Colonial Williamsburg
We have explored many historic places in the United States. We have visited Mount Vernon, Monticello, Mount Rushmore and Independence Hall in Philadelphia and now this summer we finally got to visit historic Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that spans an entire city area about 2 1/2 hours south of Washington DC. If you are planning a visit, then you need to read this so you will know what to expect when you visit Colonial Williamsburg.
Tickets were received to facilitate our visit. No monetary compensation was received.
Explore Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg can be a full vacation experience. You can easily spend more than one day to visit everything. Take a look at the schedule and plan your visit so you can attend the shows, demonstrations and parades. You can even take part in some of the events – like the axe throwing range.
However, if you only have a few hours and don’t want to pay the ticket fee, you can come for a few hours and walk along the historic streets and absorb the atmosphere.
When you arrive, make sure you note where you parked. I suggest you take a picture of the spot as well as the name of the lot so you can find your vehicle when you are done for the day.
Historic Area: Trades & Sites
With over 40 trades and historic sites, you are sure to discover something new about the colonial times. Each building that is open for tours with live actors will have a flag posted out front.
Forget the textbooks. At Colonial Williamsburg, we bring stories to life. Meet some of the best craftspeople in the world, at work in our trade shops. These aren’t actors; they’re skilled makers and their apprentices. Our interpreters aren’t delivering a script. They’re living the part. Whether you meet Thomas Jefferson or a Native American, you’re talking with the real deal. Go ahead, ask them anything. We dare you.
So join us: Stomp in some clay. Shoot a flint musket. Ride in a carriage. Soak in our historic halls. But most importantly, unwind with your friends. Unplug and connect with your family. Create memories that will last a lifetime.
Colonial Williamsburg
Dining Options
There are multiple taverns, diners and snack options through the historic city area. Stop for a lunch or buy some classic ginger ale or root beer and a pastry while you are exploring Colonial Williamsburg.
Take your time and explore each of the shops. Ask questions. Learn how things were made. Discover the things that made this time so unique.
Take a horse or oxen drawn carriage ride and see Colonial Williamsburg in an authentic way. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic city, far removed from the bustle of modern-day streets.
Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center
When you first enter the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center area, you will have the opportunity to shop at several gift shops and get a picture of one of the Virginia LOVE statues!
Walk on through the large Visitors Center to purchase your tickets and use the restroom. Then continue on out the door to start your 1/2 mile walk to historic Colonial Williamsburg. If you prefer to ride, you can take a trolley to the start of the city tour.
Rent a Costume
Want to experience Colonial Williamsburg in a little different way? You can rent a costume and step back in time along the other re-enactors.
Things to Know:
- Your admission ticket grants you access to all of the buildings, art museums and tours.
- If you prefer to just walk along the streets of Colonial Williamsburg without visiting any of the buildings or attending any of the shows and presentations, you may do so without purchasing a ticket.
- Colonial Williamsburg is a large area that spans several hundred acres.
- You can rent a scooter or motorized chair if you need them.
Find Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitor Center Dr
Williamsburg, VA 23185