Colonial Williamsburg Tours

Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg is one of the largest living history museums in America, where visitors can experience what daily life looked like during the American Revolution. Historical re-enactors contribute to the immersive experience by working in preserved historic buildings and a variety of craft shops, from blacksmiths to wigmakers.
 
The Basics
Guided and self-guided tours, included in the cost of admission, are offered daily as walking tours through 18th-century homes and gardens. While private excursions and carriage rides are also available, Colonial Williamsburg is best known for its evening ghost tours, with options tailored to both children and adults. Ghost tours, typically led by historical re-enactor tour guides, provide guests with true stories of haunted encounters from the 18th century to the present. Visitors can buy a 1-day or multi-day pass to Colonial Williamsburg, or a 7-day package that also grants access to nearby attractions like Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown Battlefield.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see for American history buffs and families with children.
• Prepare for lots of outdoor walking with comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
• Purchase your admission ticket or event ticket online to skip long lines.
• Hotels, restaurants, and shops are wheelchair accessible.
• Download the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app for easy access to digital tickets, coupons, directions, and event calendars.

 
How to Get There
Amtrak and Greyhound offer convenient transportation from cities on the East Coast. If traveling by car, Colonial Williamsburg is easily accessible via Route 60, which passes directly through the city. Options for visitors traveling without a car include the city’s public bus system, as well as a shuttle that circuits through Colonial Williamsburg attractions. For a more scenic route, visitors often opt for the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry that departs from Surry, Virginia.
 
When to Get There
Open to visitors year-round from 9am to 5pm, Colonial Williamsburg tends to be busiest during the afternoon. Beat the crowds by visiting the historic area on weekday or weekend mornings. Popular seasonal events include a Fourth of July celebration and an annual Grand Illumination during the holiday season.
 
Historical Reenactments with a Twist
Visitors flock to Colonial Williamsburg to see one of its longest-running evening programs with a twist. "Cry Witch," an interactive play that first debuted in the 1980s, allows guests to immerse themselves in the colonial era by participating in a witch trial based on real historical events. Buy your admission ticket early—the play is one of Williamsburg's hottest tickets and is often sold out.