Experience an enlightening introduction to Colonial Williamsburg at this informative center where you can take carriage rides and walking tours among other activities.
The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center is the essential starting point in your visit to this living history museum. Learn about special events taking place, watch a revealing introductory film and pick up period costumes to wear as you explore the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg.
See the center’s introductory movie, Williamsburg—the Story of a Patriot, a dramatization of the events that took place in Williamsburg before the outbreak of the American Revolution. Possibly the longest-running motion picture in history, the movie has welcomed visitors to Colonial Williamsburg since 1957.
Pick up a free copy of Colonial Williamsburg This Week, a weekly program guide that includes a map of the Historic Area as well as an overview of any events taking place. Make reservations for carriage rides, walking tours or any other special activities you wish to enjoy during your visit.
Shop for Williamsburg collectibles and other souvenirs at the Williamsburg Revolutions store. Rent 18th-century reproduction costumes for the kids to wear as they discover the Historic Area. Boys can pick their favorite shirts, while girls can choose dresses and sashes. In addition to costumes, kids receive letters of introduction to the Revolutionary City, which outlines colonial activities they can try throughout the town.
Head to the Visitor Center Café to plan your day and eat a light meal. Warm up with Brunswick stew and purchase fruit cups to snack on later. Buy one of the café’s refillable mugs and fill it with coffee for no extra charge.
Leave your car in the center’s parking lot and take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs through the Historic Area. Alternatively, walk across the 500-foot-long (150-meter) Footbridge to the Past to reach the area. Look for timeline plaques embedded in the bridge, which will gradually transport you back to the 18th century.
The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center is open 365 days a year. It’s located north of the Historic Area and can be reached on foot or by regular shuttle bus. Begin your day at this educational center to help plan your Colonial Williamsburg visit.
