Top Williamsburg Sightseeing Tours

Discover Colonial Williamsburg and experience all this renowned historic city City has to offer. Learn about life in colonial America and the American Revolution. Enjoy the historical reenactments and theatrical performances, the vibrant gardens and art museums, plus guided and self-guided tours of the original 18th-century buildings and homes and personal interaction with the townspeople. Parking is included.

The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum located just 15 minutes by car from Colonial Williamsburg. This 7–day pass with complimentary free parking allows you to explore Jamestown at your own pace with breaks in between—a convenient choice for families with children. Your admission ticket grants you access to films, historical interpreters, working farms, and recreated colonial spaces.

Private tour of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for your group. 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), monument, and cave where Cornwallis retreated at Yorktown Beach. This exclusive 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. If you are visiting Williamsburg and have a group of 4 people, we can drive the Colonial Parkway (completed in the 1940s) to each of the sites. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent). We spend about 2 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 3 hour tour. If we meet in Yorktown, then the tour is about 2 hours, slightly longer if anyone shops at the museums.

Private guided tour of the Jamestown Settlement (state museum), Glasshouse of 1608, and Historic Jamestowne. This exclusive tour includes an in-depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest English colony. We visit the three sites described above and admission tickets are included. When we visit Historic Jamestowne (the actual site of the Jamestown Fort) you have the opportunity to interact with National Park Service rangers and learn about the active archeology digs revealing new discoveries about our early colonists. There are amazing views of the James River, wildlife and the Tercentennial Monument that stands 104 feet tall and is made of New Hampshire granite. 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 scooter rentals and wheelchairs are available, with notice to your guide for sites without scooters.

Be amazed, entertained, and scared (in a good way) on this ghost tour of Williamsburg. The tour is based around a photo study of ghosts and paranormal activity, 'Haunted Historic Colonial Williamsburg'. You'll be shown the amazing photos while visiting the places they were taken. Each tour is slightly different and you'll visit various locations, including what is considered to be Williamsburg's most haunted house, Peyton Randolph House.

One of the oldest settlements in the country, Colonial Williamsburg boasts centuries of history—as well as stories of ghostly encounters and unexplained happenings. On this late-night walking tour, you’ll see a side of the area few other visitors get to explore. Follow your guide to the most supposedly haunted Williamsburg landmarks, see the earliest ghost photos ever taken (right here in Williamsburg), hear spooky stories as you go, and engage in your own ghost-spotting.

Travel back in time more than 300 years—and learn all about Williamsburg’s wealth of history—on this flexible, self-led smartphone tour. Upon booking, download the app; after arriving at Colonial Williamsburg (tickets own expense) set off at your own pace. Thanks to the app’s offline capabilities and GPS maps, you can navigate with ease as you discover the park’s top landmarks and hear the stories behind the sights.

This captivating bundle of self-guided audio tours immerses you in the battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Yorktown. 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, 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!

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY* 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. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg and, 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.

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!

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.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover the best of Colonial Williamsburg—and learn the stories behind the sights—on this private walking tour. Pick from a range of convenient start times, meet your guide in Merchants Square, and set off on foot. You’ll see highlights like the Governor’s Palace and Capitol, will stroll along the history-saturated West Duke of Gloucester Street, and will visit the adjacent College of William & Mary.

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.

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.

Explore some of the best spots for fall foliage on the East Coast, including Acadia, Shenandoah, and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, Kancamagus Highway, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bar Harbor, Newport, Salem, and the Freedom Trail, with this self-guided driving tour. Enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace, with hands-free functionality, turn-by-turn directions, and offline access. Includes full itineraries, travel tips, audio guide, and text.

Colonial Williamsburg offers the chance to step back in time to the 18th century—and this private walking tour will give you an even richer understanding of this early American destination. Pick from multiple tour times, meet your guide outside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, and set off. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, learn about what colonial–era life was like, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about Williamsburg’s history.

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.

Stroll Boston’s Freedom Trail independently and learn about the history of the city with this self-guided walking tour app. Download and use the app offline and let the GPS guide you from historic location to historic location. Explore at your own pace and use it any day and time that suits your schedule.

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.

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.

Independence from Mother England was not a foregone conclusion as we've been taught. Many questioned what American Independence would mean. For the colony of Virginia, it was a very difficult decision. During this one-hour walking tour discover how and why the men of the House of Burgesses finally decided to declare independence for Virginia and how their decision influenced the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. *Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg and, 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.

Embark on the “Williamsburg Family Explorer: An Outdoor Historical Adventure,” a tour tailored for families to experience the rich history of Williamsburg entirely outdoors. Begin your exploration at the Kimball Theatre, appreciating its historical facade. Then, view the George Wythe House from the outside, imagining the life of this influential patriot. Stroll through Market Square, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this historic gathering place. Observe the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, a symbol of 18th-century law and order. Conclude at the Peyton Randolph House, where the stories of its past residents are told through its architecture and surroundings. This tour is perfect for families looking to enjoy a day of historical discovery and outdoor enjoyment in Williamsburg.

Embark on the “Williamsburg’s Culinary Trail: A Feast of Flavors,” where you step into the shoes of a colonial epicurean explorer. Your adventure begins at the charming Kimball Theatre, setting the stage for a day filled with rich history and richer flavors. As you stroll through the lively streets of Merchants Square, each shop offers a taste of both the past and present, from hearty colonial fare to contemporary gourmet treats. Wander down the historic Duke of Gloucester Street, sampling traditional recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. The tour culminates at Market Square, where the vibrant farmer’s market offers fresh produce and artisanal goods. This isn’t just a food tour; it’s a time-travelling experience that makes you the hero of your culinary discovery in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.