In the cradle of U.S. Colonial history, Williamsburg, Virginia, stands out. It’s part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, consisting of some of the oldest English settlements in the country. Its role in the birth of a new nation is hard to overstate.
Williamsburg brings that history to life for visitors with a collection of museums, including the largest living history museum in the world. Its charms aren’t only historic, however. It also offers plenty of outdoor recreation, fun attractions, group dining and a selection of wineries and breweries.
“Williamsburg is an iconic destination,” said Ally Ramello, group sales manager at Visit Williamsburg. “We love welcoming groups of all sizes.”
The 2026 Select Traveler Conference will be held in Williamsburg, February 15–17. In addition to the networking opportunities for travel buyers and sellers, delegates will get to walk in the footsteps of early Americans — an especially relevant experience in 2026, which will be filled with celebrations commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary. They’ll also get to explore other delights and surprises that await groups in this fascinating Virginia town.
To register for the 2026 Select Traveler Conference, visit selecttravelerconf.com.
Haven for History
Williamsburg’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its long list of historical offerings. First founded in 1632, it became Virginia’s capital city in 1699, a title it retained until 1780. It’s part of what’s known as the Historic Triangle, along with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown. Williamsburg played a key role in American Colonial history and the Revolutionary War.
The top historic attraction in the area is Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the world. It tells the story of the nation’s founders as well as the underexplored narratives of everyday working people, women, enslaved people and Indigenous people of the area. With 89 18th-century buildings and many others that have been reconstructed, Colonial Williamsburg gives visitors a taste of life during the Colonial period, complete with historical reenactors, many of whom demonstrate trades of the time.
“Costumed interpreters walk around town or perform, and guests can interact with them,” Ramello said. “You might just see George Washington interacting with visitors.”
While in Williamsburg, groups should also head to the nearby Jamestown Settlement, another museum that recounts the history and culture of the first permanent English colony. It also explores the Indigenous history of the area. Museum offerings include galleries full of centuries-old artifacts, films and interactive exhibits.
To round out their experience of Colonial Virginia, groups can visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, which explores the region’s critical role in the Revolutionary War.
All three historic sites offer group rates. Tours can be guided or self-guided depending on availability and preference.
These offerings are made especially enticing in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“Where else can you walk in the footsteps of history?” Ramello said. “This is where the nation was born, and it has a special meaning because next year is the 250th anniversary of American independence.”
Colonial Williamsburg will be hosting several events throughout the year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation, including a special July Fourth celebration. Additional celebrations throughout the state are expected all year long.
Culinary Offerings
In addition to its assortment of history museums, Williamsburg has a wide variety of culinary offerings for group visitors to explore.
History is Williamsburg’s bread and butter, so it should come as no surprise that many of its most popular restaurants are historic taverns. King’s Arms Tavern, found in Colonial Williamsburg, serves recipes straight out Colonial-era cookbooks, from “Mrs. Vobe’s Prime Rib of Beef” to roast ducks and onion “pyes.”
“Peanut soup is one of their most famous recipes,” Ramello said. “It’s a well-kept Colonial recipe that has been brought back to life from the historical research.”
Another Colonial Williamsburg institution is Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, which was once frequented by George Washington. The restaurant is known for its historically inspired seafood dishes. Guest favorites include crab cakes and spoonbread, and the menu also features oysters, fried chicken, fried fish and potato dumplings.
Outside of Colonial Williamsburg, visitors will find plenty of group-friendly restaurants, including Sal’s By Victor, an Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta; Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, a seafood buffet; Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse, featuring an open-hearth grill and a raw bar; and Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que, serving tender pulled pork, chicken and ribs.
The region also has a winery and several breweries that offer a range of flavors and experiences for groups.
Williamsburg Winery is known for its Bordeaux-style blends, but it offers a range of varietals, from chardonnay to viognier, a once-forgotten grape. While one of the winery’s tasting rooms is in Colonial Williamsburg, the vineyard is a great stop for travelers looking to enjoy the serenity of the vineyards or even learn more about the wine-making process.
“It offers winery tours, as well as private rooms that cater to small and large groups,” Ramello said. “Sometimes groups can have a meal in the winery or a tasting.”
Precarious Beer Project, a brewery connected to Amber Ox Public House, offers seasonally inspired beers and pub food with a hip atmosphere. The Virginia Beer Company, a beloved staple in the community, serves small-batch beers and a selection of IPAs, saisons and pale ales. Another option on the water, Billsburg Brewery lets groups enjoy brews from the outdoor setting directly on a tributary of the James River.
Outdoor Adventure
Its idyllic Virginia setting means Williamsburg has plenty of natural beauty to share with visitors. They can experience the local flora and fauna during visits to area parks and beaches, as well as state parks like the Colonial National Historical Park. Williamsburg is also home to a dozen championship golf courses.
Williamsburg has abundant waterways to explore, including the James and York rivers, making boating and other water activities a lovely way for groups to spend their afternoons during the warmer seasons. Groups of up to 25 can take a sunset cruise on a sailboat.
Another outdoor attraction perfectly suited to thrill-seekers and student groups is Busch Gardens, which has been recognized as the world’s most beautiful amusement park since 1990. The 130-acre park combines modern roller coasters with a historic atmosphere, as well as animal exhibits. Gray wolves, Clydesdale horses, Scottish Highland cattle and red fox are among the animals that live in the park.
Groups can spend an afternoon in the park with a guided experience of their choice, including up-close encounters with animals, a roller coaster insider tour, a river cruise or a park history tour.
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is another top attraction for thrill-seeking groups and features extensive zip line and ropes courses, as well as axe throwing and an escape room.
To register for the 2026 Select Traveler Conference, please go to selecttravelerconf.com.
