Ready to step back in time? These incredible colonial cities offer more than just Instagram-worthy architecture – they’re living, breathing pieces of American history where cobblestone streets tell stories and every brick building has witnessed centuries of drama, triumph, and everyday life.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just someone who loves exploring unique destinations, these colonial gems will transport you straight back to the 1700s. From budget-friendly day trips to luxury historic inn stays, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
1. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
The Crown Jewel of American Colonial Cities
Colonial Williamsburg isn’t just a destination – it’s a full-scale time machine. This living history museum spans 301 acres and features the world’s largest collection of original 18th-century buildings. Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street feels like stepping into a Revolutionary War-era movie set, except everything is absolutely real.
Historical Significance: Once the capital of colonial Virginia (1699-1780), Williamsburg was where some of America’s most influential figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry shaped the nation’s future. The Governor’s Palace hosted royal governors, and the Capitol building witnessed heated debates that would eventually lead to American independence.
Popularity: This UNESCO World Heritage site draws over 1 million visitors annually, making it one of America’s most visited historic destinations. Peak season runs April through October, with summer being especially crowded.
Budget Considerations:
- Colonial Williamsburg ticket: $45-75 for adults (multi-day passes available)
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Mid-range dining: $30-50 per person
- Parking: $15 per day
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Comfort Inn & Suites ($80-120/night)
- Mid-range: Historic Williamsburg Inn ($200-400/night)
- Luxury: The Williamsburg Inn ($300-600/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Williamsburg KOA (full hookups, $50-70/night)
- American Heritage RV Park ($45-65/night)
- Anvil Campground (more rustic, $35-50/night)
Summer Activities:
- Ghost tours through historic streets
- Colonial trades demonstrations (blacksmithing, pottery)
- Outdoor concerts at the Governor’s Palace
- Revolutionary City programming with live actors
Winter Activities:
- Holiday decorations and candlelight tours
- Cozy tavern experiences with period music
- Indoor exhibitions at the DeWitt Wallace Museum
- Fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities
2. Savannah, Georgia
The Southern Belle of Colonial Cities
Savannah’s historic district is like a perfectly preserved jewelry box of colonial and antebellum architecture. With 24 planned squares connected by tree-lined streets, this city offers one of the most walkable historic experiences in America.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, Savannah was Georgia’s first colonial settlement and America’s first planned city. Its strategic location made it crucial during both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
Popularity: Over 15 million visitors annually make Savannah one of the South’s top destinations. Spring (March-May) offers perfect weather and blooming azaleas.
Budget Considerations:
- Free to explore historic squares
- Trolley tours: $25-35 per person
- Budget meals: $12-20 per person
- Parking: $1-2 per hour downtown
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Red Roof Inn ($70-110/night)
- Mid-range: Historic Inns of Savannah ($150-250/night)
- Luxury: The Kehoe House ($250-450/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Savannah Oaks RV Resort ($45-65/night)
- Red Gate Campground & RV Park ($40-60/night)
- Skidaway Island State Park ($28-35/night)
Summer Activities:
- Evening ghost tours (cooler temperatures)
- River Street festivals and markets
- Boat tours on the Savannah River
- Picnics in Forsyth Park
Winter Activities:
- Holiday tours of decorated historic homes
- Cozy pub crawls through historic taverns
- Museum visits during comfortable temperatures
- Photography walks with dramatic winter lighting
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Where Colonial Meets Gilded Age Glamour
Newport perfectly blends colonial charm with later architectural periods, creating a unique coastal experience. The historic downtown area features beautifully preserved colonial buildings alongside stunning waterfront views.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1639, Newport became a major colonial trading port and center for religious tolerance. It later evolved into America’s premier resort destination for the wealthy elite.
Popularity: Summer crowds can be intense (June-August), but shoulder seasons offer perfect weather with fewer tourists.
Budget Considerations:
- Mansion tours: $15-25 each
- Walking tours: $15-20 per person
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Parking: $2-3 per hour downtown
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Americas Best Value Inn ($90-140/night)
- Mid-range: The Chanler at Cliff Walk ($200-400/night)
- Luxury: The Ocean House ($400-800/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Melville Ponds Campground ($45-70/night)
- Fort Getty Recreation Area ($30-45/night)
- Second Beach Campground (seasonal, $40-60/night)
Summer Activities:
- Cliff Walk with ocean views
- Sailing and harbor tours
- Beach time at First and Second Beach
- Outdoor concerts at Fort Adams
Winter Activities:
- Holiday mansion tours with decorations
- Cozy seaside restaurants and pubs
- Storm watching from the cliffs
- Antique shopping in historic downtown
4. St. Augustine, Florida
America’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited City
St. Augustine offers a unique Spanish colonial experience that’s distinctly different from British colonial architecture found elsewhere. The city’s narrow streets, fortress walls, and distinctive buildings create an almost European atmosphere.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1565, St. Augustine predates Jamestown by 42 years. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument represents the oldest masonry fortress in the continental US.
Popularity: Year-round destination with peak seasons in spring and fall. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter offers perfect weather.
Budget Considerations:
- Castillo de San Marcos: $15 per person
- Trolley tours: $25-30 per person
- Budget meals: $12-20 per person
- Free street parking available in some areas
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Red Roof Inn ($80-120/night)
- Mid-range: Casa Monica Resort ($150-300/night)
- Luxury: Hotel Palms ($200-400/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Anastasia State Park ($26-35/night)
- Stagecoach RV Park ($50-70/night)
- North Beach Camp Resort ($45-65/night)
Summer Activities:
- Early morning fort tours (beat the heat)
- Beach time at Anastasia State Park
- Ghost tours in the evening
- Air-conditioned museum visits
Winter Activities:
- Comfortable walking tours of historic district
- Outdoor dining on St. George Street
- Holiday light displays
- Perfect weather for photography
5. Alexandria, Virginia
Colonial Charm Meets Modern Convenience
Just across the Potomac from Washington DC, Alexandria’s Old Town offers incredible colonial architecture with big-city amenities. Cobblestone streets, 18th-century homes, and waterfront views create an irresistible combination.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1749, Alexandria was a major colonial port where George Washington maintained a townhouse. The city played crucial roles in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
Popularity: Popular year-round due to proximity to DC. Spring and fall offer the best weather for walking tours.
Budget Considerations:
- Many historic sites are free to explore
- Metro access from DC: $2-6 per trip
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Street parking: $1.50 per hour
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites ($120-180/night)
- Mid-range: Morrison House ($180-280/night)
- Luxury: The Alexandrian ($200-350/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Burke Lake Park (30 minutes away, $35-45/night)
- Pohick Bay Regional Park ($40-55/night)
- Limited RV options due to urban location
Summer Activities:
- Potomac River boat tours
- Outdoor dining with river views
- Evening walking tours
- Farmers markets and street festivals
Winter Activities:
- Holiday decorations throughout Old Town
- Cozy historic taverns and restaurants
- Museum visits during comfortable indoor temperatures
- Easy access to DC’s winter attractions
6. Annapolis, Maryland
Sailing Capital with Colonial Soul
Annapolis combines maritime heritage with exceptional colonial architecture. The Maryland State House, built in 1772, served briefly as the US Capitol, while the Naval Academy adds a unique military dimension to this charming city.
Historical Significance: Maryland’s capital since 1694, Annapolis was where George Washington resigned his military commission and where the Treaty of Paris was ratified, officially ending the Revolutionary War.
Popularity: Peak season runs April through October, with sailing season bringing additional crowds.
Budget Considerations:
- State House tours: Free
- Naval Academy tours: $10-15 per person
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Parking: $1-2 per hour
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Westin Annapolis ($140-220/night)
- Mid-range: Historic Inns of Annapolis ($160-280/night)
- Luxury: Graduate Annapolis ($200-350/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Capitol KOA (20 minutes away, $50-75/night)
- Smallwood State Park ($30-40/night)
- Bar Harbor RV Park ($45-65/night)
Summer Activities:
- Sailing lessons and boat rentals
- Waterfront dining and festivals
- Naval Academy tours and events
- Walking tours of historic district
Winter Activities:
- Cozy harbor-view restaurants
- Holiday naval academy events
- Indoor historical exhibitions
- Antique shopping on Main Street
7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Seaport City with Preserved Charm
Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke Museum offers one of America’s most comprehensive colonial experiences, while the historic downtown provides excellent dining and shopping in period buildings.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1630, Portsmouth was New Hampshire’s original capital and a major colonial shipbuilding center. The city’s merchants grew wealthy from trade with the West Indies.
Popularity: Summer brings peak crowds, but fall foliage season is equally popular. Winter offers a quieter, more intimate experience.
Budget Considerations:
- Strawbery Banke Museum: $20-25 per person
- Portsmouth Harbor tours: $15-25 per person
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Free parking available in some areas
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites ($120-180/night)
- Mid-range: Ale House Inn ($150-250/night)
- Luxury: The Press Hotel (Portland, 1 hour away, $200-400/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Wakeda Campground ($40-60/night)
- Pine Acres Family Camping ($45-65/night)
- Pawtuckaway State Park ($25-35/night)
Summer Activities:
- Harbor islands exploration
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Portsmouth Harbor Trail walking tours
- Beach access to nearby New Hampshire coast
Winter Activities:
- Cozy taverns and restaurants
- Holiday decorations at Strawbery Banke
- Indoor craft demonstrations
- Less crowded museum experiences
8. Chester, Connecticut
Small Town, Big Colonial Character
This tiny Connecticut River town packs incredible colonial architecture into a compact, walkable area. Chester feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, complete with a historic main street that’s remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1692, Chester was a major shipbuilding center during colonial times. The town’s isolation helped preserve its architecture when other areas modernized.
Popularity: A hidden gem that’s never overcrowded, making it perfect for those seeking authentic experiences without tourist masses.
Budget Considerations:
- Exploring is essentially free
- Budget meals: $12-20 per person
- Limited accommodation requires advance booking
- Free street parking
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Limited options, consider nearby Middletown
- Mid-range: Inn at Chester ($150-250/night)
- Luxury: Copper Beech Inn ($200-350/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Markham Meadows Campground ($35-50/night)
- Devil’s Hopyard State Park ($17-25/night)
- Connecticut River camping options
Summer Activities:
- Connecticut River ferry rides
- Antique shopping on Main Street
- Hiking in nearby state parks
- Photography of pristine colonial buildings
Winter Activities:
- Cozy inn dining experiences
- Holiday decorations in small-town setting
- Cross-country skiing in area parks
- Peaceful winter photography
9. Lexington, Massachusetts
Where the Revolution Began
Lexington Green, where “the shot heard ’round the world” was fired, anchors this historic town. The Battle Green and surrounding colonial homes offer an immersive Revolutionary War experience.
Historical Significance: April 19, 1775, forever changed American history when British troops clashed with colonial militia on Lexington Green, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Popularity: Peak season runs April through October, with Patriots Day (third Monday in April) being especially busy due to reenactments.
Budget Considerations:
- Lexington Green: Free to explore
- Historic house tours: $10-15 each
- Budget meals: $15-25 per person
- Free parking available
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Limited local options, Boston is 30 minutes away
- Mid-range: Inn at Hastings Park ($180-280/night)
- Luxury: Boston luxury hotels (30-minute drive)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Wompatuck State Park ($17-30/night)
- Boston Harbor Islands (seasonal camping)
- Private campgrounds 45+ minutes away
Summer Activities:
- Revolutionary War reenactments
- Battle Road Trail hiking and biking
- Outdoor historical programs
- Nearby Walden Pond visits
Winter Activities:
- Indoor museum experiences
- Cozy New England dining
- Cross-country skiing on Battle Road Trail
- Peaceful historical site visits
10. New Castle, Delaware
First State’s Colonial Gem
Often overlooked, New Castle offers one of America’s most intact colonial streetscapes. The entire historic district feels like a perfectly preserved 18th-century town where modern life quietly coexists with centuries-old buildings.
Historical Significance: Founded by the Dutch in 1651, New Castle served as Delaware’s original capital. William Penn first stepped foot in America here in 1682, and the town remained politically important throughout the colonial period.
Popularity: Delaware’s best-kept secret – historic significance without overwhelming crowds year-round.
Budget Considerations:
- Many sites free to explore
- Historic house tours: $5-10 per person
- Budget meals: $12-20 per person
- Free street parking
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Limited local options
- Mid-range: William Penn Guest House ($120-180/night)
- Luxury: Hotel du Pont (Wilmington, 15 minutes, $200-400/night)
Campervan/RV Spots:
- Lums Pond State Park ($25-35/night)
- Delaware River camping options
- Private campgrounds in surrounding area
Summer Activities:
- Delaware River waterfront walks
- Historic house and garden tours
- Small-town festivals and events
- Photography of pristine colonial streets
Winter Activities:
- Cozy restaurant experiences
- Holiday decorations in historic setting
- Museum visits in nearby Wilmington
- Peaceful winter walks through historic district
Planning Your Colonial Cities Adventure
Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather and beautiful scenery across all these destinations. Summer brings crowds but also the most activities, while winter provides intimate experiences with holiday decorations and cozy indoor attractions.
Transportation Tips: Most of these cities are highly walkable once you arrive. Consider flying into major airports and renting a car for maximum flexibility, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple cities. Several destinations are accessible by train, particularly those in the Northeast.
What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets. Layer-friendly clothing works best for unpredictable weather, and don’t forget a good camera – these cities are incredibly photogenic.
Money-Saving Strategies:
- Many historic districts are free to explore
- Look for combination tickets when multiple attractions interest you
- Visit during shoulder seasons for lower accommodation rates
- Pack snacks and water for walking tours
- Take advantage of free parking when available
These colonial cities offer more than just pretty buildings – they’re portals to America’s founding story. Each cobblestone street, weathered brick wall, and creaking floorboard connects us to the brave individuals who shaped our nation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a comprehensive historical road trip, these destinations deliver authentic experiences that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for American history and some truly spectacular photos for your social media feeds.
Ready to step back in time? These colonial gems are waiting to share their stories with you.
Disclaimer
Important Travel Information: This article is for informational purposes only. Prices, hours of operation, and availability of attractions, accommodations, and activities are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend verifying all information directly with venues, hotels, and campgrounds before making reservations or travel plans.
Weather conditions, seasonal closures, and local events may impact your experience. Some historical sites may have limited accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges – please contact venues directly to discuss specific needs.
While we strive for accuracy, this guide should be used alongside current official tourism websites and local visitor bureaus for the most up-to-date information. Travel safely and check current health and safety guidelines for your destinations. Last updated: June 2025 Photo credit: VILLA BELLA VISTA / Chester Hunt Law Office / Court House, New Castle, Delaware
