Colonial Williamsburg Tickets in Williamsburg, VA

101 Visitors Center Dr.Williamsburg, VA 23185
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Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia

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Overview

With Colonial Williamsburg tickets, you can explore the challenges of 18th-century life against the backdrop of the American Revolution and interact with the townspeople. Enjoy historical reenactments, trade shops, world-class art museums, vibrant gardens, costume interpreter guided tours of historic buildings, parking and complimentary shuttle service.

1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Experience an 18th-century colonial capitol and meet the people who bring history to life.
  • Discover two world-class art museums with thousands of objects on display.
  • Choose from single day ticket and multiday ticket options.
  • Park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and take advantage of the complimentary shuttle buses to the Historic Area.
  • Even though there's a shuttle, there will still be plenty of walking and standing. Wear layers and comfortable walking shoes.
  • You can walk through the city in a day if you're willing to skip a few attractions, but 3 days is recommended to get the full experience.

Description

Experience life as it was in the 18th century. Explore the homes and buildings where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry inspired the fight for independence.

Scores of original buildings, hundreds of homes, shops, and public buildings are reconstructed over 301 acres - most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, trades, and gardens add layers of authenticity to the recreated town.

Find yourself fully in the nation's yesterdays as you dance with an 18th-century instructor, walk with curators and gardeners, take part in a witch trial, or march with the Fifes and Drums. Find these programs and many more offered daily in Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City.

Admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is included with a multiday or single day ticket, enriching the guest experience beyond the Historic Area's living history. The distinctive collections of the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum are now under one roof. Discover colorful and imaginative pieces of folk art made by amateur artisans in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. Then explore examples of American and British antiques from the 17th–19th centuries.in the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

The Revolutionary City of Colonial Williamsburg stretches over 301 acres and includes 88 original 18th-century structures. Hundreds of houses, shops and public outbuildings are reconstructed on their original foundations. Some buildings are open to the public, while others are private residences and administrative offices. A flag at a building's entrance indicates that the site is open.

When the sun sets, Colonial Williamsburg's live entertainment continues. Whether you are interested in taking a walking ghost tour or watching an 18th Century play, you are sure to find a program that will entertain and inspire you.

Colonial Williamsburg Reviews

73 Reviews
Kevin Page Tripster User Profile Image
Kevin Page
Miramar, FL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Historic Vacation"
July 2021
We purchased the Historic Triangle and planned on Thursday-Saturday visits. We ended up visiting 4 days overall. The reason, the museums that come as part of the package are fantastic in all three locations. I really enjoy visiting historic buildings and sites and being where American History was made but little beats seeing the authentic relics from the early 1600’s through the 1800’s that you see in the museums. It is truly a unique experience touring the three settlements, listening to the incredibly knowledgeable settlement folk, and then visiting the museum to really take you back. My wife and kids enjoyed it but must say, if you are a history buff like me, it’s beyond simple enjoyment, it is an experience to remember
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Tip: Have a car for Yorktown for total experience and ask the townsfolk to tell you about themselves and they jump into character and know even the smallest of details

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Carrol Amick Tripster User Profile Image
Carrol Amick
Lexington, SC
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Colonial Williamsburg"
March 2020
Williamsburg was not crowded the day of our visit and the weather cooperated very nicely for us. We would love to see it again in the fall or at Christmas. Nice easygoing and educational trip.
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Tip: The tickets are definitely worth the price in order to visit the exhibits and places on display.

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Tripster Customer
Virginia Beach, VA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"First time back since 5th grade"
November 2019
I haven’t been back to Colonial Williamsburg since 5th grade and I’m 25 now. I was so happy that everything was just as I remembered and the best part was the hot apple cider! I kept telling my boyfriend the story of how much I loved the cider there and I was determined to find the shop and get some. We saw the bakery sign and I immediately smelt the wonderful smell of apple cider. It brought back so many memories and I couldn’t stop smiling!
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Tip: Have a map with you and take lots of pictures!

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Nancy Maniago Tripster User Profile Image
Nancy Maniago
Eugene , OR
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Living History"
November 2019
We arrived in Williamsburg area after a family reunion in Roanoke. Our plan was to spend a day there, moving on to Jamestown and Yorktown before heading to Washington, DC. Arriving at our motel, I researched how to purchase tickets and found you site online. It was the only program offering any kind of discount, since we were 3 seniors traveling together, we purchased your package with a $5 discount. Arriving at the Visitor's Center, we stood in line with others purchasing tickets for about 15 minutes (there was a Halloween Trick or Treat event happening that day and parents were there to purchase tickets for that). Getting our tickets from the agent was easy, all we had to do was show the voucher, and she knew how to access them. We were ticketed quickly and were on our way. The day was long and chock full of history, tours, incredible views and skilled craftsman. We saw and toured all we could, having lunch at one of the taverns. We enjoyed Williamsburg, especially the benches and places to stop and rest along the way.
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Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, carry your own snacks (to save $), dress in layers.

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Marsha Chitwood Tripster User Profile Image
Marsha Chitwood
Rocky Mount, VA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Colonial Williamsburg"
November 2019
Great time with our family. So much to see and do. Lots of tours provided at the different locations and the interpreters were great in explaining how things were during colonial times and interested in questions ask.
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Tip: We purchased tickets for one day because we were going to Jamestown the next day. You really need two days in Williamsburg to see all.

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Jennifer Robison Tripster User Profile Image
Jennifer Robison
La Grange, IL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Very fun time in Colonial Williamsburg!"
October 2019
The day before we were heading to Colonial Williamsburg, I decided to do some research. I quickly found reviews that said that you absolutely needed to research ahead of time and also compared it to Disney for history buffs. I found neither to be true. It’s nice to be somewhat familiar with what there is to do there, but if you just show up and follow a map and the daily schedule, you will be fine. Almost all of the reviews also said you need at least two days to do Colonial Williamsburg. We were there for just one day and found that to be plenty of time. We did pretty much everything we wanted to do.

Finally, I also read a number of reviews that said you didn’t need to buy tickets. You could just walk around for free. This is true. However, you cannot go into any of the fun, interesting, historical buildings without a ticket. And those places plus the interpreters are what Colonial Williamsburg is all about. I was so happy to get discounted tickets from tripster! I was nervous because I didn't have anywhere I could print the tickets, but it was very easy to just show my email. Tripster is definitely the way to go to get Colonial Williamsburg tickets and again, you really need tickets to get the full experience.

I had four children with me, ages 8 to 14. Their favorite stops were the Order in the Court event, a tour of the Governor’s Palace and visiting the various shops along the street, with the visit to the blacksmith the very favorite of those.

Two of my children are not shy at all and are full of questions. They asked many, many questions of the interpreters and the tradespeople. This really enhanced our visit. Although my teen was at times devastated by his siblings’ curiosity, the people around us were very appreciative of all the questions.

We did a lot during our trip to Virginia, but the trip to Colonial Williamsburg was all of my children’s favorite thing that we did.
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Tip: Buy the tickets!

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Ina Marose Tripster User Profile Image
Ina Marose
tucson, AZ
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great Experience"
September 2019
Easy way to get tickets for Williamsburg at a great price!
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Tip: Check for specials before buying

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Johanne Savoie Tripster User Profile Image
Johanne Savoie
CA
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"I discovered the history of your country"
September 2019
I really enjoyed my experience. As a canadian, I learned a lot about the history of your country. Buying tickets with Tripster is easy and made us save money.
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Tip: Bring water on a hot day and expect to walk a lot.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Colonial Williamsburg

What is Colonial Williamsburg?

The largest living history museum in the United States, Colonial Williamsburg is a private not-for-profit foundation that operates the restored 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia and the adjacent all-encompassing resort.

Where is Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg is part of Virginia's Historic Triangle which includes Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It's located at 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185, midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach.

When can I visit?

Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year.

How long does it take to tour the Revolutionary City?

Colonial Williamsburg offers its guests a variety of opportunities to relive the Revolutionary War period. Depending on your interests or focus, visits vary in length and activities. Guests can get a small sample of the Revolutionary City in about half a day, but plan to stay at least two or three days to enjoy the full experience. Colonial Williamsburg is filled with exciting historic sites, informative programs that are constantly changing and expanding, and family-friendly fun.

Is Colonial Williamsburg wheelchair accessible?

A limited number of folding wheelchairs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Center. Ramps and wheelchair lifts are available at selected sites, but many buildings require a few steps.

Where can I park at Colonial Williamsburg? Is there a bus system?

Automobiles are not permitted in the Revolutionary City, but shuttle-bus service is provided. Colonial Williamsburg parking is available at the Visitor Center. Shuttles travel between the Visitor Center and the Revolutionary City and circle the town from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Designated stops are indicated on the map in your “Colonial Williamsburg This Week” program guide available at the Visitor Center. Shuttles with wheelchair lifts are available. Shuttle service is free to all ticket and pass holders.

What should I make plans to see at Colonial Williamsburg?

When you arrive, start your visit at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center to pick up a free copy of “Colonial Williamsburg This Week.” This weekly program guide will show you which buildings are open and which programs offered during your visit along with a map and helpful tips.

Are there places to eat at Colonial Williamsburg?

From historic taverns to modern sandwich shops and bistros, the Revolutionary City, Colonial Williamsburg Resort, and Merchants Square have plenty of choices to please all tastes. Restrooms are available, and cool drinks can be purchased throughout town.

Are there places to shop?

The Colonial Williamsburg Resort and the Revolutionary City are complemented by convenient and unique shopping options. From luxe home accessories to authentic reproduction 18th-century flatware and furniture—you’ll find the perfect gift, souvenir, or accent for your home.

Which buildings of Colonial Williamsburg can I enter?

Buildings with flags at their entrances are open to ticket holders. Not all colonial buildings are open to the public; some are privately occupied by employees of Colonial Williamsburg and their families, and some hold administrative offices.

What happens during bad weather?

Some outdoor programs are presented only when weather permits. Building tours continue during inclement weather, and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily.

What can we do in the evening?

Evening programs include tours, plays, dances, concerts, and reenactments. Evening meals in colonial taverns are complete with strolling musicians and 18th-century fare. From romantic to kid-friendly, there’s something to do every night of your stay.

Are costumed people in character?

All costumed interpreters will be acting as residents of the Revolutionary City and will portray the period leading up to or during the Revolutionary War. Many guests enjoy dressing in 18th-century costume, and you may encounter them during your stay.

Do you need tickets for Colonial Williamsburg?

While you do not need a ticket to walk around the city, admission tickets are required to enter buildings and experience programs in the Historic Area, including interpreter-guided tours of the city's most iconic sites. Your admission ticket also grants you access to multiple programs throughout the day on the Charlton and Play House stages as well as the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, including stage-programs and performance twice a day in the Hennage Auditorium. You’ll also be able to take advantage of Colonial Williamsburg's complimentary shuttle service.