So you’re planning your first trip to Colonial Williamsburg? Or perhaps it’s been a while since your last visit? Awesome, we can’t wait to share this amazing place with you! We’re here to help you plan your visit so you can get the most out of your stay.
Get ready to experience the living, breathing 18th-century colonial capital. A mile long and half a mile wide, the Historic Area boasts 301 acres of historic sites and trades to explore. Discover our two world-class art museums with thousands of objects on display. Meet the people who bring history to life at programs and events throughout the day.
Planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your visit. We’re sharing our tips on what to do during a three-day visit. Plus, we’ve asked our fans to share their favorite activities and tips below as well!
Hit the Favorites
Pick Four Trades to Visit
Allow 20-30 minutes in each location to ask questions and learn from the skilled craftspeople.
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Historic Trade: Cabinetmaker & Harpsichord Maker
Watch expert woodworkers fashion the intricate details of luxury products with period hand tools.
CW Admission
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Historic Trade: Tailor
Interact with the tailors as they clothe 18th-century Americans.
CW Admission
Handicap Accessible
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Historic Trade: Tin Plate Worker
See the tin plate workers snip, shape, and bend tin plate into kettles, cups, and other items.
CW Admission
Plan Your Meals
Savor historically inspired and contemporary creative cuisine.
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Chowning's Tavern Garden
Dining in the Garden. Weather Permitting.
Open to the Public
Handicap Accessible
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King's Arms Tavern
A Refined Chophouse Experience - Reservations Recommended for Dinner
Open to the Public
Handicap Accessible
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The Social Terrace
An elevated and exceptional outdoor experience. Weather Permitting.
Handicap Accessible
Meet at Least Two Nation Builders
Time and again, our fans suggest spending time with our Nation Builders. From Thomas Jefferson to the Marquis de Lafayette, any opportunity to learn from these engaging and knowledgeable interpreters is a win.
Experience Diverse Voices
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Film: Williamsburg – The Story of a Patriot
See the 1957 film, in its vibrant 70mm format, that tells the story of a Virginia planter deciding to join the patriot cause.
Open to the Public
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Special Event: Answer the Call
Much of African Music is based on call and response. The drum announces itself first to the community, then waits for a response back to the drummer. How will you answer the call?
Open to the Public
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Special Event: Master Blacksmith Panel Discussion
Join us for a special panel discussion featuring Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, his apprentice, Karina Roca, and New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Co-Founder and CEO Jonn Hankins.
Art Museums Admission
TAKE A CARRIAGE RIDE
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Historic Area by horse-drawn carriage and surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city
See Two Performances
Whether you’re seeing our whimsical outdoor plays or Nation Builders sharing their stories, theatrical performances are great entertainment while you rest your legs.
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Performance: Entertainments at the Play House
Join members of the Jug Broke Theatre Company as we celebrate the season and play and talk about the stories behind some of our favorite music of the Revolutionary Era.
CW Admission
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Historic Organ Recital - Thomas Marshall
Enjoy this Historic Organ Recital in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary performed by Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
Open to the Public
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Music: Mind the Music and the Step
Join members of the Governor’s Musick for an exploration of the political lyrics set to popular tunes at the time of the American Revolution.
Art Museums Admission
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
Head over to the Custis Square or First Baptist Church archaeology sites, open Monday through Friday. Learn about what they’re uncovering and how archaeological evidence informs your experience in the colonial capital. Plus, you’re just across the street from the Art Museums!
VISIT THE ART MUSEUMS
In addition to the world’s largest living history museum, two hidden gems await in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features American and British antiques and decorative art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, while you can find bold and imaginative pieces of colonial and contemporary folk art at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Select an Evening Program
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Take a ghost tour, or check out seasonal evening events in the Historic Area.
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Evening Program: Haunted Williamsburg
Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Evening Program: Cry Witch
Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Evening Program: Revolutionary Points of View
Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
STAY WITH US
With our official hotels, you can stay close to the action, enjoy resort amenities and get up to two complimentary admission tickets to the Historic Area and Art Museums when you book direct with Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. Book your stay now!
Three Great Museums. One Ticket.
Our living history museum and two art museums offer something for everyone to discover.
Your Admission Ticket is the Key