Tours & Activities in Williamsburg

Experience Christmas during colonial times on this guided holiday walking tour in Colonial Williamsburg. Explore the festively decorated streets.

Our certified tour guide will greet you in front of illy's cafe and share background information as you walk over to the historic College of William & Mary (est. 1693), our "Alma Mater of the Nation." You'll tour the oldest academic building in the United States, the Sir Christopher Wren building, and learn about the second-oldest college in America, alma mater to four United States Presidents. If the Wren building is open, there may be an opportunity for a free organ recital on Saturdays at 10am in the Chapel, and our morning tour time on Saturday is longer for the recital. All tours include touring the Colonial classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room and academic classrooms that are still used for religious studies. We'll also visit the Brafferton, former school for Native Americans, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and the Sunken Garden, visiting James Monroe, James Blair, the Tyler Family Garden (aka "Echo Wall") and Thomas Jefferson.

Journey through time, back to the Golden Age of Piracy! As your very own Pirate himself tells you the tales of the history of the Pirates and how they influenced the shaping of our democracy! Learn of Blackbeard and his men and what happened on November 21st . Hear of the Templars and what happened if you were caught as a Pirate! How did the Pirates shape our World Economy? Learn all about the Bachelor’s Delight. This is all about Pirates and you will learn a lot of history that will intrigue you to find out and ask our guide questions as he has a true passion for Piracy in the “ New World “.

Travel back in time to the days of piracy on a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Visit historic sites and hear fascinating stories of captured pirates and Blackbeard's demise.

Come on our historical tour presented by Junket! Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.

This exclusive, private tour (only your group) highlights Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas traditions and picturesque holiday decorations of our historical area. This tour provides insight about the materials, crafts people, construction and design of the wreaths and garlands adorning the exterior of most 18th Century buildings, exhibits and private homes and different judging categories. We meet at The Williamsburg Inn to admire the spectacular decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 18th Century Williamsburg, on Virginia's plantations and during the Revolutionary War. Gingerbread cookies are offered to guests. Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.

Our tour is filled with historic information in the city where it happened! We present the events of the 1770s in a clear time-line and discuss actions and attitudes the founders that shaped the revolution and the founding of our nation. The average visitor would have to spend multiple days (visiting just the right buildings) to learn the information we present in just 1 hour without waiting in long lines and missing information because of closed attractions. Questions are encouraged throughout the tour to ensure you are getting the information and experience you desire.

Exclusive private tour (only your group) with a carefully planned out trail that includes the Williamsburg Inn, the Duke of Gloucester Street, the Capitol Building, the Governor's Palace, Palace Green, Merchant's Square, around William and Mary's Sir Christopher Wren building (the "College"). Points of interest include: 1) The Williamsburg Inn 2) Take in the entirety of the Duke of Gloucester Street and some of the historic businesses 3) Walk around the Capitol Building 4) Enjoy the Palace Green and the Governor's Palace 5) Learn about Bruton Parish Church and Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin who began the preservation of Colonial Williamsburg 6) Take in Merchant's Square 7) Visit WM's Sir Christopher Wren building (the "College") and learn about the oldest university building in the United States and it's significant role throughout history Note: we can customize tour to suit your preferences.

This is The Historic Triangle Tour. Travel with a local back in time and also in chronological order. We will spend the first part of our day in the 1600's and the second half in the 1700's. This is where the country began, you will see and learn history from a local. We start our day at Jamestown, the beginning 1607 with a guided tour. Our lunch stop will be next at a local restaurant where we will have an included colonial style meal. After lunch we travel into the 1700's with a battlefield tour and finishing up at the Revolutionary War Museum.

Have you ever wondered where phrases that we use daily originated? Learn about early Virginia patriots, who were key to lighting the fires for freedom, that time has somehow forgotten. You will come to realize the chances that were taken by our forefathers as they signed a document declaring our independence. Yes, join us and awaken a renewed patriotic spirit within you.

Few people get out on the water these days, and fewer still get to sail a modern sailboat. Here is the single-most unique activity in Williamsburg, where guests get to run the helm or just relax on the water. They get to enjoy an optional talk on the two battles that ended the American Revolutionary War. Sometimes they get to see US Navy ships transiting Yorktown.

Spooks and Legends Haunted Tours has been the favorite tour in Colonial Williamsburg since 2010. These unique tours take you to the most haunted sites, including the famous Peyton Randolph House--often called the most haunted place in all of America! This tour is the only one in town to include true, fully researched ghost stories as well as stories of witch trials and witch tests. Hear details of Blackbeard's crew and their demise. We never make up stories. All of our information is fact-based and true. It is the only GHOSTS, WITCHES and PIRATES TOUR in Williamsburg!Come out and meet Our local witch Grace Sherwood and Mr. Pirate and the Infamous Blackbeard who shows up on occasion. Our tour is filled with ghostly stories and Mr. Pirate opens his treasure chest at the end for the children to take some treasures home with them. It is a fun-filled night for every age. Our guests have gotten very cool and interesting pictures of GHOSTS and ORBS! AWARDED THE BADGE OF EXCELLENCE!

The only ghost tour in the world based on the first ever photo-study of ghosts! Real ghost photos, featured in the books Haunted Historic Colonial Williamsburg Virginia with Breakthrough Ghost Photography, Parts 1 & 2, are shown at each stop on a large computer notebook (Samsung Galaxy). Guides will point out the exact location around or in the house or building where the photo was taken and encourage travelers to take their own photos. Tour guides will give relevant historical information pertaining to the haunting as well as personal stories encountered by the book's author and others, including interpreters and security guards from Colonial Williamsburg. Travelers will be given choices about where they would like to stop based on their interests--no tour is ever the same! The East Tour starts at the Capital and continues down Duke of Gloucester Street to the Courthouse of 1770 and walking across the Market Square to the last stop--Williamsburg's most haunted: Peyton Randolph House.

Visit Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and immerse yourself in American Colonial history. This combo ticket provides 7 consecutive days of unlimited admission to each of historical attractions that are also connected by a 23-mile long scenic Colonial Parkway. You will have an incredible adventure imagining what life used to be like when you visit Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Our Christmas tour stands out from the rest! You will be taken back in time by your very own 18th century authentic costumed guide. You will hear stories of the holiday traditions throughout the centuries. We will take a stroll past the beautifully decorated homes just as they would have been in the 18th century. A wonderful way to see the town and hear the fascinating history behind the decorations! Come out and join us and make your holiday complete!

Get ready to explore the historic streets of Williamsburg like never before with Trivia Walks! Our captivating self-guided tour and scavenger hunt combo will take you on an immersive adventure through Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary’s campus, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. From early American history to modern secret campus hideaways, battlefield scars to pirate prisons and more, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of the area. Along the way, places you’ll see include: - The original Capitol of Virginia - Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse - The first English American theatre - The Governor’s Palace - The Crim Dell Bridge - The oldest college building in America - ...and more!

Relaxed, yet luxurious learning experience about Williamsburg before and after the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in the late 1920s and early 1930s with photos and stories from either Williamsburg Before and After or Restoring Williamsburg. These photos help visualize and better understand the restoration of the world’s largest history museum. Most of the tour is seated during breakfast for those who enjoy the warmth (or air conditioning) indoors. This is an easily accessible tour, well suited for those who enjoy a creative culinary experience, breakfast on bad weather days or for any individuals with physical limitations. Our guide will offer an easy tour of some of the grounds including a look at the Golden Horseshoe Golf courses or admire some of the original décor of the hotel and grounds as well as a short walk to the Duke of Gloucester St., the most historic street in America. Note: Guests pay for their own breakfast including food, drinks and gratuities to hotel staff.

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket! We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.

Yorktown Hallowed Ground Ghost Tour is the #1 ghost tour in Yorktown Virginia! The Original Ghost Tour is the 2nd Oldest Ghost Tour in the US!

The only tour in Williamsburg that gives the history of slavery in one presentation. We discuss what is and is not slavery. We debunk the myths that have been associated with slavery for generations. We are also the only tour that explores the impact on our modern society.

During this one-hour walking tour, discover how a sleepy southern town was restored to its former colonial splendor through the dream of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the backing of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We will take you through the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg from its conception through to the continuing restoration efforts. We encourage questions and conversation so all guests can better understand why this place was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations. *Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg therefore this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

Spend your day enjoying thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly shows and world-class dining in what was voted the world's most beautiful theme park.

Delve into the sinister history of Colonial Williamsburg’s most iconic sites on this bone-chilling haunted walking tour by US Ghost Adventures.

See history come alive in Colonial Williamsburg. This tour dives deep into the history of this beautifully restored colonial town, where actors live out the lives of 18th century Americans.

Come on our chilling ghost tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! (This tour is limited to the holiday season) Explore the haunted history of Williamsburg in this hour-long Ghost Tour. You will meet your professional guide in front of the Kimball Theater in Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square, and will take you to the most haunted locations in the city. Along the way, you will learn about the history of Williamsburg, including the Civil War and Battle of Williamsburg. The tour is an hour long, and an extended tour is available to purchase which is 90-120 minutes long.

Come on to our Haunted Pub Crawl Tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! Join this unique pub crawl tour of historic Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit 3-4 of the most popular hotspots to enjoy a drink, including the Precarious Beer Project and Amber Ox Public House, among others. Most of these also happen to be haunted, so be prepared to hear some spooky stories as well. You'll also visit and hear the terrifying tales of some of the area's most historic locations between bar stops, such as the Bruton Parish Church and the George Wythe House.

Have you ever wanted to walk through the streets of a historic town at night and discover it's hidden secrets? Then allow our expert storytellers to guide you on a candlelit walk through Colonial Williamsburg, while they share many strange stories and other-worldly happenings that have occurred over the years. With 30 years of experience, we are Virginia's #1 and oldest Ghost Tour and have accumulated the best tales and local legends passed down through the years. Performed in a true story telling format, our 90 min walking tour is great fun for all ages and has something for your entire family to enjoy!

Come on our bone chilling ghost tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! Beginning at 10pm, this 90-minute Ghost Tour will visit some incredible historic sites such as an Indian burial site, insane asylum, and a cemetery. You will hear stories of witches, murder, betrayal, and war from your professional guide and see where most guests experience strange phenomena and report hauntings.

Discover the rich history of Yorktown with this self-guided driving tour. From the scenic waterfront to the battlefield where American independence was won, Yorktown is a place where history lives. Immerse yourself in stories of the Revolutionary War, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of the American people on this riveting narrative tour. One tour purchase covers the entire car, not per individual. Everyone joins in! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

Step back into the 18th century with “Colonial Williamsburg Wander: A Journey Through Time”. This immersive tour begins at the Williamsburg Inn, a classic example of colonial elegance. Stroll through Merchants Square and the Resort Historic District, bustling with shops and historical ambiance. Visit Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, a living symbol of America’s religious heritage. Wander down W Duke of Gloucester St., lined with well-preserved colonial structures. Admire the homes along Palace Green St., leading up to the Governor’s Palace, a stunning recreation of a colonial government residence. Conclude your historical exploration at the Capitol Building, the heart of colonial political life. This tour offers a glimpse into colonial American life, perfect for history buffs and those seeking to experience Williamsburg’s unique charm.