Around Williamsburg

Williamsburg is much more than America’s favorite historical theme park. It's a lively college and tourist town with over a hundred terrific restaurants, live music clubs, art galleries, movie theaters and shopping. If you're into outdoor adventure, our corner of Virginia will not disappoint — from the Virginia Capital Trail, local parks and stables, to the shores of Virginia Beach, to geocaching and endless running, bike and paddling clubs. Prefer to keep things a little more low key? You can spend your weekends at the local farmer's market, music and art festivals, and exploring the local food scene.

  • jogger and horse and carriage in CW

    We love {{http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com,Colonial Williamsburg}}. Just steps from campus you'll find students racing horse-drawn carriages on foot, and W&M families taking in the sites – from Patrick Henry giving a fiery speech on the green to the jail where Black Beard’s crew was held.

  • student in front of The College Delly

    The delis across from campus are another Williamsburg tradition. Popular hangouts for William & Mary students and alums, the cheese fries at Paul’s Deli are to die for.

  • canoe

    Williamsburg is surrounded by water. You can {{http://www.whmcbbs.com/as/kinesiology/activityprogram/boathouse/,canoe and kayak on the campus’ very own lake}}, bike to a beach on the James River or hike the many trails that circle the city.

  • dog watching on DoG Street

    A graduate student from France dog-watches on the main drag of the colonial area. Duke of Gloucester Street (otherwise known as DoG Street) provides some of the best dog watching in this part of the country.

  • Bus in New Town

    No car? No problem. Williamsburg has an excellent public transportation system, complete with {{http://www.whmcbbs.com/app,real-time bus tracker}}. One favorite student destination is New Town, about a mile from campus. You'll find movie theaters, shops and many student-budget-friendly eateries.

  • students eating at The Cheese Shop

    The Cheese Shop, one of Williamsburg’s most popular hangouts whatever the weather. They may sell too-many-to-list exotic cheeses, but it’s just as famous for its sandwiches and legendary House Dressing.

  • Kimball Theatre

    The Global Film Festival takes place every year in February at the {{http://kimball.wm.edu/,Kimball Theatre}} across the street from campus. Designed to bring world cultures to Williamsburg through film, it is one of many festivals and performances students and the local community come together to enjoy.

  • students and the Griffin at a bus shelter

    You never know who you'll meet at a campus bus stop. But if you need more independent travel, William & Mary offers a {{http://www.whmcbbs.com/offices/auxiliary/parkingandtransportation/transportation/zipcar/,Zipcar program}}. And if you're looking for more sustainable and active travel, get involved with the {{http://www.whmcbbs.com/offices/auxiliary/parkingandtransportation/transportation/bike/,W&M Bike Alliance}}.

  • statue of Thomas Jefferson and student sitting on bench

    Unofficially one of the most photographed spots in Williamsburg, nearly everyone who visits poses with Thomas Jefferson sitting on a bench in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.

  • Amtrak arriving at train station

    Heading out of town for break? There’s an Amtrak stop within walking distance of the William & Mary campus.