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 15 historic sites and 22 historic trades. 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.
Plan Your Meals
Savor historically inspired and contemporary creative cuisine.
Add a Hands-On Activity for Each Day
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Fire a Flintlock Musket
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Weaving Workshop
Try your hand at weaving in this class for all levels of experience.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Shoulder Your Firelocks!
Engage in a military drill, learning the tactics and drill of the 18th-century soldier.
CW Admission
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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Freedom's Paradox: The Randolph House Tour
Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Randolph House, Market Square and Palace Green. Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence by looking at the experiences of the free and enslaved…
CW Admission
Free Event Ticket
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Tour the Town
Walk about town with one of our costumed interpreters as they share stories of those living in Williamsburg.
CW Admission
Free 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 March
The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing military field musicians, march from the Capitol to the Palace Green.
Open to the Public
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Mrs. Shields's Private Assembly of Merriment
Join Mrs. Shields for a private assembly of merriment. Refreshments and entertainment provided along with musicians and a dance master. Guests will be encouraged to dress in 18th Century fashion (optional) and will be give…
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Instruments from the Collection Concert
Join The Governor’s Musick, our resident ensemble, as they bring authentic pieces from the Colonial Williamsburg antique instrument collection to life.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
Explore on Your Own
Have some time between scheduled tours and programs? Peruse the African American Religion, Presbyterian Meetinghouse, or the Public Gaol on a self-guided tour.
WATCH A FIFE AND DRUM MARCH
Join the Fife and Drum Corps as they march down Duke of Gloucester Street, projecting the music that stirred filled the fields of the Revolutionary War.
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. From spooky ghost tours to public trials to concerts of 18th-century music, you’ll find an array of nightly performances 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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Trial of a Patriot
Enjoy this alternative-history trial, where you question witnesses, weigh the evidence, and determine the fate of an American Patriot.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Cry Witch
Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
STAY WITH US
From absolute luxury to family-centric amenities (read: Splash Park!) to the complete 18th-century experience, our unique properties offer the complete experience, just minutes from all the action. Book your stay now!.
Three Great Museums. One Ticket.
Our living history museum and two art museums at Colonial Williamsburg offer something for everyone, from hands-on activities to guided tours of original 18th-century buildings to our unmatched folk-art collection.
Your Admission Ticket is the Key