32 American College Towns That Feel Like Stepping Back in Time

27. Williamsburg, Virginia: A Living Museum of Colonial America

There is no college town in America that feels more like stepping back in time than Williamsburg, home to the College of William & Mary. As part of the Historic Triangle alongside Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg is an immersive colonial experience, complete with costumed interpreters, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The college, founded in 1693, is the second-oldest in the country and has educated U.S. presidents like Thomas Jefferson. Whether you’re exploring restored 18th-century buildings or grabbing a drink at a tavern that has served locals for centuries, Williamsburg offers an unparalleled journey into America’s past.