The Best Places to Cool Off on a Hot Summer Day in Williamsburg

Summertime is just around the corner, and so is the hot weather that accompanies it. While staying inside might be the easiest way to stay cool, it isn’t necessarily the most fun. Luckily, Williamsburg is surrounded by riverfront areas and exhilarating water attractions so you can chill out this season. Explore our guide on how to escape the heat and start planning your summer vacation.

Water Country, USA

Slide through summer at Water Country, USA! Packed with thrilling rides and refreshing pools, there’s no better place to cool off than at Virginia’s largest waterpark. There are plenty of attractions to choose from, whether you want a fast and wild ride or a leisurely float. To get your adrenaline pumping, check out Colossal Curl. This slide starts you out in a funnel where you’ll whirl around before plummeting through a colorful tunnel. If a relaxing poolside day is more your style, head to Rambling River and float around the 736-foot lazy river. With an abundance of ways to cool off, a day at Water Country, USA is sure to be a highlight of your summer.

Jamestown Beach

A summer day at the beach goes together like peanut butter and jelly. Besides lounging in the sand while soaking in the afternoon sun, there are loads of water activities to fill your day at Jamestown Beach. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available at Jamestown Outdoors, so you can explore the water firsthand. After a day at the beach, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Jamestown Beach offers a great selection of restaurants that the whole family will love, and will be the perfect end to your fun-filled day.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park

Set on 140 acres, Chickahominy Riverfront Park offers a wide variety of water-filled festivities. Cast a line off the 290-foot fishing pier and appreciate the serenity of the river. A freshwater fishing license is required for ages 16 and older, and can be purchased here. Head out on the water by boat or kayak and travel around the river catching rays. There’s also an outdoor pool to jump in, as well as horseshoe pits and cornhole to play with friends and family. With no shortage of activities, Chickahominy Riverfront Park is the ideal place to enjoy a sunny day.

Alewerks Brewery

Escape the heat with a beer in your hand. At Alewerks Brewery there are 16 tasty beers on tap, with seasonal rotations throughout the year. An ice-cold brew and hot weather pair seamlessly together. Enjoy your beer inside the taproom or under an umbrella outside in the beer garden. There are also exciting games, weekly trivia nights, and live music to add to the experience. Pick from a selection of non-alcoholic beverages that are available so the whole family can participate in the fun. Spend the afternoon conversing with friends and family, while you bask in the refreshing atmosphere of Alewerks Brewery.

Waller Mill Park

Waller Mill Park is a 2,705-acre park that has numerous outdoor excursions to fill your day. Pedal boating, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of the water endeavors to satisfy your adventurous side. On the water, venture to small alcoves that offer plenty of shade to escape the piercing sun. Situated under a cool canopy of trees, test your skills in a game of disc golf on an 18-hole course. Pack a lunch and use the grills and picnic tables available throughout the park, while you take in the picturesque views of the reservoir. Waller Mill Park is known for being a peaceful place to escape to, and will be a favorite spot to come back to for years to come.

After a sun-filled day hitting the beach or brewery, experience elegance (and air conditioning) at Cedars of Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast Inn. This lovely bed and breakfast is the perfect place for you and your family to kick back and relax on a summer night. The gardens surrounding the Georgian brick house offer a lovely and quaint atmosphere. Plus, the outdoor gazebo is the optimal spot to watch the setting sun. Start and end your summer vacation with an exquisite stay at Cedars of Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast Inn.