There are so many great things to see and do in Williamsburg and the surrounding area! Between the famous Colonial Williamsburg, the exciting rides at Busch Gardens, and the history in the area, there are plenty of ways to fill your day.
However, they can also put a strain on your wallet! That’s why it’s good to know about all of the FREE things to do in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. So you and your family can spend a lot of time enjoying the Historic Triangle without spending a lot of money.
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Free Things to Do in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown
Stroll Through Colonial Williamsburg
We love Colonial Williamsburg and highly recommend getting tickets to visit the largest living history museum!
However, there isn’t always time to dedicate a full day or two to Colonial Williamsburg. You can still get a taste of history by strolling through the town and enjoying some of the outdoor demonstrations.
They also offer several events that are offered to the public, with no paid admission required. Check out their website to see what is offered on the dates of your visit. Any event marked “open to the public” is FREE to attend unless an event ticket is noted.
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is a FREE, two-acre garden in Williamsburg. Its 20 unique areas highlight native plants, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
During the spring and summer, visitors can enjoy areas like the daffodil border and bulb garden, the English perennial garden, and the butterfly garden. Of course, it’s beautiful even in the winter months and worth visiting.
Free Black Settlement at Freedom Park
Another FREE activity at Freedom Park is the Free Black Settlement.
The settlement showcases replica homes of formerly enslaved people who then lived on the former property of William Ludwell Lee. Visitors can enter each home (only two were unlocked during our visit) to learn more about the families that lived there.
The three buildings on the property depict the homes of Anthony Brown and John Jackson, who were freed in 1804, and Juba Lightfoot, who was not enslaved by Ludwell but had worked as a bricklayer and plasterer.
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Why not enjoy a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry on a beautiful, sunny day?
The ferry ride is entirely FREE and takes about 20 minutes to cross the James River. It operates 24/7 and has different departure times throughout the day. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a view of Jamestown from the water.
Keep in mind that many commuters use the ferry in the morning and after work, so you may experience some wait time to board the boat.
Ride the Yorktown Trolley
Take a tour of Yorktown on the FREE Yorktown Trolley.
The Yorktown Trolley makes multiple stops at some of the city’s most popular locations, including the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, the Yorktown Victory Monument, and Yorktown Beach. Its location can be tracked easily on the center’s website or free apps.
The trolley runs daily from mid-March through mid-November and then Friday through Sunday from mid-November through mid-December.
Enjoy a Day on Yorktown Beach
A fun, free activity near Williamsburg is spending a few hours on Yorktown Beach.
The beach runs parallel to Water Street along the York River. Bring a towel or blanket to stretch out on the sand or take a dip in the water.
Several free parking lots are nearby, and the free Yorktown Trolley stops right next to the beach.
Drive the Colonial Parkway
The 23-mile-long Colonial Parkway is part of the Colonial National Historical Park and is a beautiful, FREE attraction in its own right.
Meander through the 10,000+ acres of the park’s forested lands as you drive from Jamestown to Yorktown.
It’s a beautifully scenic way to visit all the Historic Triangle locations!
Check Out Cornwallis’ Cave
Legend says that Cornwallis hid in this cave found along Water Street to avoid bombardment during the battle at Yorktown.
Although the NPS states that the story is false, it is still fun to think about a British Army officer crouched in the small hole, trying to evade his duties. (And apparently, he did hide in a cave or bunker, but not this cave…).
You can peek inside the cave for free during your visit to Yorktown. It’s right along Water Street between Read and Comte De Grasse Street,
Free Movies & Concerts on Merchant’s Square
During the warmer months, Merchant’s Square (located between the College of Williams and Mart and Colonial Williamsburg) hosts FREE outdoor movies and concerts.
On the first Friday of every month from May through October, you can enjoy a free concert from 6 pm – 8 pm. Select stores stay open late for the event!
If you’d rather enjoy a movie under the stars, visit Merchant’s Square every Sunday in July and August. Movies begin at 8:30 pm in Early July and shift to 7:30 pm as the sun sets earlier in August.
Free Admission Days at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and Historic Jamestowne
The National Park Service offers FREE admission days at all its properties, including the ones near Williamsburg, every year.
Those days include Martin Luther King Jr Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth (June 19th), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4th), National Public Lands Day (September 27th), and Veterans Day (November 11th).
If you visit Williamsburg and the surrounding area on any of those days, make sure to take advantage of your FREE admission to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and Historic Jamestowne.
Other Things to Do Near Williamsburg
Although there are several FREE activities in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, it’s also worth checking out some of the other awesome things to do in the area.
We love touring Colonial Williamsburg, visiting the incredible America Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement, and enjoying the rides at Busch Gardens. Also, if you time it right, you won’t want to miss seeing the Presidents’ Heads.
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