So you’re planning your first trip to Colonial Williamsburg? Or perhaps it’s been a while since your last visit? Awesome, we can’t wait to share this amazing place with you! We’re here to help you plan your visit so you can get the most out of your stay.
Get ready to experience the living, breathing 18th-century colonial capital. A mile long and half a mile wide, the Historic Area boasts 301 acres of historic sites and trades to explore. Discover our two world-class art museums with thousands of objects on display. Meet the people who bring history to life at programs and events throughout the day.
Planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your visit. We’re sharing our tips on what to do during a three-day visit. Download our multi-day itinerary planner to pick your must-sees out and build your schedule. Plus, we’ve asked our fans to share their favorite activities and tips below as well!
Hit the Favorites
Pick Four Trades to Visit
Allow 20-30 minutes in each location to ask questions and learn from the skilled craftspeople.
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Tradespeople in the Galleries
Visit with our harpsichord-makers, cabinetmakers, silversmiths, tailors, engravers, wigmakers, or printers in the Art Museum.
Art Museums Admission
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Tradespeople in the Raleigh Tavern
Visit the wigmakers, silversmiths, leather artificers, bookbinders, apothecaries, and more to explore the techniques and tools used in their trades.
CW Admission
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The Public Armoury
Witness the effort of diverse individuals to support the Revolutionary War at this industrial complex.
CW Admission
Plan Your Meals
Savor historically inspired and contemporary creative cuisine.
Meet at Least Two Nation Builders
Time and again, our fans suggest spending time with our Nation Builders. From Thomas Jefferson to the Marquis de Lafayette, any opportunity to learn from these engaging and knowledgeable interpreters is a win.
Experience Diverse Voices
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Good Progress
Meet Mrs. Wager, teacher of the Williamsburg Bray School, as she debates the nature of her school with Elizabeth DeRosario, a free woman of color.
Art Museums Admission
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Joy in the Morning
Gather with members of the enslaved community to experience a music-filled message of hope.
CW Admission
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The Musick that Binds
A special evening concert of melody and spirit that blends music, stories, and heart, featuring The Governor’s Musick ensemble, Thomas Jefferson, and Jupiter.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
TAKE A CARRIAGE RIDE
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Historic Area by horse-drawn carriage and surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city
See Two Performances
Whether you’re seeing our whimsical outdoor plays or Nation Builders sharing their stories, theatrical performances are great entertainment while you rest your legs.
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Fifes and Drums: From Recruit to Alumnus
Join us for an in-depth discussion of the many tunes, musical techniques, and physical tasks that a juvenile performer must master during their 8-year tenure in our Fifes & Drums.
Art Museums Admission
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Piano Bar at the Williamsburg Inn
Travis Colby and his Piano Bar on the Social Terrace at the Williamsburg Inn. First Saturday of the month April 3 through October, 6-9pm. Reservations recommended via Open Table.
Open to the Public
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Outside the Box: 150 Years of Cigar Box Instruments and Music
Join historian Carson Hudson as he explains their history and performs on homemade instruments.
CW Admission
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
Head over to the Custis Square or First Baptist Church archaeology sites, open Monday through Friday. Learn about what they’re uncovering and how archaeological evidence informs your experience in the colonial capital. Plus, you’re just across the street from the Art Museums!
VISIT THE ART MUSEUMS
In addition to the world’s largest living history museum, two hidden gems await in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features American and British antiques and decorative art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, while you can find bold and imaginative pieces of colonial and contemporary folk art at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Select an Evening Program
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Take a ghost tour, or check out seasonal evening events in the Historic Area.
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Haunted Williamsburg
Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Ghost Walk Junior
Calling guests of all ages! Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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The Musick that Binds
A special evening concert of melody and spirit that blends music, stories, and heart, featuring The Governor’s Musick ensemble, Thomas Jefferson, and Jupiter.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
STAY WITH US
With our official hotels, you can stay close to the action, enjoy resort amenities and get up to two complimentary admission tickets to the Historic Area and Art Museums when you book direct with Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. Book your stay now!
Three Great Museums. One Ticket.
Our living history museum and two art museums offer something for everyone to discover.
Your Admission Ticket is the Key