Nicole Moyer 4/22/25 Nicole Moyer 4/22/25

Paws & Paths: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy with Your Dog in Williamsburg, Virginia

York River State Park is one of our favorite parks in the Hampton Roads area. There are tons of paths and lots of wildlife. Since the park borders the York River, you are able to see gorgeous waters as well as forest paths. Our favorite trail goes right down to the beach!

Pros: Variety of trails, soft paths for our pawed friends, water views, equestrian trails, hike options with some elevation
Good to Know Before You Go: Since this is a Virginia State Park, there is a $5 parking fee. Dogs are not allowed on canoes.

Colonial Williamsburg is a beautiful spot to stroll with your dog. You can grab coffee from Aroma’s, Eleva, Hohl, or the Bake Shop in the morning. In the evening, make your way over to Precarious Beer or Amber Ox for a beer or cocktail.

Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to photograph, so make sure you stop and grab a photo with your phone to capture your adventure. There are lots of sights for you and your dog to enjoy on Duke of Gloucester Street. Ellie loves to meet all of the actor-interpreters walking around (and sometimes carrying treats)!

Pros: Lots of spots to stop and grab food or drinks, outdoor dining tables where you can take a break, lots of people and dogs (if your dog is into that)
Good to Know Before You Go: Lots of people and dogs (if you dog is not into that), paved paths, streets are fairly sunny so be cautious mid day in the summer

Freedom Park is another of my favorite places to photograph. It has really beautiful light that streams through the trees in the morning. There is also a small botanical garden that blooms in spring and definitely worth a walk through. Many of the paths at Freedom Park are paved. There are unpaved paths through the woods, but they are shared with mountain bikers. Although the pup can’t go, Go Ape is a fun outing and shares a parking lot with Freedom Park.

Pros: Shaded paths, flowers/gardens
Good to Know: Unpaved paths are shared with bikers which can be stressful (Ellie likes to stand in the middle of course), the rest of the paths are paved, mostly wooded so not much scenery

New Quarter Park can be accessed off of the Colonial Parkway which provides a beautiful backdrop for your drive. When you arrive, you will find a disc golf course (where ellie likes to watch the frisbees bring thrown), as well as endless paths. You could wander around the paths all day if you wanted.

Pros: Lots of trails, gravel trails, lots of tree coverage/shade for your hike, spots overlooking water, the park has enough space that you can distance yourself from others
Good to Know: Mostly tree lined paths (so if you are not into a forest hike this is not the place for you), limited/confusing parking

Waller Mill Park provides a great variety of activities in one place. There are a few unpaved paths that twist and turn through the tress and provide for great hikes. There is a nice lake and a dock to catch a sunset. And to top it off, there is a dog park! If your dog needs to burn some energy or really needs a play date, there is a fenced dog park with lots of shade for you. If you are looking for more of a true hike, Waller Mill is a great spot. The paths wind through woods with changing elevations. Hiking shoes are never a bad idea here though.

Pros: Dog park, hiking paths (ups and downs/twists and turns), water views
Good to Know: Entry fee to visit (some days), not a lot of paved or flat trails, dogs are not allowed on rented canoes or paddle boats

So go ahead and make your and your pup’s day by checking out one of these great spots that make Williamsburg so special!

Make sure to let us know what you think!