Top Virginia Culture

Explore the enchanting waters surrounding Chincoteague Island on a guided boat tour dedicated to spotting the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. This scenic journey immerses you in the rich wildlife and coastal beauty while offering expert narration on local history and ecology. With a high likelihood of pony sightings, alongside dolphins and diverse bird species, this tour is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Witness the beauty of marshes and open waters from comfortable forward-facing seating, ensuring optimal views and photography opportunities. Don't miss the chance to learn about the legendary Saltwater Cowboys and the iconic Pony Swim tradition. - Scenic narrated boat tour focusing on wild ponies and local wildlife - Expert local captains share insights and stories throughout the journey - Family-friendly with high chances of pony sightings, dolphin and eagles. - Comfortable seating, shaded canopy, and onboard bathroom for convenience

Discover the top highlights of Washington DC in just three hours with this private tour. Travel by private vehicle and see more in less time with less effort. Customize your itinerary to see what interests you, including the US Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, White House, and the Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials, and more.

Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour. Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

A self-guided detective game through Old Town Alexandria, built on the city's most famous unsolved mystery: the Female Stranger, who died at Gadsby's Tavern in 1816 and was buried without a name. You reopen the case on your phone, guided by Director Zero, and each stop hides a puzzle that moves the investigation forward. Play at your own pace. The app shares the real history behind each place: the tavern where Washington and Jefferson dined, the Georgian Carlyle House, the 1918 torpedo plant that became an art centre, the ferry landing that once shipped tobacco out of an 18th-century port, the sea captains' houses by the Athenaeum, and the apothecary that served the town for nearly 150 years. Hints are built in; chat support answers 24/7. The route is a compact loop from Gadsby's Tavern down to the waterfront and back through Market Square, laid out in 1753. Flat, easy and 90 to 120 minutes, for history lovers, mystery fans, couples and families with older kids.

This tour is the only Ghost tour in Williamsburg specifically for small children. A unique experience recommended for children up to the age of ten. The Children's Ghost tour is designed for the smallest and most sensitive ghost hunters. A one-hour walk filled with entertaining and fun stories (this is not scary) for smaller children that your family can enjoy. All Children must be accompanied by at least one Adult (parent or guardian over 18 years old) traveler.

During this 1-hour walking tour, learn the complexities of Virginia's decision to seek independence from England. Discover the challenges faced by the men of the House of Burgesses as they ultimately chose to declare Virginia's independence and learn how this pivotal decision influenced the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. 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.

Download GuideAlong's self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Shenandoah road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the route, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of Skyline Drive's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the park's top summit and waterfall hikes, President Herbert Hoover's historic retreat, and a high-elevation meadow that's one of the best places to spot wildlife like deer, elk and black bears. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Go beyond capital tours and explore Richmond with your crew via real-time scavenger hunt. Finding clues, snapping photos, and completing challenges, your smartphone will lead you across the city’s best landmarks, from downtown to Shockoe Slip and beyond. As you race the clock, you’ll learn all about Richmond’s 300-year history, racking up points to win it all.

Join us as we discover the History of Christmas in the colony while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings. On our 1-hour leisurely stroll thru the city, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic decorations that are uniquely Colonial Williamsburg. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind decorations made by employees and residents of the city are beautifully and proudly displayed on each building and we will discover the most beautiful and unique of this year's display. We will discover the religious, humorous, and heartfelt traditions that span the centuries. While learning how the decorations are made, how they became a tradition, and even helpful tips and tricks on how the create your own decorations at home. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is truly an experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Explore the significant Yorktown Battlefield—and go at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour for your car. Drive through the park in your own car with GPS directions enabled as you listen to the storied history of this site. See and learn about famous landmarks like Washington’s Headquarters, Grand French Battery, and Yorktown National Cemetery without feeling rushed.

Dive deeper into US history when you embark on this day trip from Washington DC to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Head north from the nation’s capital to Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War and the 1863 battle that took place on those grounds. Watch a short film and then explore downtown Gettysburg before heading back down to Washington DC.

You'll hear an entertaining story about each street mural we see and then have to guess if what you just heard is true or a fanciful lie. Once everyone has guessed, the truth will be revealed.

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. 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. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.

Are you looking for a way to see Old Town Alexandria without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Find out how a banker’s wife hid a portion of the George Washington family fortune in her underwear drawer during a Union raid • Hear from producer Rick Snider, an award-winning Washington journalist and tour guide • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Join us as we explore the fascinating stories of women from all walks of life—each of whom played her part in the community’s development. From the beloved midwife whose knowledge and care were instrumental to the town’s health, to the famous schoolmistress who taught future leaders, these women were pillars of the community. Discover the Governor’s Lady, who maintained the standards of society, and the Councillor’s wife, who helped shape political circles from behind the scenes. Learn about the enslaved cook who worked closely with the Founders, displaying incredible skill and resilience, and even hear the tales of actresses who broke societal norms to entertain and inspire. .

Step back in time on a trip to Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s former estate—and learn all about the life and times of the country’s first president—on this private, half-day tour. Pick from morning or afternoon departure times, meet your guide at your local address, and hop aboard your luxury SUV. Explore Mt. Vernon and its grounds with your guide (a veteran and military historian), and even visit Old Town Alexandria.

Dare to experience the #1 ultimate ghost hunt tour in Williamsburg, where real history meets real hauntings every night, year-round! Led by expert guides—this USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, experience takes you deep into the eerie past of one of America’s most haunted cities. Feel the chilling presence of spirits as you visit Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, Peyton Randolph House and Burial Grounds, and Market Square & Magazine. From witch trials to scandalous murders, hear the twisted tales that still haunt Williamsburg today. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, track paranormal activity as you wander through the historic district. Every shadow and whisper could be an unseen visitor making their presence known! While we don’t enter buildings, this ensures you visit as many haunted locations as possible. This unforgettable ghost hunt is packed with mystery, history, and spine-tingling encounters. Ready to uncover Williamsburg’s darkest secrets? Join us—if you dare!

Uncover a different side of Richmond’s Franklin Street with this guided ghost-themed walking tour. Walk around to sites such as the Jefferson Hotel, Linden Row Inn, Main Street Library, and other historic locations that are said to be haunted, while listening to tales of spooky encounters and paranormal activity from your guide.

Private guided tour of the Jamestown Settlement. This exclusive tour (only your family/group) includes an in-depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest, permanent English colony that begins with exploring replicas of the ships that arrived in 1607, the re-created Paspahegh town, the James Fort reflecting the outpost in 1610-1614 and the museum with spectacular artifacts, replicas of 17th Century homes and more. There is an option (for a fee) to tour Historic Jamestowne, actual site of the Jamestown Fort, including the NPS Visitor Center, views of the Fort, James River and Tercentennial Monument that stands 104 feet tall. The monument was installed in 1907 commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Jamestown Colony. This trip may be customized for handicapped patrons as the state park has scooter rental for $15/scooter. For NPS option, wheelchairs are available with notice to guide. Estimated time 3.5-4 hours for Jamestown and Glasshouse and 4.5-5 hours to include NPS.

Pay your respects with a veteran guide trained in military history on a private tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Your guide shares historical anecdotes at major landmarks and quiet spots often missed by visitors. The tour includes admission and round-trip transport from hotels or monuments in Washington DC or Alexandria County for your convenience.

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.

Join the newest tour from Alexandria's longest running locally owned Ghost Tour company! Uncover the eerie secrets of Old Town Alexandria on this captivating Ghost & Pirate Tour. As you stroll through the dimly lit cobblestone streets, your lantern will guide you through tales of restless spirits and notorious pirates that once traversed this historic port city. This unique journey combines fascinating history with spine-tingling folklore, providing an unforgettable evening filled with adventure and mystery in Alexandria, Virginia, ending in a haunted train tunnel. - Guided evening tour through the haunted streets of Old Town Alexandria - Discover chilling legends of pirates and restless spirits - Experience the blend of history, folklore, and adventure - Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike

Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of our most popular private walking tours. Discover the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmastide as we stroll from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring spectacular holiday decorations, historic homes, and 18th-century architecture. Learn how handcrafted wreaths and garlands are created from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural materials, then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with stories of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military during the Revolutionary War. It's the perfect way to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Note: Traditional ginger cake is included. Tours before 7PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations: first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies: first three Fridays.

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.