One of the best things about visiting (or living in) Hampton Roads is that you’re surrounded by history.
The Historic Triangle – Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown – is a great way to see three historic locations.
Historic Jamestowne
This is one of my favorite things to do in Hampton Roads. So much so that I visited twice in seven days on my recent hometown takeover.
Historic Jamestowne is the site of the original settlement of the first permanent English Settlement in the US. It’s an active archaeological dig site, has two great museums on site and it’s dog-friendly outside. If you can only choose one stop for the Historic Triangle this would be my pick, but if you have the time and inclination just start your visit to the area here.
Colonial Williamsburg
Full-disclosure: It’s been a LONG time since I’ve been inside anything at Colonial Williamsburg. I went on a field trip as a child, but that’s it. We’ve never really been able to justify the entry fee; that being said, it gets you into a TON of buildings, so if you’re into Colonial history you might really enjoy all that Colonial Williamsburg has to offer.
Start at the Visitor Center for maps and information and/or tickets.
Take the Colonial Parkway to your final destination.
Yorktown Battlefield
Until my hometown takeover, I’d never been to Yorktown or the Yorktown Battlefield. In case you don’t know, it’s the location of Cornwallis’ surrender and the end of the Revolutionary War. It’s a place with tons to explore, so I’ll be making my way back another time.
They ask that you don’t bring your dog to Ranger programs but otherwise it’s dog-friendly outside which is always nice to hear since we travel full-time with Truffles.
There’s acres of battlefield to walk, a museum and free driving tour. You can walk from the battlefield to Historic Yorktown and its beach which adds to the adventure – you can definitely make a day of Yorktown alone!
Fees
It can often be costly to visit historic sites. As you might know, we’re on a serious budget (especially since we’re on the edge of being over/under for the year), so we’re always looking for ways to save money. There’s a way to see all three places for $20, but if your budget isn’t as tight there are more options for you to enjoy all that Williamsburg, the Historic Triangle and even the local amusement parks have to offer.
There’s an entry fee for Historic Jamestowne but it includes entry to the Yorktown Battlefield and both are available for seven days from purchase. At the time of writing, the fee for Historic Jamestowne is $20 for those 16+ and free for under 16.
If you go to Yorktown Battlefield first, you can show your receipt at Historic Jamestowne to get a $10 ticket.
To go inside buildings at Colonial Williamsburg you need to pay an entry fee but you can walk around the streets for free. At the time of writing, a one-day ticket to Colonial williamsburg is $45 for 13+ and $25 for children ages 6-12.
You can purchase various multiple site tickets and an adult Historic Triangle pass for $100 (at the time of writing) and there are other ticket items including Busch Gardens and more.
Tip
If you want an inexpensive way to see all three sites (that are also dog-friendly), I recommend going to Historic Jamestowne, getting your ticket (which is for seven days and includes the Yorktown Battlefield), then walking around the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. You won’t be able to go inside the buildings, but you can still see a lot of history walking around. Finish at the Yorktown Battlefield and walk around finishing with the free driving tour. Viola! Several days of history that you can take your pet on (no doggies in the cars on hot Virginia days) for only $20!
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