Planning a Williamsburg vacation? (Or not sure where to go for your next vacation?) Well, look no farther. I have compiled a list of the 12 best things to do in Williamsburg. Hopefully this will help with future vacation-planning!

1. Take a walk down Colonial Williamsburg.

The cute, colonial village located in Williamsburg, featuring actors dressed in colonial garb, is not only a great place to learn about Virginia history, but it’s also a great place to walk around and get some exercise. There’s so much to see and do, and it’s a perfect way to spend the day. While you’re there, make sure to check out one or both of the ghost tours! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, ghost tours are sure to make you a little on edge. I would highly recommend doing one!

2. Visit The College of William & Mary.

William & Mary, the second oldest college in the nation (though if you asked any student, they’d tell you it is in fact older than Harvard), is probably one of the most beautiful colleges in the country. The scenery is gorgeous in all seasons, and the buildings are very quaint. Make sure to check out the beautiful Wren Building, the oldest building on campus, which is open to the public during the day.

3. Play 18 holes at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.

If you enjoy mini golf, this is the place to go in Williamsburg. With two unique putt putt courses (both of which are extremely fun, and both of which involve lots of water), you’re sure to have a fun afternoon with family or friends!

4. Grab a bite to eat at The Cheese Shop.

The Cheese Shop, located on Duke of Gloucester St., has probably the coolest interior of any other place in Williamsburg. The Cheese Shop is definitely a must-see on any Williamsburg vacation, and even if you don’t buy one of their sandwiches with the famous house dressing, at least stop in and buy an interesting kind of cheese.

5. Visit the Muscarelle Museum of Art.

This art museum, located on the campus of William & Mary, often has cool traveling exhibits that make it one hundred percent worth a visit. Last month there was a Botticelli exhibit that had never been anywhere in the United States before. The Muscarelle is relatively inexpensive and only takes about an hour to see. If you like art at all, the Muscarelle is well worth a visit.

6. Take a trip to Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens is, in my opinion, the best amusement park in Virginia. There are lots of roller coasters for the adrenaline junkies of the group, but there are also lots of other rides for people who don’t enjoy roller coasters. There’s just about every kind of food you can imagine, and during Halloween season, there are also haunted houses after dark. Busch Gardens is a great attraction for people of all ages.

7. Get some pizza and a skillet cookie at The Crust.

The Crust is one of my favorite places to eat. It serves pizza and other bar-type food, which isn’t really that special, but their skillet cookies (which is a cookie that’s only baked about ¾ of the way and served in a skillet with ice cream on top) are to die for.

8. Grab some breakfast at a Williamsburg pancake house.

Williamsburg is known for its abundance of pancake houses, so no trip to the ‘Burg would be complete without a visit! Most pancake houses are only open until 2, so make sure you get up early enough to get there.

9. Go see a movie and get dinner at Movie Tavern.

Movie Tavern is a movie theater that serves you dinner while you watch the movie! It’s a bit on the expensive side, but it’s a lot of fun and it shows a lot of great movies.

10. Explore New Town.

New Town is a section of Williamsburg with lots of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater. It’s the perfect place to walk around (it’s really pretty, especially at night), get dinner, or do some shopping.

11. Celebrate Christmas year-round at the Yankee Candle store.

The Yankee Candle store is really cool, and there’s a section in there that’s decorated like Christmas all the time! Even if you’re not looking to purchase any candles, it’s well worth going in there to check out the Christmas section!

12. Grab a dessert or snack at Duck Donuts.

Williamsburg is one of only a few Duck Donuts locations, so definitely make sure to stop by and buy some delicious and interestingly-flavored donuts!