Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of the independent city of Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg consists of many of the buildings that formed the original colonial capital of Williamsburg in James City County from 1699 to 1780.

Early in the 20th century, the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the United States of America.

Some of the structures from the Colonial period have been reconstructed on their original sites. Many other structures have been restored to their original 18th century appearances. Most buildings are open for tourists to look through.

A main source of tourism to Williamsburg, Virginia and the surrounding area, visitors can witness a tree lined interpretation of a Colonial American city with exhibits including dozens of authentic colonial homes, American Revolutionary War history exhibits, and the town jail, which includes an authentic Stocks and pillory display. Other notable structures include the large Capitol and the Governor's Palace, each carefully reconstructed and landscaped as closely as possible to original 18th century specifications. Dependency structures and animals help complete the ambiance.

One of the most unusual things about visiting Colonial Williamsburg is that costumed interpreters work, dress, and talk as they did in the era, teaching visitors more about the site, and life in the period represented. Although modern transportation is close by, the tourists themselves are virtually the only things visible that vary from what a day "back in the day" may have really looked and been like.

Colonial Williamsburg is owned and operated (as a living museum) by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the non-profit entity endowed by the Rockefeller family. Although it is not directly affiliated with the nearby Colonial National Historical Park, the nearby Colonial Parkway and attractions at Jamestown and Yorktown presented by state and federal entities are complementary adjuncts to the restored area of the colonial city. With Colonial Williamsburg as its centerpiece, the Historic Triangle of Virginia is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.