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.
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Anderson Blacksmith Shop
Working with Iron
CW Admission
Handicap Accessible
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Public Leather Works
Workman at the Public Leather Works cut, mold, and stitch leather and heavy textiles into a variety of necessary products for Virginia's fighting men.
CW Admission
Handicap Accessible
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Gunsmith Shop
Arming the Populace
CW Admission
Handicap Accessible
Plan Your Meals
Savor historically inspired and contemporary creative cuisine.
Add a Hands-On Activity for Each Day
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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My Story; My Voice
Witness a compelling story from the life of an 18th century person, and then hear from the actor interpreter as they share how they discover and bring to life a voice from the past
CW Admission
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Jefferson and Jupiter: Across the Board
Over a game of chess Thomas Jefferson and his manservant, Jupiter, challenge and amuse each other.
Art Museums Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Edith Cumbo
Step into the past with Edith Cumbo, Free Black Sister, Mother, Fighter, Founder.
CW Admission
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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Entertainments at the Play House
See the theatrical entertainments of The Jug Broke Theatre Co. Enjoyment for all! Check the marquee by the stage for daily performances.
CW Admission
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Bird Fancyer's Delight
Learn about the connection between wild birds and the music written by composers in the 18th century and how this figured into the cultural life of Williamsburg. Limited capacity.
CW Admission
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Music in the Galleries
Enjoy 18th-century music on a variety of period instruments (harpsichord, violin, viola da gamba) as you stroll the galleries.
Art Museums Admission
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.
African American Religion
Presbyterian Meetinghouse
Public Gaol
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.
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