Frequently Asked Questions/Getting Started

What is Colonial Williamsburg?: The largest living history museum in the United States, Colonial Williamsburg is a private non-profit foundation that operates the restored 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia. Learn more about the history of Colonial Williamsburg.
International information: Introductions
Where is Colonial Williamsburg?: Williamsburg, Virginia. Downloads maps and get directions.
Why do I need a ticket?: Your admission pass gives you access to historic homes, buildings, exhibition sites, and Revolutionary City. See how families lived, how trades were practiced, where laws were made and how colonists played, all with the guidance of knowledgeable costumed interpreters. View ticket options.

How do I start my visit?

Where should I start?: Begin your visit at the Visitor's Center (Download maps and get directions.) with ample parking, restrooms, and information about current programs, exhibitions, and activities. Purchase your tickets and get a current copy of "This Week," our weekly guide to schedules and programs. From here, it's a short walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Historic Area. Read the timeline plaques along the bridge and prepare yourself for your transitions to and from the 18th Century. Ticketed guests may also ride our Shuttle Buses to exhibitions and the museums.; The film "Williamsburg -- the Story of a Patriot" is an excellent introduction to the history of Williamsburg. See the film at the Visitor's Center Theaters in Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian. Please call ahead or give the Visitor Center staff one-hour notice of your language preferences.

Planning tools

Vacation Planner

Extended to 40 pages, our 2008 Vacation Planner provides an up-to-date overview of Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area, museums, hotels, recreational opportunities, and more.

Download now:
Vacation Planner
Vacation package insert

To receive your complimentary copy by mail, please register.

Colonial Williamsburg Guide Book

The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg guidebook is your knowledgeable host in the Historic Area. Pick up a copy in the Visitors Center bookstore or any Colonial Williamsburg bookseller for in-depth information on the town, its history, and today's attractions, or purchase it online.

How do I plan my day?

When can I visit?: Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. Visit the site schedule for seasonal hours.
What should I see?: The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg guidebook is your knowledgeable host in the Historic Area. Pick up a copy in the Visitors Center bookstore or any Colonial Williamsburg bookseller for in-depth information on the town, its history, and today's attractions, or purchase it online.; When you're here, pick up a free copy of Colonial Williamsburg's weekly program guide, "This Week" at the Visitor's Center or any ticket location. In it, you'll find programs offered during your visit with along with a map and helpful tips. Learn more in our What to See and Do section.
Which Historic Area buildings can I enter?: Buildings with flags at their entrances are open to ticket holders. Not all colonial buildings are open to the public; some are privately occupied by employees of Colonial Williamsburg and their families, and some hold administrative offices. See what sites are open.
How long does it take to tour the Historic Area?: Colonial Williamsburg offers its guests a variety of opportunites to relive the Revolutionary War period. Depending on your interests or focus, visits to Colonial Williamsburg vary in length and activities. Guests can get a sample of the Historic Area in about half a day or enjoy the full experience in about two or three days. Colonial Williamsburg is filled with exciting historic sites, informative programs, and family-friendly fun that are constantly changing and expanding.

Colonial Williamsburg offers itineraries to help guests find their way around the Historic Area. Download the itineraries here.
What happens during bad weather?: Some outdoor programs are presented only when weather permits. Building tours continue during inclement weather, and the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily.
Where can I rent colonial costumes?: Play dress-up on a town-sized scale with rental costumes for boys and girls. Children's costume rentals are available daily in the Visitor Center's Costume Rental Center and at the booths on Market Square. $19.95 daily, with $50 refundable deposit.
What can we do in the evening?: Evening programs include tours, plays, dances, concerts, and reenactments. Evening meals in colonial taverns are complete with strolling musicians and 18th-century fare.
Can I make a reservation for a carriage or wagon ride?: Tickets are sold on the day of the ride at all Colonial Williamsburg ticket locations. Availability is limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so purchase your ticket early in the morning. Reservations are not taken in advance due to the unpredictable nature of the weather.
Are costumed people in character?: Some costumed interpreters present their characters in the first person, and some give third-person interpretations. Generally, actors in Revolutionary City will be in character, while tradespeople and site interpreters will not.
Can I park in the Historic Area? Is there a bus system?: Automobiles are not permitted in the Historic Area, but shuttle-bus service is provided. Shuttles travel between the Visitor's Center and the Historic Area (Downloads maps and get directions.) and also circle the Historic Area from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Designated stops are indicated on the map. Shuttles with wheelchair lifts are available.

Where can I stay/eat/shop?

Where can I stay?: Colonial Williamsburg's hotels, along with the Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection offer lodging options for every vacation. Learn more about staying with us.
Are there places to eat?: From historic taverns to modern sandwich shops and bistros, the Historic Area and Merchant's Square plenty of choices to please all tastes. Restrooms are available and cool drinks can be purchased throughout Williamsburg.
Are there places to shop?: Williamsburg, Virginia, was a center of commerce in the 18th century - the beginning of a consumer economy. You will find some of the same goods sold in the 1770s in the shops on Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green. Learn more.

Is the Historic Area accessible?

Is the Historic Area handicapped accessible?: A limited number of folding wheelchairs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Center. Ramps and wheelchair lifts are available at selected sites, but many buildings require a few steps. See more accessibility information.