Monticello Tours

Monticello showing a memorial and heritage architecture
Monticello
Monticello showing heritage architecture, a memorial and a garden
Monticello showing interior views
Monticello which includes farmland, fashion and interior views


You may recognise this elegant plantation estate, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, from its depiction on the back of some U.S. nickels.

Monticello was the home of the third U.S. President and Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. Admire the architecture of this UNESCO-listed residence and enjoy an intimate perspective on Jefferson’s personal life.

Monticello, which means “little mountain,” was constructed between 1769 and 1809. It is set atop a hill on Jefferson’s 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) plantation. Start your tour at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, where you’ll find exhibits explaining how Jefferson built and renovated his estate over its 40-year construction. Take the kids to the Griffin Discovery Room where they can dress in 18th-century style clothes and learn to weave.

Step inside the home’s domed entrance hall, which is decorated with native handicrafts, fossilized bones, animal hides and antlers. The estate has been restored to its appearance during Jefferson’s retirement years, mainly using furniture owned by his family.

Look for a two-pen device that enabled Jefferson to make copies of his correspondences. Notice how the layout of his private chambers connects his dressing room to his study. It’s said that this design allowed Jefferson to get up on the right side of the bed if he wanted to make notes at night and on the left to get dressed in the morning.

Stroll around the property’s 1,000-foot-long (300-meter) vegetable gardens, as well as the remains of the estate’s slave quarters, Mulberry Row. At the south end of Mulberry Row lies a grove of ancient hardwood trees surrounding a stone obelisk marking Jefferson’s gravesite.

Monticello is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of Charlottesville. The estate is open every day of the year, except Christmas. To avoid crowds, try to visit early on a weekday. It’s possible to tour the grounds on your own, but the house can only be explored on guided tours.

Plan a trip to see Monticello

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Doyle Hotel
Kimpton The Forum Hotel by IHG
 Oakhurst Inn at the University

Reviews of Monticello

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
304
5 - Excellent 77%
4 - Good
66
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

You can't just go there and take pictures. It's a national park, and you have to pay for the tour

5/5 - Excellent

Guest

The Slavery Tour is a must!

5/5 - Excellent

TT

I did not go

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cost to see inside Monticello first floor, with bus rides up hill and down every few minutes, is $30 unless pre-purchased on-line 24 hrs prior, save $5. If you just want to walk around and can walk 1/4 mile up-hill with some steps, park and walk. You won't be allowed to join tours, tickets are checked for. Most of tour is wheelchair and scooter accessible, some rooms not due to tight turns and small doors. You will still see a lot with tour.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you can take the Sally Hemings Family tour, do! Our guide was amazing and it offers a different perspective on the Jeffersonian times.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We went first thing in the morning, no crowds

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Monticello

Unit 2_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons

Unit 2_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons

Charlottesville
Unit 2_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons
Unit 5 - Cozy Lower Level Studio Suite

Unit 5 - Cozy Lower Level Studio Suite

Charlottesville
Unit 5 - Cozy Lower Level Studio Suite
Unit 3 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony

Unit 3 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony

Charlottesville
Unit 3 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony
Unit 4 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony

Unit 4 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony

Charlottesville
Unit 4 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony
Unit 1_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons

Unit 1_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons

Charlottesville
Unit 1_Expansive Luxury Suite for up to 4 Persons
Comfort Inn Monticello

Comfort Inn Monticello

2.5 out of 5
2097 Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA
Comfort Inn Monticello
Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville

Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville

3 out of 5
1793 Richmond Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville
Omni Charlottesville Hotel

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

4 out of 5
212 Ridge McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
English Inn of Charlottesville
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Monticello

In Monticello, Charlottesville, visitors can enjoy a vibrant array of activities including live music, theater performances, and shopping opportunities. Don't miss out on the chance to capture stunning memories through photo tours that highlight the area's beautiful landscapes and historical significance. Monticello offers a blend of cultural experiences and scenic exploration, making it a delightful destination for tourists seeking both entertainment and education.

Shopping

The Downtown Mall is a vibrant shopping destination located 2 miles from Monticello, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and local shops. C'Ville Arts, also 2 miles away, showcases unique art and crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit Barracks Road Shopping Center, 4 miles away, for more family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

Experience live music at Ting Pavilion, located 2 miles from Monticello, perfect for a vibrant night out. For some fun on ice, head to Charlottesville Ice Park, also 2 miles away, offering thrilling skating adventures. For relaxation, enjoy tennis at Sheridan Snyder Tennis Center, 4 miles from Monticello.

Adventure

Explore the Rivanna Trails, a scenic hiking trail 1 mile from Monticello, offering breathtaking outdoor vibes. For family fun, visit Massanutten Water Park, located 30 miles away, featuring thrilling water attractions. Experience farm life at Caromont Farm, 20 miles from Monticello, where you can engage in unique agricultural activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Monticello with a visit to the Paramount Theater, New Lyric Theater, or Play On. Theater, all within 2 miles. Each venue offers a blend of culture, romance, and entertainment, perfect for a memorable evening with family or friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Monticello

Monticello and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of attractions, from historic sites and universities to entertainment arenas and charming farms. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking history or adventure, Monticello has something for everyone to enjoy during their vacation.

  • University of Virginia: Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the university boasts stunning grounds and a vibrant academic atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and cultural exploration.
  • Carter Mountain Orchard: Experience the charm of this family-owned farm, where you can pick your own apples and enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With friendly staff and seasonal festivities, it's a delightful spot for all ages.
  • John Paul Jones Arena: Catch an exciting game or concert at this state-of-the-art venue. With a lively atmosphere and diverse events, it’s a fantastic place for family entertainment and enjoying local performances.

Best time to go to Monticello

The best time to visit Monticello is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January34.0°F (1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Monticello

To save money during your visit to Monticello, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals for flights and activities to maximize savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn cash for future stays. Don't forget to explore free attractions in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Monticello are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Monticello is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Monticello is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort your results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Monticello with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia