Since Virginia has a desirable climate with all four seasons, many travelers wonder what to bring to Williamsburg, VA. If you think a trip to Williamsburg calls for a few layered outfits and a handful of personal necessities, think again!
As with all tourist destinations, Williamsburg is home to a variety of activities, from historic sites to outdoor excursions. Each activity you plan to do has a direct effect on your packing list. To alleviate the stress that comes with packing, I’ve put together five packing lists for the most common Williamsburg activities.
However, every good packing list starts with the basics.
What to Bring to Williamsburg: The Basics
Located on the East Coast, Williamsburg is fortunate enough to experience all four seasons. Depending on which season you visit in, your clothing and toiletry choices may vary. Your Williamsburg packing list should at least include these items:
Clothes:
- Undergarments
- T-Shirts and Tank Tops
- Sweaters and Sweatshirts
- Light Jacket
- Shorts
- Pants
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Flip Flops or Sandals
- Pajamas
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Gloves/Scarf
- Swimsuit
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Eyewear
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Hair Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Soap
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Makeup
- Hairbrush
- Hairdryer
- Hair Products
- Personal Medicines
Most Williamsburg, VA hotels offer complimentary bath amenities such as shampoo and conditioner. To help lighten your load, see if your hotel provides such a convenience before you begin packing.
Miscellaneous:
Personally, I can’t travel anywhere without my external battery, charging cable, and a good book. When deciding what to bring to Williamsburg, think about your travel preferences and consider packing these items:
- Cell Phone and Charger
- Backpack, Daypack, or Purse
- Extra Cash
- Laptop and Charger
- Camera and Extra Batteries/Charger
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Once you’ve packed the basics, you’ll need to bring a few extra items based on the activities you have planned for your trip.
What to Bring to Williamsburg: Pack per Activity
Although tiny in comparison to most tourist destinations, Williamsburg, VA is full of things to do, from roller coasters to historic landmarks. When figuring out what to bring to Williamsburg, you should always factor in the activities you have planned.
Choose from the packing lists below and learn what you need to bring along for your Virginia vacation:
Theme Park Thrills
A trip to Williamsburg, VA isn’t complete without Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets. This European-themed amusement park is home to some of the most exhilarating roller coasters in the country. Plus, it’s been named the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” year after year!
If you’d rather spend the day splashing around, get your tickets to Water Country USA. As Virginia’s largest water park, Water Country USA boasts 43-acres of non-stop fun from thrilling slides to lazy rivers. And, if you’re up for a day trip from Williamsburg, you can’t miss the coasters and fun at Kings Dominion amusement park.
Of course, for a perfect day at the parks, you’ll need to bring a few items with you. Think about adding these items to your packing list for non-stop theme park fun:
- Backpack
- Printed or Mobile Theme Park Tickets
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Cash/Credit Card
- Drivers License/ID
- Camera
- Extra Camera Battery
- Snacks (If permitted by theme park policy)
- Poncho
- Band-Aids
- Lip Balm
- Swimsuit and Towel (If going to a waterpark)
Historic Williamsburg
As one of Williamsburg’s main attractions, Colonial Williamsburg is overflowing with history. However, with 301 acres of 18th-Century history to explore, prepare to spend more than one day there. When determining what to bring to Williamsburg for a historic trip, make sure these items are on the list:
- Weather Appropriate Attire
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Printed Tickets
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Cash/Credit Card
- Drivers License/ID
- Camera
- Extra Camera Battery
- Backpack or Daypack
These items will also come in handy as you visit Historic Jamestowne, the Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown Battlefield, too. Pick up an America’s Historic Triangle Pass and pay one low price for all admissions!
photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg via Facebook
Williamsburg Tours
From ghost tours to food tours, Williamsburg has a tour for everyone and every interest. Of course, there are a few items you’ll need for a pleasant tour experience. Bring these belongings with you on a Williamsburg tour:
- Weather Appropriate Attire
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Printed Tickets
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Cash/Credit Card
- Drivers License/ID
- Camera
- Extra Camera Battery
- Backpack or Daypack
For your convenience, double check the list of items allowed on your particular tour. Based on the tour type and mode of transportation, certain items may not be permitted such as selfie sticks or outside food and beverages.
Outdoor Activities
Whether you want to go horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, or fishing, those who love the great outdoors thrive in Williamsburg.
To prepare for your chosen outdoor adventure, consider bringing this outdoor gear with you to Williamsburg:
- Backpack
- Hiking Boots or Sneakers
- Activity Appropriate Attire
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- ID
- Swimsuit and Towel (If necessary)
- Sports/Activity Equipment
If you’ve scheduled an outdoor excursion with a tour company, remember to verify what you should wear and bring based on their policies.
Golfing
Williamsburg is home to several championship golf courses with pristine landscaping and world-class amenities. Before you schedule your tee time at one of the many Williamsburg golf courses, make sure you’ve backed these golfing necessities:
- Golf Equipment
- Proper Attire*
- Water Bottle
- Extra Cash
- Purse/Wallet/Golf Backpack
- Valid ID/Driver’s License
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
*Proper attire for most golf courses includes:
Men:
- Collared shirt
- Trousers, or pleated or flat front shorts that extend past the knee
- Golf shoes or clean running shoes with socks
- Baseball hat (not required)
Women:
- A modest collared or non-collared shirt
- Long trousers, capris, dress shorts, and golf skirts/skorts
- Golf shoes or clean running shoes with socks
- Baseball hat (not required)
If you don’t have your own set of golf clubs, you can rent the equipment you need at the respective course’s clubhouse.
Do You Know What to Bring to Williamsburg, VA?
Have you traveled to Williamsburg before? What items did you pack? Was there something you wish you remembered to bring? Share your travel experiences with others by commenting below.
