Experiences

Love paddling, fishing, and sightseeing along Virginia's waterways? How about a weekend away with your significant other in a peaceful, rural setting far from the busyness of the city? Looking for a fun girlfriends' trip that includes shopping, wineries, and a little adventure? What about learning something new and immersing yourself in history and culture? With multiple opportunities to relax, have fun, or discover something new in the Town of West Point and King William County, we invite you to visit and stay awhile...for a different point of view.

Paddler's Escape

What To Do: With multiple launch points throughout King William County and the Town of West Point, you can choose your own adventures all throughout the year. From a scenic paddle down the Mattaponi River from Aylett, to a peaceful trip down the Pamunkey River, to a more lively paddle on the York River from downtown West Point, there's an experience for everyone. After a long day of paddling our waterways, we invite you to stay awhile and enjoy dinner at one of our many restaurants. If you stay overnight, spend the next day visiting some of our many boutiques and attractions, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon at Mattapony Reserve or one of our nearby wineries and breweries.

Where to Launch: White's Landing, Aylett Boat Ramp, Zoar State Forest, West Point Creek, Glass Island Landing, West Point Beach Park, and 5th Street Beach. Before you paddle the waterways around the Town of West Point, be sure to download the West Point Paddler's Guide.

When To Do It: There's much to see along the waterways of King William and West Point all year long. You can time your visit with one of our popular events such as Food Trucks by the River or Crab Carnival, or plan a quiet adventure to recenter with nature. If you visit us in the colder months, make sure you wear warm water-resistant outerwear to protect you and please always wear a life jacket.

Getaway to the Point

What To Do: With miles of peaceful countryside that lead to amazing boutiques and attractions, wineries and breweries, a quaint downtown shopping and dining area with river views, and relaxing vacation rentals, King William County and the Town of West Point offer the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. For your convenience, we've created a comprehensive list of all there is to see and do in our area, as well as nearby favorites.

When To Do It: West Point and King William are beautiful all year long. The changing seasons make for stunning backdrops for your romantic getaway.

Girls' Trip

What To Do: Shopping + Dining + Wineries + Breweries = GIRLS' TRIP! The Town of West Point and King William County are proud to be the home of amazing shops and boutiques filled to the brim with chic clothing, unique accessories, coastal decor, gifts, and so much more. After a long day of shopping, enjoy dinner at one of our many great restaurants. From local seafood to American favorites, there's something for every palate in West Point and King William. If you and your girlfriends enjoy sitting on a porch overlooking the Mattaponi River while sipping award-winning wine, you'll love Mattapony Reserve as well as our region's nearby wineries and breweries. And, if you are looking to add a little adventure to your trip, there are plenty of opportunities including kayaking, hiking, and skydiving! We invite you to view our comprehensive list of all there is to see and do in our area.

When To Do It: West Point and King William provide the perfect location for your girls' trip any time of year. If you're looking to enjoy time outside, we recommend the spring, summer, or fall for your visit.

Where to Stay: Hemlock House at 403 Main Street, Aylett River Paradise, Creek View Cottage, Grateful Meadows, Downtown West Point Historical Retreat, Sunrise Tides - A River Retreat, Waterfront Retreat on the Mattaponi River, Luxury Getaway in West Point, Elizabeth Rose Cottage, Private Rural Retreat, Malden Hill, Zebulon's Grotto, or West Point Waterfront (Pro tip - 403 Main Street, Luxury Getaway in West Point, and Downtown West Point Historical Retreat are within walking distance of Beach Park, which features expansive views of the York River and a great area to relax in the sun. You'll also find multiple shopping and dining opportunities right outside your doorstep.) *When visiting Mattapony Reserve and our nearby wineries and breweries, we encourage you to drink responsibly and use a transportation service.

History & Culture Adventure

What To Do: If it's history and culture you love, the Town of West Point and King William County have you covered. Established in 1702 with some of the oldest architectural structures in Virginia, King William County provides numerous opportunities to marvel at history and learn about our storied past. From historic King William County Courthouse, which was built in 1725 and is the oldest courthouse building in continuous use in the United States, to early colonial-era Acquinton Church which has been beautifully stabilized and dates to 1734, or to quaint downtown West Point which showcases buildings containing more than 150 years of history as a lively port and resort town along its tree-lined streets, there's much to discover in King William County's 286 square miles.

King William is honored to be the home of the Mattaponi Indian Reservation, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe. With yearly pow-wows, amazing cultural museums, award-winning fish hatcheries, and more, our historic tribes offer wonderful learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

To plan your visit to our museums, learn more about our area's rich history, and map your tour of King William's stately plantation homes and other historic sites, visit the King William County Historical Society and Museum and the Historical Society of West Point and Museum.

When To Do It: West Point and King William provide opportunities for learning all year. If you love visiting and taking photos of historic landmarks, our region's sites are beautiful in every season. From snow-covered church buildings to store fronts adorned by spring flowers, our area provides the perfect stage for your historic and cultural experience.