Trying to find a good route to Williamsburg, VA...

[Movieguy]

This summer, my mother, sister, and I are thinking about going on vacation somewhere, and one of the places that came up was Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. We were there once before, three years ago, and we all loved it. What wasn't so lovable, however, was the drive down. The traffic around much of Maryland and Washington on the way to Williamsburg was absolutely horrendous. I believe we were on I-95, though I don't remember 100% since it was my late father who did most of the driving. Anyway, it's exactly the reason why I have not been back down there for three years now.

So, I decided to ask anyone here who may know this area better than I do...Are there any possible alternate routes for people trying to get to Williamsburg that aren't quite as congested? I'd appreciate any information anyone may have, thank you.

[MidnTPK]

Less Congested? Yes, there are less congested routes. But would any of them save time? No, because you'd be traveling many more miles.

Alternative one is to take Route 13 through Delaware, down the Delmarva Peninsula, and take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (In 1964, One of the 7 Engineering Wonders of the Modern World) to the Virginia Beach Area. But that adds many miles on highways that have traffic lights. It's a neat ride though.

Alternative two would be to take I-81 all the way to I-64. Once again many miles, but you could stop at Monticello or take Skyline Drive on the way there or back.

And if your question is "are there any secret ways for navigating the DC area" the answer is no. Traffic isn't bad here because we are all too stupid to find alternate routes. It's bad because there are so many people living in the suburbs and not enough public transportation or roads.

[Donald Duck]

We drove to Willaimsburg from NY last summer. We took I-95 going there and 13 coming back. We enjoyed going back much more and it took the same time. It's a more direct route and there aren't that many lights on 13. It moves pretty well.
Plus it was nice to be able to stop at a gas station, supermarket or restaurant whenever we wanted to. Going over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was amazing !

I would try both and see which one you like better.

[Baloo Da Man!]

If you do take 13, make sure you cross the bridge tunnel to Virginia Beach before 2:00 or after 6:30 on a work day. After you get to VA Beach, you have to get on 64 west and go through another tunnel to get onto the peninsula. That tunnel can back up forever at rush hour (which can start early here because of the military bases in that area.) And there is always rush hour traffic through Hampton and Newport News on the penisula before you get to Wburg. 13 is not a bad drive. I take it all the time when I go to PA or NJ.