’ll get to the Adventure Park at the very tip of the lake. Here you can indulge in fun activities in the forest. There are aerial walks, stairs, and platforms suspended high up. You’ll get instructions and any required help from the staff. But if you’re not up for the adrenaline rush, feel free to just take in the forest atmosphere.

5. False Cape State Park

The False Cape State Park lies further south of Virginia Beach. This is a preserved, undeveloped location best visited by bike or boat. The location feels remote, like you’ve left the city far behind. The primitive camping site only makes that impression stronger.

Similar to the Back Bay, this park features a beach, sand dunes, marshes, and forested areas. It also has both hiking and biking trails, stretched all through the amazing natural environment. The beach is six miles long, making it ideal for walks, peaceful rests, and fun activities.

Since there’s no road access to the park proper, you should plan your stay with this in mind. The sense of seclusion is quite unexpected, especially for a place so close to the city. If that’s something you’d like to experience, False Cape State Park is a must-see.

6. Boat Tours

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to boat trips in Virginia Beach. Plenty of operators will take you dolphin and whale watching on the ocean. Besides individual kayak renting, organized tours will provide a couple of hours of kayaking. Depending on the operator, doing so might also provide you an opportunity to see dolphins near the shore.

Fishing and oyster-farming tours offer different but unique experiences. The oyster-farming tour is especially notable since it’s a hands-on adventure. 

Exploring the Virginia Beach coastal waters by boat is a one-of-a-kind activity. The water and the wonderful sights will refill your energy and leave an unforgettable impression.

Get in Touch with the Impressive Virginia Beach Nature

Virginia Beach has beaches and the usual vacation attractions. But there are gorgeous natural landscapes as well. If you crave this food for the soul, the contact with the natural riches will satisfy you to the fullest. 

Don’t miss the sights, experiences, different biomes, and wildlife. An exploration of the diverse, wonderful environment will make a lasting memory you take back home.