WanderLove: Ultimate Road Trip Guide from Williamsburg to Norfolk, Virginia
Experience WanderLove—Virginia's heartfelt take on wanderlust—with a scenic road trip from Williamsburg to Norfolk. Traverse the Historic Triangle and Virginia's Salty Southern Route, uncovering historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, top dining spots, and comfortable lodging options for an unforgettable journey.
This itinerary highlights Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Southern Virginia's renowned flavors. Note: Verify current hours and closures with businesses, as conditions can change. Check for Colonial Parkway updates due to weather.
Colonial Parkway: Williamsburg to Yorktown
10 miles (~21 minutes) to Jamestown; 13 miles (~23 minutes) to Yorktown
Base yourself in Williamsburg and explore via the stunning Colonial Parkway. This picturesque coastal drive connects iconic historic sites in the Historic Triangle.
In Jamestown, visit Historic Jamestowne—the original 1607 settlement site—and Jamestown Settlement museum. At Historic Jamestowne, explore archaeological digs revealing Pocahontas, John Smith, and early colonial life. Drive the 5-mile loop, and watch live glassblowing at the Glasshouse of 1608.
Jamestown Settlement immerses visitors in 17th-century Powhatan and colonial cultures through exhibits, replica ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed, Discovery), and costumed interpreters. Optionally, take the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry across the James River toward Surry.
Return to Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest living-history museum spanning 300 acres. Witness 18th-century trades, gardens, taverns, and reenactments. Stay at the luxurious Williamsburg Inn or renovated Williamsburg Lodge (Marriott Autograph Collection).
Continue to Yorktown, site of the decisive Revolutionary War battle. Tour the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with its immersive film "The Siege at Yorktown." Explore the outdoor living-history area and Yorktown Battlefield. Cap it at the Yorktown Victory Monument.
Relax at Yorktown Beach, cruise with Alliance Yorktown Sailboat Charters, and browse Riverwalk Landing shops and eateries.
Top Restaurants, Breweries & Wineries
Fat Canary—Upscale American bistro with wines, cheese shop, and patio.
Le Yaca French Restaurant—Fine French dining; brunch, lunch, dinner.
Williamsburg Winery—Historic winery at Wedmore Place.
Waypoint Seafood & Grill—Chesapeake Bay flavors.
Fat Tuna Grill & Oyster House—Raw bar, seafood sandwiches.
Alewerks Brewing Company—Year-round and seasonal craft beers.
Craft 31—Gourmet burgers, pizza, raw bar, craft beers.
Cochon on 2nd—Artisan global cuisine with local ingredients.
Blue Talon Bistro—Comfort food; breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Billsburg Brewery—Traditional pilsners, lagers, ales.
Yorktown Pub—Casual seafood spot.
Water Street Grille—Craft beers, seafood to pasta on the beach.
Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Cafe—In-house roasted coffee.
Premier Lodging
Kingsmill Resort—Spa, restaurants, water park, golf, marina.
Williamsburg Inn—Luxury with fine dining; pet-friendly.
Williamsburg Lodge—Renovated with spa, golf, pool; pet-friendly.
Wedmore Place—Opulent rooms, winery, breakfast.
Great Wolf Lodge—Indoor water park, family dining.
The Hornsby House Inn—Historic Yorktown inn.
York River Inn B&B—River views, unique rooms.
Route 17: Yorktown to Smithfield
31 miles (~50 minutes)
Head southeast on Route 17 to Newport News' Virginia Living Museum: native wildlife exhibits (bald eagles, otters), dinosaurs, conservation, astronomy—perfect for families.
At Mariners' Museum Park, enjoy the Noland Trail hikes and Lions Bridge picnic spots. Cross to Smithfield for Windsor Castle Park: trails, biking, kayaking, historic manor from 1637.
Savor Smithfield hams and peanuts at Darden’s Country Store, Taste of Smithfield, or Hubs Virginia Peanuts. Detour to Chippokes Plantation State Park for colonial history and trails.
Top Restaurants, Breweries & Wineries
Fin Seafood—Sustainable local seafood.
Second Street Restaurant—American classics.
Tradition Brewing Company—Flagship and seasonal beers.
Ironclad Distillery Co.—Premium bourbon, whiskey.
Wharf Hill Brewing Company—Rotating craft taps.
Summerwind Vineyard—Family vineyard.
Taste of Smithfield—Southern fare, local products.
Q Daddy’s Pitmaster BBQ—Authentic BBQ.
Dock of the Bay—Seafood.
Vintage Tavern—Seasonal Southern dishes.
Premier Lodging
The Smithfield Inn—Historic B&B.
Smithfield Station—Waterfront with seafood dining.
The Lodge at Kiln Creek—Boutique with balconies.
Route 17: Smithfield to Norfolk
27 miles (~47 minutes)
Detour to Suffolk's Great Dismal Swamp for kayaking Lake Drummond or skydiving. In Norfolk, Nauticus showcases naval history aboard Battleship Wisconsin.
Visit Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Zoo, Granby Street, or hike the Elizabeth River Trail. Extend to Portsmouth, Chesapeake, or Virginia Beach.
Top Restaurants, Breweries & Wineries
Commune—Farm-to-table seasonal menu.
AW Shucks—Ghent raw bar.
LeGrand Kitchen—Seasonal American.
O’Connor Brewing Company—20+ taps.
Blanca Food & Wine—Euro-inspired.
Voila!—Gourmet international.
Grain & Saltine—Bar food, seafood, rooftop.
Todd Jurich’s Bistro—Local American.
Freemason Abbey—Steaks, seafood.
Doumar’s—BBQ, handmade cones.
Rip Rap Brewing Co.—Diverse beers.
Mermaid Winery—Wines, charcuterie.
Premier Lodging
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery—Boutique art hotel.
The Inn at Four Eleven York—Luxury suites.
Hilton Norfolk the Main—River views, rooftop.
The Founders Inn & Spa—Upscale resort.
The Pinner House—Suffolk B&B.
The Truitt House—Restored mansion.
More WanderLove routes: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Northern Virginia, Richmond to Danville, Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, Norfolk to Eastern Shore, Fredericksburg to Northern Neck.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Northern Virginia: From D.C. to Culpeper
- Richmond, Farmville, & Danville
- Shenandoah Valley: From Harrisonburg to Charlottesville
- Southwest Virginia: From Roanoke to Abingdon
- Norfolk to Virginia’s Eastern Shore
- Fredericksburg to Virginia’s Northern Neck
Partner highlights: Lexington & Rockbridge County, Waynesboro & Shenandoah National Park, Chesapeake, Charlottesville, Virginia Mountains Region, Highland County, Damascus.
- Lexington & Rockbridge County
- Waynesboro & Shenandoah National Park
- Chesapeake
- Charlottesville
- Virginia Mountains Region
- Highland County
- Damascus
