Hi - we will be staying at a timeshare in Williamsburg during early April. We plan to do all the history and some nature hikes and kayaking. We were also considering going over the bridge and exploring the eastern shore and, also, Busch Gardens.

Is traffic a big issue for the bridge? If so - what would you recommend for timing both going and coming back? Is this doable as a day trip?

Busch Gardens: Worth it for 4 adults who won't care about the rides?
Thanks! sue

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is great. You won't have any traffic on it unless they have to stop traffic for a little while because of an oversize vehicle. It does cost $12 dollars but I think the return trip is less if you do it within the same day. cbbt.com. You can hit traffic getting to the CBBT, though, because you have to go through the Hampton Roads Bridge/Tunnel. Just avoid commuter hours and you should be fine.

If you go to the Eastern Shore some stops are: Stingrays for lunch (don't be fooled by the fact that it is in an Exxon station), the nature preserve just after the bridge, Kiptopeke state park on the bay.

I don't usually go to Busch Gardens but I think there are enough shows to keep you busy and the park is gorgeous. Others may be able to give you a better idea.

Do you need hiking and kayaking ideas?

Thanks Birdie - YES! I would love hiking and kayaking ideas. That's what we love to do the most.
Thanks, sue

It is quite a drive from Williamsburg to Norfolk, and the traffic could be considerable. What would be a reasonable drive to you? Norfolk is very congested but the bridge is pretty. I don't know much about the eastern shore though.
I am also not a fan of Busch Gardens. I am not into rides or the kitchy ye olde beer halls and trinket shoppes. It does have lots of dirt and trees, so if you have to go to a theme park it is much more pleasant than Kings Dominion.
I love Williamsburg and lived there for several years. I would focus on the history an natural aspects. They seems to be your main intrests and are the strong points of the area in my opinion.
-Katie

This is a great park. I always wanted to go on the moonlight canoe trips, but it says they don't start until May. Rentals start April 1 though.
http://www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/yorkrive.htm#Fishing
The Williamsburg area is also great for biking if you have them available.
-Katie

We had fun at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, although we were two adults with a 10 year old who all liked rides. The Beer Garden there was fine for beer and polka fans.

Oh we also did:
Cheasapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel
Colonial Williamsburg & Jamestown
Day trip to Chintoteaage

Chincoteague

I know the horrendous traffic is a factor, but last time I drove it, Williamsburg was less than an hour from Norfolk ...

If you want to really explore the Eastern Shore, you'll need a full day so leave Wburg v early.

Hubby and I love Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It's a beautiful park and has much better shopping than a Six Flags or Paramount (now Cedar Fair) park. But if you aren't into rides, I suggest you research the park via the website and other resources first to see what they have that would interest you.

At York River State Park I like the Taskinas Creek Trail #1 on the map I think. Waller Mill park has a nice trail around the lake.
Will you have your own kayaks or are you renting?

Birdie - we will be renting. We own kayaks but they will be staying home in Massachusetts.
sue

I'll start with kayaking. The first thing you need to know is that our rivers and creeks are tidal. That isn't such a big problem with the rivers because they are wide. The creeks, however, can change 2-3 feet so you could get stuck inland or have to paddle against a tide. I would call the place where you want to rent and see if this will be a problem and how you can avoid it.
York River State Park will offer kayaking on a creek and, I think, on the York River. The creek is beautiful and worth seeing.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park on Rt. 5 also rents kayaks. You would be kayaking on the Chickahominy and can go out onto the James River. james-city.va.us/recreation. This is where "New World" was filmed.
If you prefer lake kayaking, Waller Mill park also rents kayaks. ci.williamsburg.va.us/dept/rec
I am not sure they rent boats of any kind but there is a marina near Jamestown Island called Jamestown Basin Marina, 757 229-8309, that would be worth checking on because you would be able to kayak around Jamestown Island.
Watch for bald eagles and osprey around here.
In addition to the hiking trails mentioned there is a another called Greensprings Trail. It is only 3 miles but is supposed to be nice. It will be described on the James City County site.
Let us know if you have any other questions.