Experience America’s History Up Close
Step back in time and experience America’s beginnings. A trip to Colonial Williamsburg will transport you to the 18th-century colonial capital, where ideas of independence and revolution formed. Hear the stories of the men, women and children whose ideas and values crafted the world we live in today.
Fully immerse yourself in 18th-century Williamsburg as you walk down Duke of Gloucester Street. Listen to the stories of the daily lives, dreams and accomplishments of both free and enslaved people. You might meet George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as Nation Builders whose names may not have appeared in your history book but made significant contributions to the American story.
Exploring Our Past
An admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg includes costumed-interpreter-guided historic sites, theater-style programs, visits with tradespeople and access to our two world-class art museums. Tour the grand homes of Williamsburg’s residents during colonial times and walk the very floors of the diverse people—free and enslaved—who lived, visited and worked there.
Discover craftsmanship when you meet tradespeople practicing over 20 trades. Watch as they use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in—and eventually master—blacksmithing, woodworking or gunsmithing, just to name a few. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to our Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. You will not find a trades community with so many experts in one place anywhere else in the world.
The whole family will enjoy visiting the team of archaeologists who are working to uncover more information about the people who walked these streets, so that we might continue to fulfill our mission to tell the whole story of the colonial capital.
To enhance your experience, book a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit the musket range to test your skills, dare to join a Haunted Williamsburg ghost tour or all of the above!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit a historic tavern for an 18th-century-inspired meal or head over to the Art Museums to enjoy a bite in the new light-filled café.
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Experience the recently expanded and updated Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, featuring amazing stories, beautifully told in expertly curated exhibitions.
Discover more of the collection on view than ever, from colorful and whimsical folk art made by amateur artisans in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum to objects that are useful as well as beautiful in The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Plus enjoy new guest-focused amenities including a museum café and outdoor dining terrace, and a beautiful museum store.
Accessible Accommodations
Booking your vacation is easy with Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. These unique hotel properties offer modern resort amenities in walking distance to the action of the Historic Area. Receive up to two complimentary length-of-stay admission tickets when you book your stay directly at an official hotel of Colonial Williamsburg.
Make memories that will last a lifetime at Colonial Williamsburg. There’s always more to see, and always something new to discover every season, for
every generation.
Programs, schedules and admission information are subject to change. For more information on ticketing and events, visit ColonialWilliamsburg.org or call 1-855-296-6627.
