- Can I take a guided tour?
- What is the self-guided tour?
- What outdoor offerings are available?
- Is the shuttle the only option for traveling from the David M. Rubenstein Visitor to the mountaintop?
- What food is available?
- What happens if I can’t make my reservation?
- How do I access the Mobile Scavenger Hunt for families?
Can I take a guided tour?
Yes, we offer several guided tours of the Monticello house and grounds, includuing the Highlights Tour, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, and the From Slavery to Freedom Tour.
What is the self-guided tour?
Our Self-Guided Tours, which are offered in the late afternoons, allow you to move through the house at your own pace, using either our guidebook, our Bloomberg Connects app, or our new Audio Tour. The Self-Guided Tour includes all outdoor offerings, and you are free to arrive at time during the day of your reservation.
What outdoor offerings are available?
Guests will find plenty of outdoor offerings at Monticello. We offer two guided outdoor tours, each offered throughout the day and included with all ticket purchases. The guided Slavery at Monticello Tour focuses on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored at Monticello. The guided Gardens & Grounds Tour explores Monticello’s restored gardens, discusses Jefferson’s lifelong interest in botany and the enslaved gardeners who maintained the landscape.
Guests can also Meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) at regular times on the mountaintop most Tuesdays through Saturdays. Families can visit our Mountaintop Activity Center to explore mystery objects and learn about the daily lives of the free and enslaved people who lived at Monticello. Monticello is excited to announce its first mobile Scavenger Hunt for Families! Use your smart phone to snap photos, test your knowledge, and share your thoughts to complete the challenges.
You can walk along Mulberry Row and learn about the enslaved people who lived and labored on the plantation through interpretive signage and virtual resources. Our highly trained guides are stationed throughout the grounds to answer guests' questions. You can also explore the flower and vegetable gardens and take a scenic hike on the Saunders-Monticello Trail, which begins at the bottom of Route 53 and extends all the way up to the historic mountaintop.
Is the shuttle the only option for traveling from the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center to the mountaintop?
No, it is not. Many guests enjoy taking the trail the relatively short distance (roughly half a mile) from the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center parking area to the house. Be sure to purchase your ticket(s) online first; a Monticello ticket is required to walk up this trail.
What food is available?
Our on-site café, Monticello Farm Table, offers grab and go menu with sandwiches, salads, snacks, baked goods, and drinks. See the full menu.
What happens if I can’t make my reservation?
If you have a fever, are symptomatic or feel ill, please stay home and reschedule your visit. We are happy to reschedule your visit to another day. You may also request a refund prior to your scheduled event.
How do I access the Mobile Scavenger Hunt for Families?
Simply click here to find it online and get started!