Virginia is for Lovers

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    • About Virginia
    • Welcome Centers
    • VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS
    • Accessible Travel
    • International Visitors
    • Weather And Climate
    • Transportation
    • Related Links
    • Weddings In Virginia
    • LGBT Travel
    • Virginia Green Travel
    • VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS SHOP

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Things To Do

    Things To Do

    • Family Fun
    • Historic Sites
    • EAT & DRINK
    • Outdoors & Sports
    • THEME PARKS & ZOOS
    • Music
    • BEACHES
    • State Parks
    • National Parks
    • CAVERNS
    • Golf
    • SPAS
    • SHOPPING
    • MUSEUMS
    • TOURS
    • The Arts
    • LOVEworks
    • Filmed in Virginia

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Events

    Events

    • AFRICAN-AMERICAN
    • ANTIQUE SHOWS/FLEA MARKETS
    • ARTS & CRAFTS
    • CIVIL WAR
    • CULINARY EVENTS
    • ECO-FRIENDLY
    • EXHIBITS
    • FALL
    • FAMILY FUN
    • FESTIVALS
    • HISTORY/HERITAGE
    • HOLIDAYS
    • MUSIC
    • PERFORMANCES
    • SPORTING
    • Spring
    • STATE PARKS
    • VIRGINIA GREEN
    • WINE/BEER

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Places To Stay

    Places To Stay

    • BED & BREAKFAST
    • COTTAGES & CABINS
    • INNS
    • RESORTS
    • PET FRIENDLY
    • CAMPING
    • HOTELS & MOTELS
    • LODGES & GUEST RANCHES
    • Vacation Homes & Rentals
    • VIRGINIA GREEN

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Deals

    Deals

    • DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    • FALL PACKAGES
    • FAMILY FUN PACKAGES
    • FOOD AND WINE PACKAGES
    • HISTORY DEALS
    • SPRING PACKAGES
    • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
    • ROMANCE PACKAGES
    • TRAVEL PACKAGES

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Store
  • Maps

    Maps

    • Virginia
    • Southwest Virginia - Blue Ridge Highlands
    • Central Virginia
    • Chesapeake Bay
    • Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore
    • Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads
    • Southwest Virginia - Heart of Appalachia
    • Northern Virginia
    • Shenandoah Valley
    • Southern Virginia
    • Virginia Mountains

    Follow Us

    2019 Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

    Virginia Travel Guide Covers 2019
    Order Now
  • Accessible Travel

Colonial Williamsburg

Be a part of the story.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fires and Drums

Guests of Colonial Williamsburg explore dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed on 301 acres - most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience.

Dawn of America | Historic Sites | Museums
Explore the 18th Century | Places to Stay | Places to Shop

Dawn of America

Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.

Historic Sites

Expanded experiences at some of our most famous buildings give you a new understanding of life in the 18th century and you'll feel as if you stepped off a time machine. At the George Wythe House, you'll be transported to the Age of Enlightenment, when students of George Wythe, such as Thomas Jefferson, were introduced to revelations in science and the arts. Families play games, dance, and participate in daily chores at the James Geddy House. Enter the Peyton Randolph House and gain a deeper knowledge of slavery and the early African American experience. At the Public Armory, you'll learn about simple machines and find out what it took to support the Revolutionary War.

Capitol at Colonial Williamsburg

On May 15, 1776, from The Capitol of what was England’s first permanent colony in the New World, Virginia legislators instructed their delegation at Philadelphia’s Continental Congress to introduce a resolution to make the colonies independent from Great Britain. The gentlemen at Williamsburg sat in the oldest representative assembly in what was then the world’s newest nation. The assembly traces its beginnings to 1619 when the House of Burgesses first convened at Jamestown.

  • Nearby: The Gaol * Benjamin Powell House * Presbyterian Meetinghouse * Christiana Cambell's Tavern

Standing as evidence of the position the king's representative enjoyed in the capital of England’s largest American colony, the Governor’s Palace was the third largest public building in Williamsburg. The 3,380-square-foot Georgian home included an 11-bin wine cellar. The immaculate grounds offered a formal garden and natural park that stretched to the north. The stable, carriage house, kitchen, scullery, laundry, and an octagonal bathhouse were arranged in service yards. It was an elaborate household requiring 25 servants and slaves to tend.

  • Nearby: Everard House * Play Booth Theatre

Raleigh Tavern was the center of events and a gathering place where plans were made to join other colonies in the American Revolution. Meet people from the past and then enjoy freshly baked gingerbread cakes in the adjacent Bakery.

  • Nearby: Silversmith * Printer * Apothecary * Prentis Store * Tarpley's Store * Milliner * Wigmaker * Shields Tavern * King's Arms Tavern

See The Magazine, the colonial arsenal housing a collection of muskets and cannon. Take part in musket-firing demonstrations and drills, watch the militia, and listen to the fife and drums.

Pretend you are justices, defendants, and witnesses at The Courthouse, and then swing into Chowning's Tavern, one of the most popular places for BBQ, beers, and ales.

Bruton Parish Church was the Anglican church of the capital and is still active today.

  • Nearby: The Colonial Garden and Nursery * Geddy House and Foundry * Mary Dickinson Shop * Wythe House * Greenhow Store

Richard Charlton’s Coffeehouse re-creates the 1765 hotbed of political, business and social activity adjacent to the colonial Capitol.

Explore the 18thCentury

Explore Colonial Williamsburg and become a citizen of the city. Engage with the community and experience firsthand the triumphs and struggles of people from all walks of life.

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area

Historic Area

When you visit Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century city, you'll discover why Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia, the largest and most prosperous American colony. At the Capitol, independence was declared before all other colonies, setting the pace for the American Revolution. Men and women from all walks of life walked these streets, and you're following in their footsteps. Our Historic Area truly takes you back in time.

Historic Trades

Tradespeople use real 18th-century tools and techniques in their crafts, many of which have been around since the beginning of our civilization. These skilled men and women are true apprentices, journeymen, and masters and they hone their skills with every hammer, needle, or plow. There are opportunities for you to get a real, hands-on experience within our trades.

Lil' Patriots Kids Club

Keep your little patriot entertained and educated during your visit to Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. With games and activities for a half day or Friday night out, adults can have time to themselves while the kids have a whole lot of fun.

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features an extensive collection of American and British antiques, showcasing furniture, metals, ceramics, glass, painting, prints, firearms, and textiles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Young patriots can enjoy hands-on activities and exhibits throughout the year, such as Wee Folk, Map Quest and Crack the Code. Also see the Public Hospital exhibition depicting the treatment of mentally ill patients. Visit the Museum Shop and the Museum Cafe, too.

Under the same roof, you'll find the award-winning Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the oldest institution in the United States dedicated solely to the collection and preservation of American folk art.

Basset Hall at Colonial Williamsburg

Bassett Hall was the home of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller during the restoration of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. Tour the house and walk among the gardens and the woodland trails established during the 1940s.

  • See Colonial Williamsburg: Plan for events, suggested itineraries, maps and more.

Places to Stay

The Williamsburg Inn

Colonial Williamsburg is an experience that doesn't have to end when you check in for the night. These properties are within walking distance of the Historic Area:

  • Colonial Houses
  • Governor's Inn
  • The Williamsburg Inn
  • The Williamsburg Lodge
  • Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites
  • Book a Williamsburg Area Travel Package

Places to Shop

In addition to the Historic Area shops offering period clothing, silver, pottery, foods, and gift items, Merchants Square on Duke of Gloucester Street features more than 40 shops including jewelry, pewter, quilts, quality clothing, restaurants, and a theater.

  • Williamsburg Prime Outlets - national name-brand stores within a short drive from the Historic Area.
  •  More Williamsburg Shopping

 

Plan your authentic Colonial Williamsburg vacation!

Last Updated: 11/12/2019

Hot Topics

  • CN16031103V_009.TIF

    Winter in Virginia
  •  Eat and Drink What You Love in Virginia
    Eat and Drink What You Love

    December in Virginia

    Holidays

    Parades and Tree Lightings
  • HR19103109P_077.JPG
    50 Years of LOVE

    Heartwarming Getaways

    Mountain Resorts

    Holiday Performances

Virginia is for History Lovers

Virginia is for History Lovers

Shop Virginia

More Ideas

  • Pony Penning on Chincoteague Island
    Events
    Upcoming Events
  • Family at Claytor Lake State Park
    Things to Do
    Family Fun
  • Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums
    Things to Do
    Virginia History
  • Craft Beer
    Things to Do
    Virginia Craft Beer
  • Virginia wine
    Things to Do
    Virginia Wine
  • Craft Beer
    Things to Do
    Virginia Distilleries
  • Culinary Virginia
    Things to Do
    Eat & Drink
  • LOVEwork at Cape Charles
    Things to Do
    LOVEworks
  • Shenandoah National Park
    Things to Do
    National Parks

We Need Your Feedback

Take our Survey

Travel Updates

Success! Get ready to start receiving Virginia.org travel updates.

Find out what's going on around Virginia. Subscribe to the Virginia eNewsletter.

Please select as many options as you are interested in.

About Va
  • Virginia Travel Blog
  • Welcome Centers
  • Cities & Localities
  • Transportation
  • Virginia Is For Lovers
Contact Us
  • Media/Press Room
  • Send Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel Industry
  • Travel Guide Order
Travel
  • Group Planners
  • Sports Marketers
  • Meetings Professionals
  • Virginia Green Travel
  • Accessible Travel
Additional Links
  • Virginia Is For Lovers Store
  • Add/Update Your Listings
  • Website Survey
  • Site Map
  • Virginia is for Lovers
  • DiscoverAmerica.com
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • England
  • Korea
  • China
  • Japan

Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia ● © 2019 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219
For Virginia citizen and business services visit www.Virginia.gov. ● Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit www.VEDP.org.