Things to Do in Williamsburg

Travel back in time to Colonial America on this private tour of the Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Learn about this historical and influential era.

Explore Colonial Williamsburg on a guided walk filled with stories, charm, and traditional flavors. Discover how food and culture shaped everyday life in early America.

Experience a fully guided tour of Washington and Philadelphia. Visit and learn about the most iconic landmarks of these 2 historic cities.

Discover the city on a private tour made just for you! Embark on a Colonial Williamsburg culinary tour that blends food, history, and tradition into one unforgettable experience. Explore the charming streets of Colonial Williamsburg while discovering the rich food traditions that shaped 18th-century life. This immersive walking tour invites you to experience the sights, scents, and flavors of the colonial era. Taste seasonal specialties, learn about historic recipes, and uncover how local ingredients and timeless customs became part of Williamsburg’s enduring cultural legacy. Whether savoring festive holiday treats or connecting with everyday colonial flavors, this guided culinary walk offers a meaningful way to experience the spirit of Colonial Williamsburg—through the footsteps and tastes of its past. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

"Travel through time in “Colonial Williamsburg Wander”, from the Williamsburg Inn to the Capitol Building, exploring historic streets and landmarks like the Governor’s Palace."

Choose this 2-day combo and save with the most popular tours outside of New York. The tour is done in two days. After taking the first one, you will take the second two days later. Benefit from round-trip transportation with Wi-Fi from New York City.

This is a private guided tour (only your family/friends) of the Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown Glasshouse of 1608, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Surrender Field, Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, the Victory Monument & cave where Cornwallis allegedly retreated at Yorktown Beach. This is the only private tour; this is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest English colony (Jamestown) and ends with the siege of Yorktown on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY) includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March-November). We spend about three hours in Jamestown, have lunch (self pay or bring your own lunch), and about three hours in Yorktown. Roundtrip drive is about 1 hour from Williamsburg. NOTE: the Jamestown Settlement and ARMY (Yorktown) offer free scooters that are first come, first serve.

This is a private tour, tailored to your interests and schedule! Embark on a romantic journey through Williamsburg, a city rich in history and love stories. Your tour begins at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, where you’ll be captivated by its stunning architecture and the heartwarming love stories it has witnessed. Next, cross the enchanting Crim Dell Bridge, a symbol of eternal love. It’s said that a kiss at its crest with your beloved ensures a lifelong bond. Discover the serenity of the Natural Wildflower Refuge, established in the 1970s. This tranquil spot is home to an array of ferns, wildflowers, and native plants, providing a perfect backdrop for romantic moments. Conclude your tour at the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest university in America. Stroll through its historic grounds while unraveling the romantic story of its namesakes, William and Mary.

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! “Shadows of the Past: Tracing Slavery’s Legacy in Williamsburg” invites you to delve into the history of slavery in colonial America, beginning in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. This tour provides insights into how slavery shaped the community and the lives of those who lived during that era. After exploring Colonial Williamsburg, the journey continues to the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, reflecting the legal aspects of slavery. Next, visit the Capitol Building, where significant legislative decisions about slavery were made. Conclude the tour at the James Geddy House, offering a perspective on the daily lives of both free and enslaved people of the time.

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! 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.

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! A live interpretation of American history. The Capitol. The other one, actually. A political foundation that gave Williamsburg its place in the Historic Triangle. Now grab a map and dive into Colonial Street. A living history museum. An homage to Colonial times. Heard of Thomas Jefferson? He lived in the Governor’s Palace. Visit the place that once served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. “The Most Historic Avenue of America”. That’s what FDR called Duke of Gloucester Street. Let our guide tell you the tales that roam this 99 ft street. And to finish off the tour: Eavesdrop on a short lecture at the College of William & Mary. Maybe, you’ll pick up something educational!

Exclusive, private tour (only your family/friends) of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY), some of the Yorktown Battlefields (Surrender Field), the federal museum (National Park Service with General Washington's original tent from the Battle at Yorktown in October 1781), Victory monument, and alleged cave where Cornwallis retreated. This is the only private tour with a private guide at all stops. This is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the siege of Yorktown that lasted several weeks and explores the surrendering of arms on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March 1st-November 30th). We spend about 3 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 4 hour tour. If we meet in Yorktown, then the tour is about 3 hours, slightly longer if anyone shops at the museums.

We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings. When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733. It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.

Private guided tour of the Jamestown Settlement. This exclusive tour (only your family/group) includes an in-depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest, permanent English colony that begins with exploring replicas of the ships that arrived in 1607, the re-created Paspahegh town, the James Fort reflecting the outpost in 1610-1614 and the museum with spectacular artifacts, replicas of 17th Century homes and more. There is an option (for a fee) to tour Historic Jamestowne, actual site of the Jamestown Fort, including the NPS Visitor Center, views of the James River, Fort and Tercentennial Monument that stands 104 feet tall. The monument was installed in 1907 commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Jamestown Colony. This trip may be customized for handicapped patrons as the state park includes free scooters first come, first serve. For NPS option, wheelchairs are available with notice to guide. Estimated time 3-4 hours. NOTE:SPANISH SPEAKING GUIDES AVAILABLE WITH NOTICE

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 decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 17th and 18th Centuries here in Virginia including plantations, our Capital cities and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Holiday biscuits by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies are offered. If before 7PM, we offer hot beverages. Note: Grand Illuminations are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December.

Travel with a guide into the Nation's Capital and learn some of the secrets about the town. We will depart with a breakfast stop around 9am. We start with visiting some popular sites at Arlington Cemetery, then make our way to many of the memorials. Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, World War II, FDR, Dr. King are highlights. A driving tour of the city is next with picture stops of the White House and Capitol. The afternoon is free time for lunch or whatever you would like (typically around two hours). After meeting we begin to depart with a possible bonus stop before leaving the town, we arrive back Williamsburg between 8-10pm.

Kayak from James City County Marina on calm water, Powhatan Creek and Back River, to Jamestown Island, known as the birthplace of America with the first successful English settlement in America dating back to 1607. This trip offers stunning views with lush marsh grasses, spectacular cypress trees, bald eagles and other wildlife. Try an early morning time for a peaceful trip and get a feel for what this area might have looked like when settled by the Virginia Company. The tour makes two stops to discuss and admire the fauna and flora as well as discuss the history of the Jamestown Settlement, archeologic discoveries, and the Powhatan Chiefdom that had earlier used Jamestown Island as hunting land. To make this tour PRIVATE, you may purchase all 5 (five) spots. If you would like more than 5 (five), please contact the tour operator for group arrangements. NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS (OR PARENT/GUARDIAN) ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN OUR HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT. INCLEMENT WEATHER MAY IMPACT TOUR.

Time travel to 1775 with a private tour and explore the birth place of American history. Points of interest include: 1) Walk the Duke of Gloucester Street while learning about colonial trades, power of the press and Virginia's leadership in shaping our early Nation, including the first Continental Congress, Declaration of Independence & Declaration of Rights 2) Admire the Capitol Building and understand why America's Constitution carved out three government branches 3) Enjoy the Palace Green and the Governor's Palace where townspeople and gentry celebrated important events 4) Learn about Bruton Parish Church, closes 4PM 5) Shop in Merchant's Square 6) Visit the Sir Christopher Wren building and learn why the oldest academic building in America plays a significant role in our history Notes: Colonial Williamsburg (CW) hours are 10am-5pm. Two tours - 2.5 hour tour does NOT include CW ticket; 7 hour tour includes CW ticket to access to all CW buildings & lunch with private guide

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.

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 the cafe which is owned by a local restaurant where we will have an included meal which can be colonial style if preferred. After lunch we travel into the 1700's with a battlefield tour and finishing up at the Revolutionary War Museum.

Step back in time with your licensed guide on this fun, engaging walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson - and maybe bump into them! Absorb the sights of this historic city where our democracy began. Immerse yourself in this beautiful "living history museum" and learn about its remarkable restoration. Starting at The Williamsburg Inn, you'll view the Capitol, stroll by trades and shops, encounter patriots, and see horse-drawn carriages on your way to the Governor’s Palace. Our walk ends at Merchants Square where you can shop or grab a bite. Our guests are saying: “We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides we’ve experienced.” “She knows her history and shows a lot of enthusiasm for it.” “She was a pleasure to be with.” This tour can be arranged to focus on your interests. It will provide an insightful overview of Colonial Williamsburg and assist you in making the most of your time here.

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.

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.

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.

Rollercoasters, live shows and the first Virtual Reality ride in North America

Ride high-speed water slides at Virginia's largest water park

The Ghost Tour is Williamsburg's first and only murder-focused tour. Explore areas that other history tours would be afraid to visit. Explore a historic city that conceals a sinister and unsettling past. A netherworld of horrific death and hatred. Accompany your guide on foot to some of our favorite local watering establishments. To help you get ready for what's to come, try a drink with a murder theme or one of the pub's specialty beverages. Then, take a stroll through the dim, peaceful streets of Historic Williamsburg, where you may learn the real stories of the city's most notorious crimes. There's nothing ghostly about Williamsburg's scariest tour. It has to do with murder.

Tacky Lights from property owners that have received National attention over the year, some have been doing this over 30 years. We will visit some of these unique properties as well as holiday lights around the town. Is it a competition or a deep passion for the season? Just how far will they go to win or share the love this Holiday Season. Sit back and leave the driving to us as we share some information about some of the properties we see as well a little bit of history.

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!

Join Colonial Ghosts for the only organized ghost hunt with equipment offered in Williamsburg. This experience is a must-do for believers, and is not recommended for everyone--hunt at your own risk!

Dare to experience the #1 ultimate ghost hunt tour in Williamsburg, where real history meets real hauntings every night, year-round! Led by expert guides—this USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, experience takes you deep into the eerie past of one of America’s most haunted cities. Feel the chilling presence of spirits as you visit Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, Peyton Randolph House and Burial Grounds, and Market Square & Magazine. From witch trials to scandalous murders, hear the twisted tales that still haunt Williamsburg today. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, track paranormal activity as you wander through the historic district. Every shadow and whisper could be an unseen visitor making their presence known! While we don’t enter buildings, this ensures you visit as many haunted locations as possible. This unforgettable ghost hunt is packed with mystery, history, and spine-tingling encounters. Ready to uncover Williamsburg’s darkest secrets? Join us—if you dare!

The Revolution is Here! Immerse yourself in the revolutionary stories of American history. With over 300 acres of iconic sites, historic taverns, and world-class art museums, history truly comes to life at the world’s largest living history museum. Meet our experts uncovering the past to better inform our future, enjoy live performances, meet talented tradespeople practicing period-specific crafts, and explore our 18th-century city on the verge of revolution. Every Colonial Williamsburg visit helps continue our mission — to ensure that the future may learn from the past.

Discover the true and unbelievable stories of the giants of American history who lived here. They walked the streets of Williamsburg as living, loving, fighting human beings with personal stories.

Step back in time with a single-day ticket to Colonial Williamsburg. Explore the Historic Area, watch skilled craftspeople, and enjoy free general admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

Immerse yourself in the remarkable history of America's black founders, whose indomitable courage and unwavering spirit shaped the fabric of 17th-century Williamsburg.

This captivating bundle of self-guided audio tours immerses you in the battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Vicksburg. Discover how the Americans finally defeated the mighty British empire in the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War. Then jump forward in time to two of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, when brother fought against brother. Hear about the generals, unsung heroes, and blow-by-blow accounts of how it all unfolded. Recommended: Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Experience the Dead of Night with Spooks and Legends Haunted Ghost Tours! Looking for a ghost tour that’s more than just spooky stories? The Dead of Night Tour with Spooks and Legends is the ultimate paranormal experience you’ve been searching for! Join our expert guides as they take you on a thrilling outdoor ghost-hunting expedition through the haunted streets of Colonial Williamsburg. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an interactive ghost hunt where you’ll use professional gear like the PSB7 Spirit Box, EMF Meters, Dowsing Rods, and Rem Pods. You’ll get hands-on experience with real ghost-hunting equipment while searching for actual evidence of the supernatural! But that’s not all—you’ll also hear true -chilling stories that add a whole new a rare glimpse into the unexplained phenomena that continue to haunt the historic area. Our groups are small, so you’ll get a personal, hands-on experience. We provide all the equipment you’ll need. Don’t miss out - This Tour sells out !

Grab a drink and uncover the dark side of American history on this 1.2-mile walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s most haunted pubs and places.

Join US Ghost Adventures for a chilling, late-night tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s most haunted corners. You never know who — or what — you may run into...

Come experience the #1 Paranormal Tour in the oldest Capital city of America- Colonial Williamsburg! Hear stories of the spirits that have lingered over the past 250 years! Use paranormal equipment !

Dive into the spirit world on this Williamsburg ghost tour given by candlelight and led by a paranormal investigator with 20 years of experience in the paranormal realm.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

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.

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.

Dare to uncover the chilling secrets of Colonial Williamsburg on our spine-tingling ghost tour by US Ghost Adventures! Over 90 minutes, traverse a mile of haunted grounds, visiting eerie sites steeped in dark history. Explore the sinister Indian burial site and the notorious Public Hospital—America's first mental institution—where whispers of the past echo through shadowy halls. Your expert guide will spin tales of witches, murder, and betrayal, bringing to life the spectral legends that haunt these historic spots. Feel the shivers at the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Courthouse, both drenched in witchcraft trials and ghostly presences. Encounter the haunted Ludwell House, known for its unsettling phenomena. This guided tour respects local privacy, sticking to public paths while delivering thrills and chills. Join us for an unforgettable night where history meets the supernatural, and experience Colonial Williamsburg like never before.

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.

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.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the shadowy streets of Williamsburg with our captivating ghost tour! Led by a seasoned local guide, you’ll explore haunted and historic sites like the iconic Precious Gem and the hauntingly beautiful Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. As you wander the cobblestone paths, your guide will share spine-chilling stories of ghostly encounters and eerie events that have unfolded over centuries. Each stop on this mile-long trek reveals Williamsburg’s rich history, from Market Square to the stately Peyton Randolph House, where the echoes of the past linger. Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure into Williamsburg’s dark side, where real history meets supernatural intrigue. Feel the weight of past tragedies, from murderous madmen to accused witches, as you stand on haunted ground. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just seeking a unique evening, this tour offers a blend of eerie excitement that will leave you captivated and craving more!

Discover the history of Christmas in Virginia while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings.

Book your tour and discover the most haunted places in Williamsburg.