Best for: The anchor round of any Williamsburg trip. Pete Dye's design along the James River has championship pedigree — it hosted the PGA TOUR and LPGA. The finishing stretch along the river (15-18) is among the best in Virginia.

Insider tip: The River Course's finishing stretch — holes 15 through 18 along the James River bluff — is one of the most dramatic closing sequences in Mid-Atlantic golf. The par-3 17th, played downhill to a green on the river's edge, is the signature hole. Arrive early enough to warm up on the excellent practice facility. The resort's stay-and-play packages are the most cost-effective way to access this course.

Best for: Groups with mixed skill levels and anyone who wants a fun, less-demanding round on the second day at Kingsmill. The Plantation is the relaxation round.

Insider tip: The Plantation Course is Arnold Palmer's design and plays shorter and more forgiving than the River Course. It is the course where mid-to-high handicappers will have the most fun. Bundle it with the River Course in a two-round Kingsmill package for the best value.

Best for: Golf history enthusiasts and groups who want to combine championship golf with the Colonial Williamsburg experience. Robert Trent Jones Sr. called this 'my finest design' — that alone makes it worth playing.

Insider tip: The Gold Course opened in 1963 and Robert Trent Jones Sr. personally called it his finest design — a remarkable statement given his portfolio of 500+ courses. The course has been ranked among America's Top 100 Courses You Can Play by multiple publications. Book the Colonial Williamsburg stay-and-play package for the best rate, and walk the course if you can — the terrain and woodland setting reward walking.

Best for: Value-conscious groups and anyone who wants a quality round at an almost absurd price point. The Green Course at $39-$59 is one of the best values in Mid-Atlantic golf.

Insider tip: The Green Course Player's Pass rate — $39 in the off-season and $59 in peak season — is the best deal in Williamsburg golf. Rees Jones (son of Robert Trent Jones Sr.) designed the course to complement the Gold. It plays 7,120 yards from the tips, so it has length, but the wider fairways and more receptive greens make it more forgiving than the Gold Course. Play it as your warm-up or budget round.

Best for: Groups who want a quiet, well-maintained course away from the tourist corridor. Dan Maples' designs are player-friendly and scenic.

Insider tip: Ford's Colony is a residential golf community with two Dan Maples designs. The Blue Heron is the better of the two — tighter and more strategic with water in play on several holes. The community setting means fewer outside players and faster pace of play. It is the local's choice for a quiet, enjoyable round.

Best for: Groups looking for an affordable extra round. At $39-$79, Colonial Heritage lets you add a fourth or fifth round without budget stress.

Insider tip: Colonial Heritage is the no-stress, good-time course of the trip. The layout is straightforward, the conditioning is solid for the price, and the pace is usually fast. Play it on your first or last day when you want golf without the pressure of making a $200 tee time count.