Things to Do in Williamsburg

Explore the historic Jamestown Settlement! Dive into America's origins with engaging exhibits and living history. Upgrade to the combo ticket to access the nearby American Revolution 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.

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

Go back in time with your 18th-century costume guide and learn about Williamsburg ghosts, witches, and pirates. Hear the stories of the past and present spirits who haunt Colonial Williamsburg today.

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.

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

Walk in the footsteps of America’s forefathers on this guided trip through Colonial Williamsburg. Hear accounts of the early patriots and their efforts for American independence.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Survive an apocalypse in Williamsburg today with Zombie Scavengers! An app will provide you with a list of items needed to survive the zombies. Find these items in any order you'd like and perform fun zombie themed challenges for points. Come up with a system to get the most points in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. Your friendly remote host will help you throughout the game via chat. Get enough points to survive the zombie apocalypse in Williamsburg today!

Colonial Williamsburg is often times associated with the Revolutionary War era,, but the old capital city is home to many civil war related sites as well. On May 5, 1862, approximately 70,000 union and confederate soldiers clashed at the Battle of Williamsburg. Remnants of that bloody struggle linger to this day. A nighttime stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street will reveal headquarters, Barracks, arsenal’s, hospitals, morgues and some say even Ghosts!

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. 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. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.

Join a walking tour to discover the 18th-century events that occurred in Williamsburg and learn how they influenced the foundation of the United States. Stop by highlights of Colonial Williamsburg.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 “.

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different and the stories are a-plenty. Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note, that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. 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.

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

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.

Learn about the history of slavery Williamsburg on this guided walking tour. Hear about what is and is not slavery, debunk myths associated with it, and explore its impacts on modern society.

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.

Gain a new understanding of the founding fathers and uncover what they were really thinking during the birth of America. Hear about rites, rituals and the illuminati on this underground tour as you discover Williamsburg’s multiple secret societies.

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.

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 !

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

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.

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.

Explore the streets of Colonial Williamsburg on a Christmas-themed walking tour. Discover handmade one-of-a-kind decorations unique to the historic city, and hear festive stories from your 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.

Explore the historic city at night. Enjoy the ghost stories that residents have told for generations. Gaze into the windows, peer into the gardens and alleyways, and hunt for ghostly apparitions.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Discover the untold stories of women who helped shape the community of Williamsburg on this walking tour. Learn about the lives of women who played significant roles in the community.

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!

Entertaining stories masterfully told in a traditional story format by a master storyteller. Every member of the family will enjoy listening to these historically accurate, heartfelt, sometimes humorous, and of course creepy and scary ghost stories. These stories have been told in Williamsburg for generations. Complete stories from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries researched, revived, and brought back from history to be told once more. Your guide, a local resident who worked inside the buildings, takes you to the most haunted places and relates the true and accurate traditional ghost stories and haunting experiences Our exclusive tour limits the number of guests in each tour to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.

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.

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.

Join us as we explore the fascinating stories of women from all walks of life—each of whom played her part in the community’s development. From the beloved midwife whose knowledge and care were instrumental to the town’s health, to the famous schoolmistress who taught future leaders, these women were pillars of the community. Discover the Governor’s Lady, who maintained the standards of society, and the Councillor’s wife, who helped shape political circles from behind the scenes. Learn about the enslaved cook who worked closely with the Founders, displaying incredible skill and resilience, and even hear the tales of actresses who broke societal norms to entertain and inspire. .

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.

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 !

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!

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.

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.