The Ultimate Accessible Guide to Williamsburg, Jamestown & Yorktown

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is the ultimate open-air U.S. history museum. Stroll down pedestrian-only Duke of Gloucester Street, lined with colonial architecture. Inside these buildings, interact with reenactors in period costume who portray Revolution-era life in trades such as blacksmithing and bookbinding. While several of the buildings have stairs, the reenactors are happy to meet visitors outside the front of the building so that everyone can share the experience. There are a few areas with cobblestones that may be tricky to navigate, but there are also many paved sidewalks and surfaces. Further, frequent outdoor presentations and depictions put history within reach for everyone.

Explore life during Revolutionary times through the help of reenactors.

The city of Williamsburg is much more than just the colonial street. Visit Merchants Square at the west end of the historic center, a unique shopping and dining area with more than 40 stores in colonial buildings. The Williamsburg Visitor Center, where you can learn more about accessible options, is also completely wheelchair-friendly. And, for something completely different, you and your family can visit Busch Gardens, where the Ride Accessibility Program staff will create a personalized list of rides and attractions that fit your needs. Further, the Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge has put a lot of thought into accessibility, with a waterproof wheelchair available to borrow that you can roll right into the wave pool.

Stroll around colonial architecture in Williamsburg.

Jamestown & Yorktown

The Jamestown and Yorktown settlements complete the Historic Triangle. In Jamestown, visit a life-size recreation of a 1600s fort and explore gallery exhibits that depict the cultures of the early colonists. All of Jamestown is accessible aside from the ship recreations. In Yorktown, visit the American Revolution Museum and explore a Revolution-era farm. Also, visit the grounds of the final battle of the Revolutionary War. You will need a car to get between the three parts of the Triangle, but they are not far apart—and the drives are beautiful!

Some of the Jamestown and Yorktown sites are managed by the National Park Service. If you have a National Park Access Pass (and if you don't, look into it—it's free), you and your companion can visit these areas free of charge. Colonial Williamsburg is privately run, and you will need to purchase a ticket to visit the historic buildings; however, you can stroll Duke of Gloucester Street free of charge. This also includes all outdoor presentations.

National Park Access Pass

Don't have an Access Pass? You may qualify if you have a permanent disability. Simply ask your doctor for a note and exchange it for a free Access Pass at participating government offices. This allows you and your companion free access to National Park Service attractions.

No matter your accessibility needs, if you're a history lover, the Historic Triangle is the place for you!

The Williamsburg Visitor Center has lots of accessible parking. From there, you can take the shuttle to the historic area, which conveniently runs every 15 minutes.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Williamsburg page.