Tips on Avoiding Williamsburg Tourist Traps

Williamsburg Tourist Traps

Because Williamsburg is a destination geared to tourists, it’s easy to spend a lot of money while visiting. But you can scale back on some of the expense – here’s what you need to know.

Save Money on the Sights

Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg are pricey. Many people don’t realize you can see most of town without actually buying a ticket – you just won’t be able to enter some of the buildings. A walk through the town is quite enjoyable. If you are limited on time or funds, or don’t particularly care for seeing the insides of buildings, then skip the ticket and just go for a stroll.

Seek Discounted Tickets

Some people come to Williamsburg and spend their whole week at Busch Gardens. It is a fun place, but it’s also very expensive. There is so much more you can do in Williamsburg with your time – and for much less money. However, if you do have your heart set on going to the theme parks, many hotels offer guests discounts on tickets to Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and other area attractions. It’s worth asking about when you make your reservation. Also check local groceries and other stores; sometimes they have coupons too.

For the historical attractions, ask the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center about special “Flex” deals, such as a “Historic Triangle” package including admission to the Historic Area, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Victory Center. You could save a few bucks this way.

BYOW

BYOW: Bring your own water.  Vending machines are everywhere, and if the bottles for sale aren’t gold-plated, they should be. Those small bottles cost about double what is charged in other places, even on the interstates. On a hot, sunny day, people might be desperate enough to pay these prices for a few swallows of cold, refreshing water, but if you plan ahead, you won’t have to. Food is also very expensive in and around the attractions. If you don’t want to fall into this tourist trap, do your wallet a favor and pack a small cooler with your own lunches and drinks.

Shopping

When you arrive in Williamsburg, you’ll immediately see huge ugly parking lots and a large Visitors Center building. In this case, know that first impressions aren’t everything. Williamsburg is expensive, but it isn’t fake. While it can seem touristy, keep in mind a lot of what we know about Colonial times comes from the work the organization does.  To really “get” Williamsburg, talk to people and ask questions. This is how you’ll gain the most from the experience.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Williamsburg.