Highlights Tour

This 45-minute guided experience includes first floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. You’ll learn about Jefferson and his vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop’s iconic architecture. This popular pass includes access to our gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.

The Highlights Tour can sell out quickly - booking your tickets in advance online is recommended.

Guests should plan to arrive at the visitor center 30 minutes prior to their tour start time to allow time to pass through a security screening and travel from the visitor center to the mountaintop.

What's included:

Programs and Exhibitions

• Guided tour including the first floor spaces of the house
• Meet Thomas Jefferson (most Tuesdays-Saturdays)
• Guided Slavery at Monticello Tour
• Guided Gardens & Grounds Tour (seasonal)
• Guided Mountaintop Archaeology Walking Tour: (Thursdays & Fridays; seasonal)
• Archaeology in Action (Weekdays; seasonal)
• Griffin Discovery Room
• Mountaintop Activity Center (seasonal)
• Monticello Mobile Guide (through Bloomberg Connects)
• Mobile Scavenger Hunt for Families
• Exhibits and Film at the Visitor Center

Access To

• The historic Monticello mountaintop
• The Shop at Monticello and Monticello Café
• The Farm Shop on the mountaintop
• Free Wifi at the visitor center and around the mountaintop
• Free Parking
• Burial Ground for Enslaved People at Monticello

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

• Bring a well-charged smart phone with QR Code Reader to access additional content and activities as you explore outdoor spaces
• Check out our Tips for Visiting to learn more about family friendly activities, programs, exhibits, and more
• See a list of Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about pet policies, parking, and other visitor information