Top Virginia Culture

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric setting of Colonial Williamsburg after dark—and learn all about the real-life murders, executions, and other sordid events that happened here—on this nighttime ghost tour. No separate ticket to Williamsburg is needed: meet your costumed guide at the Capitol Building and set off. Visit supposedly haunted landmarks like the Peyton Randolph House, and hear stories about pirates, witch trials, and more as you go.

With this tour, you can expand your knowledge of the colonial history of Williamsburg—dating back to the 18th century. Instead of reading a guidebook, enjoy a much more immersive way of learning about the city—by following a costumed guide around key landmarks. Along the way, hear stories about famous historical figures linked to the city—such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington—as well as fun facts about the monuments you pass.

Join us for a spine-chilling ghost tour that takes you through the most haunted spots in town! Our route winds through eerie streets and shadowy alleyways, stopping at multiple legendary locations steeped in local lore. Along the way, you’ll hear chilling tales of restless spirits, tragic events, and supernatural occurrences that have shaped the community's history. Prepare for a night of intrigue and chills as we delve into the darker side of our town’s past!

Explore Old Town Alexandria, focusing on its food and its history, during this walking tour. Follow your guide to some of the area's historical highlights, learning about the nearly three-century history as you travel. Stop at several family-owned restaurants for regional seafood, Italian fare, fusion cuisine, and hand-crafted desserts. Tastings add up to make a full meal.

Don’t just visit Colonial Williamsburg’s most important historic landmarks—bring the complexities and drama of the colonial period to life with this immersive, insider history tour. Meet your guide at a convenient start point in Williamsburg, and set off on foot to really soak up the scenery. As you spot landmarks like the Governor’s Palace, Market Square, and more, your historian guide will share stories about the city’s former residents and political tensions.

Spend an entertaining and educational hour with a local guide who’s more than happy to share what they know about this historic town. Learn all about how events in the 1770s shaped America as it’s known today, and gain fresh insight into the attitudes of the founding fathers. Your friendly tour leader would love for you to pick their brain.

This private self-guided tour offers independent travelers the freedom to set their own pace and start time while driving through Shenandoah National Park. After downloading an app, listen to audio that reveals secrets about Shenandoah’s history and its most impressive landmarks. Enjoy the flexibility to stop for photos or hikes in your own car without group constraints.

Discover Richmond’s 400-year history during a ride on board one of its 19th century streetcars by its iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Pass by James River, where Richmond’s story began, Virginia State Capitol, and Jackson Ward, the “Harlem of the South. Discover how Richmond became the city it is today with fascinating and engaging live narration throughout the ride.

Experience the best of Norfolk while avoiding long ticket lines with a Passport to Fun. Enjoy admission to Norfolk’s top attractions, like Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum located on the downtown waterfront, the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), the second ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the US state of Wisconsin, and the Virginia Zoo.

We would like to personally invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful countryside of Charlottesville and the surrounding area. As you enjoy tastings of some of Virginia's finest and most celebrated wines, you will be completely immersed in the rich history shaped by Thomas Jefferson’s lasting influence on the region. This experience promises to be both relaxing and enlightening, blending the natural beauty, exquisite flavors, and historical depth unique to this area.

Relaxed, yet luxurious learning experience about Williamsburg before and after the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in the late 1920s and early 1930s with photos and stories from either Williamsburg Before and After or Restoring Williamsburg. These photos help visualize and better understand the restoration of the world’s largest history museum. Most of the tour is seated during breakfast for those who enjoy the warmth (or air conditioning) indoors. This is an easily accessible tour, well suited for those who enjoy a creative culinary experience, breakfast on bad weather days or for any individuals with physical limitations. Our guide will offer an easy tour of some of the grounds including a look at the Golden Horseshoe Golf courses or admire some of the original décor of the hotel and grounds as well as a short walk to the Duke of Gloucester St., the most historic street in America. Note: Guests pay for their own breakfast including food, drinks and gratuities to hotel staff.

Journey into the heart of 18th-century America with our immersive Three-Hour Colonial Williamsburg History Walking Tour. Explore the buildings that capture the spirit of a young nation on the brink of independence. Enter the elegant halls of the Governor’s Palace, seat of British authority—and later, revolutionary resistance. Walk the creaking floors of the Capitol Building, where debates that shaped the birth of democracy echoed through its chambers. Along the way, you’ll visit blacksmiths, printers, apothecaries, and wigmakers—living history tradespeople who carry on colonial craftsmanship. Each stop unveils another layer of the complex, fascinating world of 1700s Virginia. Perfect for history lovers, families, or curious travelers, this tour offers a vivid, interactive experience. *MUST HAVE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TICKET VALID FOR THE DATE OF YOUR TOUR*

Step back in time to discover the earliest beginnings of the United States of America—and enjoy access to five different highlight attractions—with this convenient and cost-saving package. Book your tickets before you travel; upon arrival, you’ll have seven-day access to discover “American’s historic triangle”: Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and Yorktown Battlefield.

Enjoy a day of family fun at the Virginia Living Museum during your visit to Williamsburg. Explore indoor and outdoor animal exhibits and see more than 250 species of wildlife native to Virginia, including bald eagles and endangered red wolves. Kid-friendly highlights include discovery centers, interactive hands-on exhibits, and an outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail with life-like dinosaurs, dig pits, and fossils.

Explore Alexandria and learn all about the Virginia city’s ghosts and dark secrets on this historical walking tour. Your guide will share spooky tales while leading you to some of the most haunted landmarks in town, including Gadsby’s Tavern, Alexandria City Hall, and Wilkes Tunnel. You’ll come away with a haunting new perspective on a city famous for its many historic buildings.

Discover the charm and history of Old Town Alexandria, one of the nation’s most beautifully preserved colonial cities just outside Washington, DC. Step inside the legendary Gadsby's Tavern - once the social hub of colonial Alexandria - where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams dined, danced, and debated. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century architecture as your expert local guide brings centuries of American history vividly to life. Explore Christ Church (Interior Visit When Open) - originally built in 1773 - whenever services or private events are not in session. From George Washington’s favorite tavern to a church that’s hosted presidents, patriots, and even royalty, this walking tour takes you beyond the monuments and into the real stories that helped shape a nation.

If you think history is boring, this tour is here to prove you wrong. Offbeat History takes you on a lively, 90-minute journey through the city’s most offbeat and entertaining stories—the kind that surprise you, make you laugh, and leave you saying, “Wait… that really happened?” With a guide who knows how to bring the fun, this tour dives into the odd characters, strange moments, and head-scratching facts that make Richmond anything but ordinary. You won’t hear about battlefield strategies or memorized dates—just unforgettable stories, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of laughs.

Cover more Richmond sights in less time with a Richmond Segway tour. This tour lets you glide around Virginia’s capital city with ease, taking you to top sights like the Canal Walk, Old City Hall, and St. Paul’s Church, all while filling you in facts and stories from Richmond history. Choose from multiple tour durations and departure times to find a tour that fits your schedule.

Learn all about the storied past of this historic area of Alexandria from an engaging guide who’s passionate about making your trip to the city a memorable one—from Gadsby's Tavern Museum to the cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row. You’ll hear well-researched stories, explore local landmarks like Historic Christ Episcopal Church, and get familiar with Old Town as a local leads the way.

Enjoy a relaxing evening on the Chincoteague Sunset Boat Tour, where the serene waters surrounding Chincoteague and Assateague Islands create the perfect backdrop for wildlife sightings and stunning sunsets. Aboard a comfortable pontoon boat, experience live narration from expert captains as you cruise through marshes, keeping an eye out for wild ponies, dolphins, and shorebirds. This tour is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to unwind and capture beautiful photos in the golden hour. - Scenic sunset cruise through Chincoteague Bay - Spot wild ponies, dolphins, and shorebirds in their natural habitat - Expert narration providing local history and fun stories - Comfortable seating with shaded canopy and onboard restroom for convenience

Discover Colonial Williamsburg and experience all this renowned historic city has to offer by prebooking your ticket and securing your spot at one of the world's largest living museums. Learn about life in colonial America and the American Revolution. Enjoy 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 fee not included.

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.

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* 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. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. 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.