Top Virginia Art & Culture

Step back in time on a private ride through historic Fredericksburg in a fully restored 1920's Model-A. Guests meet in the heart of downtown and climb aboard cushioned seats for a 20-30min tour with open-air views and plenty of charm. Along the way you'll pass Fredericksburg's most treasured landmarks including the Mary Washington House & Monument, Huge Mercer Apothecary, Kenmore Plantation, Chatham Manor, and the Rappahannock Riverfront. Your guide shares fascinating stories of colonial times, the Civil War, and Fredericksburg's unique past while you relax and enjoy the ride. Tours are private, no sitting with strangers, perfect for families, couples and visitors with pets. Short on time? This tour is the ideal way to enjoy Fredericksburg highlights with history, nostalgia and fun all rolled into one unforgettable experience. Remember Don't Just Look at History, Ride in It!

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.

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 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.

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.

*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 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.

This leisurely stroll takes you through downtown Richmond with a guide who will tell you about the layers of history all around you. Talk about the town’s role in the Revolution, Civil War, and more. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your guide, but still have an intimate tour group. You’ll also be wearing a headset on tour to encourage safe distancing.

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.

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.

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 the evening exploring the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg on a candlelit guided ghost tour. The ghost tour reveals a lesser-known side of the historic streets and takes you to parts of the town most tourists wouldn’t be comfortable visiting on their own. Along the way, a guide entertains the group with family-friendly stories and local legends.

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.

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!

A reproduction of the first ship authorized by the Continental Congress to serve in the Continental Navy, Tall Ship Providence is the only tall ship in the DC area. She was used in the filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." This immersive tour features highly-trained actors with a wealth of practical sailing knowledge portraying 18th-century sailors to teach the history of the ship and answer any questions our guests may have.

Visit the Historic Triangle and learn about early American history with this full-day group tour of Jamestown, Yorktown, and other sites. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide and go to each site in chronological order. Enjoy a midday stop for a Colonial-style lunch at a local restaurant.

Explore the haunted history of Richmond on this captivating walking tour led by Strange RVA. Wander through the eerie cobblestone streets of Shockoe Bottom, where you’ll hear chilling tales of real hauntings, true crime, and colonial curses. This tour includes insights into the legends surrounding The Devil’s Half Acre, the Church Hill Tunnel curse, and the Richmond Vampire lore. You'll also learn about infamous characters like the ‘Ghoul of Richmond’ and end your journey with stories of Edgar Allan Poe, who spent significant time in Richmond. - 1.5 to 2-hour walking tour through Richmond’s haunted landmarks - Discover true ghost stories and urban legends from a knowledgeable guide - Nightly tours at 8 PM, perfect for adults aged 16 and older - Uncover the chilling past of Richmond, including haunted cemeteries and more.

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 is the only tour in Old Town Alexandria that focuses on the Revolutionary War. We will show some of the most important (yet not well known) locations that led to the American Revolution. On this tour you will discover Alexandria's connection to the the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Bill of Rights. We will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Get ready to walk in the churchyard where George Washington publicly declared he would take up arms to fight for the American colonies. We will explore the historic homes and businesses of famous Revolutionary War veterans. Plus we will show you where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria! Along the way, we will point out places of interest and show you Alexandria's hidden gems. Ask questions and experience Old Town Alexandria through one of the most fun tours in the D.C. area!

Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water.

Get ready to explore the historic streets of Williamsburg like never before with Trivia Walks! Our captivating self-guided tour and scavenger hunt combo will take you on an immersive adventure through Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary’s campus, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. From early American history to modern secret campus hideaways, battlefield scars to pirate prisons and more, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of the area. Along the way, places you’ll see include: - The original Capitol of Virginia - Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse - The first English American theatre - The Governor’s Palace - The Crim Dell Bridge - The oldest college building in America - ...and more!

Uncover Old Town Alexandria’s haunted history on a small-group walking tour and pub crawl. Stroll past the city’s 18th-century townhouses and secret alleyways while listening to ghostly tales from your costumed guide. Stop at historic pubs along the way to fill up on liquid courage (additional cost) before continuing on to other eerie locations.

See Washington DC’s key attractions, all in one day—and leave the navigation to your guide—on this full-day tour from Williamsburg. Set off early in the morning via air-conditioned bus, and stop by Arlington National Cemetery en route to the nation’s capital. Discover highlights like the Lincoln Memorial, stop for photos outside the White House and US Capitol, enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) and a stroll, and more.