Top Williamsburg Walking Tours

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.

Face the ghosts of Williamsburg’s past on an evening haunted history tour in one of America’s oldest cities. After nightfall, visit centuries-old sites in Colonial Williamsburg while a guide shares reports of ghostly activity, from the days of early settlers through the Civil War. Beyond just chilling anecdotes, all sightings are based on paranormal research and thoroughly documented for a spine-tingling evening experience.

Let's go back in time together! Join your licensed guide on this fun, engaging walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. See the major historic sights, learn how our democracy began, and walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers – and maybe bump into them! Discover the special places only a local knows, like delightful gardens, where they hide the sheep, and favorite spots for 18th-century cookies. Starting at The Williamsburg Inn, you'll view the Capitol, stroll by trades and shops, and see horse-drawn carriages on your way to the Governor’s Palace. Our walk ends close to Merchants Square where you can shop or grab a bite. Our guests are saying: “We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides we’ve experienced.” “She knows her history and shows a lot of enthusiasm for it.” “She was a pleasure to be with.” - She has had the honor of being ranked nationally in the Top 10% of guides in the country. - This tour can be customized to your interests to make the most of your time here.

KIDS 12 AND UNDER FREE Meet at THE PRECIOUS GEM in Merchants Square Explore the haunted streets of Colonial Williamsburg by Lantern light on the Original Ghost Walk, a captivating 1-hour lantern guided tour that unveils chilling tales and legendary spirits. Led by expert storytellers dressed in period attire, this outdoor walking experience takes you through moonlit alleyways and historic locations, revealing the darker side of America's most historic town. Perfect for families, history lovers, and ghost enthusiasts, this tour blends true history with eerie legend, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the hauntings that linger in the shadows. - Duration: Approximately 1 hour of easy-paced walking - Experience chilling true stories and local legends - Guided by engaging local storytellers in themed attire - Ideal for families, couples, and paranormal enthusiasts

If you’re interested in learning about Williamsburg’s Colonial history then this private tour saves hours doing your own independent research. Pick between half- or full-day durations and join a private guide on a walk around the city, with insightful commentary throughout. The route is customizable to help ensure it's tailored to your preferences, and stops include major landmarks such as the Capitol Building, the Williamsburg Inn, and the Governor’s Palace.

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.

Hear all about the spookier side of Colonial Williamsburg on this nighttime walking ghost tour led by a local resident. Great for anyone from history buffs to fans of scary stories, you’ll see Colonial Williamsburg by night and tour (allegedly) haunted locations without worrying about getting lost thanks to your guide and group.

Learn all about a different side of early American history—and explore Colonial Williamsburg in the company of a costumed guide—on this small-group, pirate-themed tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide right outside the Capitol Building, and set off on foot. In between admiring the centuries-old landmarks, you’ll learn about how piracy influenced American history—and can soak in your guide’s in-depth stories as you go.

Ale & Apparitions connects Williamsburg’s haunted history to the places where the city still gathers after dark. Beginning in Merchants Square and moving into the William & Mary nightlife district, this pub crawl blends local bars with stories of theater folklore, institutional confinement, wartime occupation, destructive fires, disturbed burials, and campus legends. It is not just a historic ghost tour with a drink stop added in — it follows the line between old Williamsburg and modern college-town nightlife, showing how the city’s past still lingers around the places people meet, drink, talk, and trade stories today. This experience blends ghost stories, colonial history, tavern culture, and a fun night out for adults. Guests will hear about the people who filled Williamsburg’s evenings, the legends that grew around its taverns, and why some believe echoes of those nights still linger. Guests must be age 21+ and bring valid government-issued photo ID.

Enjoy a night of drinking and ghost stories as you explore Williamsburg with the help of a tour guide to show you around. Stop at a range of local establishments for drinks and pass by historical sights on the way while you listen to the macabre tales told by your engaging tour leader. Make sure you come thirsty for some drinks and hungry for some thoroughly researched spooky stories.

Explore the eerie side of Colonial Yorktown on the Yorktown Ghost Tour. This guided stroll takes you through the town's haunted history, revealing stories of spirits from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. As you walk the historic streets, discover the explosive tales behind the ghosts that still linger, offering a glimpse into the past. This tour ensures a unique blend of history and mystery that will captivate both children and adults alike. Join in on an unforgettable journey through time and the supernatural.

Experience Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday traditions with the added insight of a costumed guide who brings local history to life. Instead of exploring on your own, discover the stories behind the town’s seasonal decorations and celebrations while strolling its historic streets. It’s an engaging way to see how Christmas has been celebrated through the centuries.

Experience the Dead of Night with Spooks and Legends Haunted Ghost Tours! Looking for a ghost tour that’s more than just spooky stories? The Dead of Night Tour with Spooks and Legends is the ultimate paranormal experience you’ve been searching for! Join our expert guides as they take you on a thrilling outdoor ghost-hunting expedition through the haunted streets of Colonial Williamsburg. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an interactive ghost hunt where you’ll use professional gear like the PSB7 Spirit Box, EMF Meters, Dowsing Rods, and Rem Pods. You’ll get hands-on experience with real ghost-hunting equipment while searching for actual evidence of the supernatural! But that’s not all—you’ll also hear true -chilling stories that add a whole new a rare glimpse into the unexplained phenomena that continue to haunt the historic area. Our groups are small, so you’ll get a personal, hands-on experience. We provide all the equipment you’ll need. Don’t miss out - This Tour sells out !

During this one-hour walking tour, discover how a sleepy southern town was restored to its former colonial splendor through the dream of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the backing of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We will discuss the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg from its conception through to the continuing restoration efforts. We encourage questions and conversation so all guests can better understand why Williamsburg was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations. 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.

Exclusive, private tour (only your family/friends) of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY), some of the Yorktown Battlefields (Surrender Field), the federal museum (National Park Service with General Washington's original tents from the American Revolutionary War), Victory monument, and alleged cave where Cornwallis retreated. This is the only private tour with a private guide at all stops. This is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the siege of Yorktown that lasted several weeks and explores the surrendering of arms on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March 1st-November 30th). We spend about 4 to 4.5 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 5 to 5.5 hour tour. Note: the state museum has scooter rentals for $15.

Colonial Williamsburg offers the chance to step back in time to the 18th century—and this private walking tour will give you an even richer understanding of this early American destination. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, including the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol, learn about colonial–era life, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about Williamsburg’s history.

Delve into the chilling past of Colonial Williamsburg on this adult-only walking tour that reveals the town's most sinister stories. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, uncover the ghoulish tales of murders and haunted happenings that linger in the shadows. This is perfect for those with a penchant for the macabre. This tour promises a spine-tingling journey through one of America’s most haunted locations. - Adult-only tour revealing the dark history of Colonial Williamsburg - Learn about notorious murders and paranormal events from expert guides - Handicap accessible, though the tour involves a lengthy walk

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.

*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.

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.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover the best of Colonial Williamsburg—and learn the stories behind the sights—on this private walking tour. Pick from a range of convenient start times, meet your guide in Merchants Square, and set off on foot. You’ll see highlights like the Governor’s Palace and Capitol, will stroll along the history-saturated West Duke of Gloucester Street, and will visit the adjacent College of William & Mary.

To play Operation City Quest in Williamsburg, you'll use an app to gather points by completing exciting tasks and finding objects around the city in any order you choose. Use strategy to gain the most points on the app's leaderboard and beat out other Williamsburg teams. Our scavenger hunt has a remote host that will help throughout the game via chat. Let's get competing in Williamsburg!

The only tour in Williamsburg that gives the history of slavery in one presentation. We discuss what is and is not slavery. We debunk the myths that have been associated with slavery for generations. We are also the only tour that explores the impact on our modern society.