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A Behind the Scenes Monticello Tour

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: June 6, 2020

Of all the founding fathers, I’ve always been drawn to Thomas Jefferson. He was the author of Declaration of Independence, yet he was the youngest member of Congress. He was a complex man, yet he was consumed by the basic elements of life – growing vegetables, fermenting wine and brewing beer. He was a Francophile, yet he was an American patriot. I have looked forward to a Monticello tour to understand this founding father for a long time.

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is arguably the most famous of former President’s homes. While Washington’s Mt. Vernon gets more visitors (its proximity to Washington DC ensures a steady stream of visitors on school trips), Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is the only Presidential home recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In fact, Monticello is just one of nine cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S.

The Monticello Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which operates the facility without any public funding (Jefferson would be proud of that), provides two different tour options. The House Tour is 30 minutes and covers the eight rooms on the ground floor. The second choice is the Behind the Scenes Tour (90 minutes), which visits the nine rooms on the ground floor, plus the second and third floors. We chose the Behind the Scenes Monticello tour and were delighted by the experience!

“Wine from long habit has become an indispensable for my health…”

As a man, Thomas Jefferson was a renaissance man. He was an educator (founding the University of Virginia). He was a farmer. He was a librarian. He was a vintner. He was an inventor. His home reflects all of these pursuits. It leads to design decisions that could only be called quirky.

For example, he invented a clock that hung over his front door that would be wound once a week and would tell the days of the week in addition to the time. He also designed a series of dumbwaiters to bring bottles of wine from his cellar directly up to his dining room. And he built his bed into the alcove between his bedroom and his study – so he was never far from his work.

Jefferson built most of the rooms of his house in an octagonal shape–the lack of sharp corners meant more light could get into the rooms. The Dome Room (the only room in the house where you can take photos) is a perfect example of Jefferson’s neoclassical architecture. But, more controversially for his family, he set all the beds in the house into alcoves to maximize floor space. His family hated the alcove beds.

As a man, Thomas Jefferson is not without controversy today. Many people cannot fathom how the man who wrote “all men are created equal” could also own slaves. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation does not skirt the issue of slavery on the Monticello tour. Slavery is tackled head-on – from Mulberry Row and the slaves quarters, to Jefferson’s alleged relationship with Sally Hemmings – and nothing is whitewashed.

After the Behind the Scenes tour concluded, we wanted to learn more about slavery at Monticello. There is a special Slavery at Monticello Tour that is offered several times a day and we started that tour.

Unfortunately, Monticello is currently undergoing something called The Mountaintop Project, which is “a multi-year effort to restore Monticello as Jefferson knew it, and to tell the stories of the people – enslaved and free –who lived and worked at Monticello.” The construction noise from the Mountaintop Project was deafening and it was impossible to hear our soft-spoken docent over the revitalization effort.

We, unfortunately, skipped the Slavery at Monticello Tour and headed into the gardens, walking past the extensive archeological excavations taking place of the slave buildings on Mulberry Row.

“Tho an old man, I am but a young gardener.”

Some call Thomas Jefferson “America’s First Foodie.” He was nearly vegetarian and was a proponent of eating a plant-based diet. He was an advocate for sustainable agriculture (when that didn’t mean anything) and he experimented extensively on plants and plant-hybrids. His vegetable garden had over 330 varieties and takes up acres! Laura loves her vegetable garden, but Jefferson’s is on a scale that is unimaginable.

During the summer, the lawns and paths around Monticello swell with visitors, but it seems few of them walk down the mountain. The brief 15 minute walk takes you past the small cemetery run by the Jefferson family (not owned or maintained by the Foundation). We had the walk down all to ourselves, but it gave us a chance to ponder Thomas Jefferson and his legacy.

Politics in recent years have left many of Jefferson’s ideas out of favor and his personal life is the subject of much criticism. As Americans, we can’t help view the man Thomas Jefferson through our contemporary lens, even if we don’t hold other historical figures to that same standard. Perhaps CNN said it best, “Jefferson tends to be held to a higher standard.”

Taking a Monticello tour, it’s impossible to deny to the beauty of the mountaintop views and the architectural magnificence of the home. Like historian Jon Meacham said, visiting Monticello, “…is as close as you can get to having a conversation with Thomas Jefferson.” I feel like I know Jefferson in a new way.

Visitor Tip #1 – At all costs, get a tour as early in the day as possible (first tour if you can) and then take the first shuttle bus up to the house. If you quickly hustle around the backside, you’ll have the classic Monticello view and gardens all to yourself to take pictures. Later in the day, this will be packed.

Visitor Tip #2 – There’s no water up at the House, so consider bringing a bottle with you in a backpack. You can’t drink it inside, but you’ll be able to hydrate while viewing the gardens. It gets hot in the summer up at the house.

We were guests of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. As always, all opinions and are our own.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Sunday 3rd of August 2014

Lovely tour and story, I've always wanted to visit Monticello, one of these days I'll make it for a real visit

Lance Longwell

Thanks Noel. It's well worth the trip!

I love,love,love Monticello! I'm not a huge tour person but this is hands down one of the well done, educational tours I've been on.

Laura Longwell

Thursday 7th of August 2014

Agreed. Sometimes these types of tours can be a bit dry, but the Monticello tour was really engaging and interesting.

Saturday 2nd of August 2014

Lance, I had the opportunity to visit Monticello a few years back, and although I thought I knew a lot about Jefferson, seeing his books and gardens, and the stuff brought back by Lewis and Clark made me appreciate him even more.

Camels & Chocolate

Sunday 27th of July 2014

I'm so embarrassed that I was born and raised next door to Virginia in TN and have never been to Monticello! I know, I know! It looks beautiful, though =)

Tuesday 29th of July 2014

We live in PA and hadn't been either. It happens :)

Valen-Eating The Globe

Friday 25th of July 2014

This was one of the first places that my parents took me to visit when I was a child. Thanks for bringing back the memories!

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Behind the Scenes Tour is Well Worth It - Monticello

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Behind the Scenes Tour is Well Worth It

We took the Behind the Scenes Tour and Day Pass, and are very glad we chose this tour. Only in this tour do you get to go upstairs at Monticello, including into the Dome Room. Honestly, I can't imagine NOT taking this tour, if you take the time to go to Monticello. The upstairs is a must-see area of family living quarters and the Dome Room is Jefferson's gem. Photos cannot be taken in parts of the house, but can be taken in the Dome Room, and are great photo ops. The Day Pass part of the ticket allows for wandering the grounds, the slave quarters, and the outdoor workshops and below the house kitchen, etc. The grounds, are, of course, spectacularly beautiful, even in the dead of winter. In fact, I highly recommend a winter visit. Bare trees and cold temps allow for clear vistas and a sense of what Jefferson and his community and family experienced. Archaeological digs are also currently underway in back of the house, making for ongoing discoveries and simply — cool stuff. Watch the dig as it is underway. Jefferson's genius, his habits, his family and all of it's intricacies as well as political relationships are all part of the tour. Our guide was simply excellent in her knowledge and ability to communicate enthusiastically what Monticello represents in our national history and psyche. It's a place every American should visit, given the opportunity. Spend the extra cash and take the Behind the Scenes Tour. You won't regret it.

Definitely worth a visit. The grounds are very-well manicured. Estate is so nicely kept up and there are plenty of sites to see on this huge piece of property!

Spend the extra bucks and go on the behind the scenes tour. We had a history professor from UVA the day of our tour. Went upstairs and all though the house. Got to see Jefferson's study, dining rooms, sun room and heard lots of historical facts about him and his family. It was wonderful. Then you can go off and tour the gardens on your own. Well worth the time and money.

A must in a life time. Availability of several tours for different likes. House, garden, architectural... I have enjoyed all of them. Very educational for the whole family. Amazing views. many other attractions near by. Wineries, restaurants, orchard and more Thomas Jefferson legacy attractions.

Jefferson's home is a truly wonderful place to visit. The guides are excellent and provide lots of historical information. What I loved best was the dumbwaiters next to the fireplace. They brought up wine from the wine cellar. One for red and one for white!

We have wanted to visit Monticello for years, but the distance from Washington, D.C., is enough that we never had been able to work in Monticello as part of a D.C. trip. So this time we made plans just to come to Charlottesville for a couple of days. Visiting in January was cold, but the crowds were gone. This is a good time of year to visit. We opted for the Behind the Scenes tour, which was well worth the money. Excellent tour guide answered every question we threw at her. We learned a lot and explored the house from top to bottom. If you have the time, I highly recommend this more expensive tour. The Visitor Center is well done and is full of easily accessible information.

Planning Away

The Best Guide to Visiting Monticello (Best Monticello Tours)

Are you thinking about visiting Monticello? Awesome!  Thomas Jefferson's historic home Monticello is worth a visit! 

I love the East Coast historical sites. Monticello has been on my list for years! We recently were able to go and tour Monticello.  I am excited to share all the fun things we learned when visiting Monticello Virginia.

In this post, I will give you an overview of all things to do in Monticello, including the best Monticello tours and which Monticello tickets to buy.  I will also include different sites on the property worth checking out.  

Let's explore why visiting Monticello is a great idea and which Monticello tours are right for you. 

If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this on Pinterest.

This post may contain affiliate links (including Amazon) that will give a commission at no additional charge to you. 

Where is Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Plantation?

Where is Thomas Jefferson's house you ask?  Thomas Jefferson's Monticello plantation is located in Charlottesville, VA.  

Directions to Monticello

Monticello is 2.5 hours from Washington DC. Some people like to do a Mount Vernon to Monticello tour. This is fun if you have the time. 

Monticello to Richmond is 1 hour or Monticello to Williamsburg is 2 hours.

We actually drove from Washington DC/ Mount Vernon to Monticello and on to Williamsburg.    

Where is Monticello Located?

1050 monticello loop.

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Parking is free and very easy.  There is a large lot near the visitor center where you will enter and park. 

Visiting Monticello

  Touring Monticello is a highlight in the Charlottesville, Virginia area. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Monticello?

How much time should i spend while visiting monticello.

I would plan half a day.  Your tour time will be 45 minutes.  You will need to arrive early and give yourself enough time to park.  You can also watch a 7 film at the visitor center before your tour if you give yourself enough time.  

If you want to go on a few more tours around the grounds, hit the cemetery, and explore the visitor center, you will need to plan at least 3-4 hours. 

History of Monticello and Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd president of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence. He was a very well-rounded man with lots of interest and expertise. 

He loved architecture and spent 40 years building his architectural dream house. He had seen some of the designs while in France and wanted to replicate them.  It was completed in 1809. 

The Monticello plantation consisted of over 5000 acres of land.  Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia is incredible! 

Fun Facts About Monticello

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage site
• It is the only house on US currency (Dime)
• Monticello means “hillock” or “little mountain” in Italian

How to Make your Visit to Monticello Better

I highly recommend reading a historical biography of Thomas Jefferson before going. Honestly, we saw Hamilton on Broadway and that got our teenagers pretty excited for the visit.  

Visiting Monticello Visitor Center

You will arrive at the visitor center where you can purchase Monticello tickets, however purchasing your tickets ahead of time online is a much better option. 

Monticello Tickets

The Monticello tickets are timed.  This means that you will come at a specific time for a specific tour.  Some of the more popular tours and times can sell out.  It is good to get your tickets ahead of time.

One thing I liked about purchasing my tickets ahead of time was that I was able to read and research the different Monticello tours.  (I will lay those out for you here)

Monticello Visiting Hours 

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Visitor Center Area

The visitor center area is the starting and ending stop of your visit to Monticello. 

There are lots of things to do in this area, you can look around or if you are like me, you might want to take the Monticello tour and then come back and enjoy all this area has to offer later.

Things to Do at the Monticello Visitor Center

• Thomas Jefferson World Film (7 minutes)
• Monticello as Experiment Exhibit
• Making Monticello Exhibit
• Monticello Farm Table
• Monticello Shops
• Griffin Discovery Room (Kids Area)

Shuttle Bus

There is a shuttle bus that will pick you up at the visitor center and take you to where your Monticello tour group will meet.  You can ride it back or you will have an option to walk to the cemetery and hop on at that point. (The bus stops at the cemetery.)

Monticello App

Download the app.  The app will give you a better experience while you tour Monticello.  You can learn more about Jefferson and his plantation, and hear some pretty cool stories. 

This app will help you on your Monticello house tour.

Tour Monticello

There are a lot of different Monticello tour options.  Each one has different prices and lengths of time.  I'm going to break them down so you can make the best decision on how you want to tour Monticello.

1. Monticello Highlights Tour

Tour Time : 45 minutes

Monticello Admission Price:

Adults : $42

Children 12-18: $13

Tickets are required for younger children however admission is lower or free. 

Highlights Monticello Tour

This is the most popular Monticello tour type.  This tour includes the 1st-floor spaces in the Thomas Jefferson home. You will also have access to the grounds, gardens, exhibits, family activities, and additional walking tours.

2. Self-Guided Monticello Tour

Tour Time: Up to You

Adults: $32

Children 12-18 : $10

Self-Guided Monticello Tour

This isn't the tour we chose however as I was touring the home, I noticed QR codes throughout the areas.  I scanned them and read about the different rooms.  

Personally, I would pay $10 more and get a guide to share all the historical knowledge they have.  

3. Family-Friendly Monticello Tour

Tour Time: 45 minutes

Adults: $42

Children 12-18 : $13

Family Friendly Monticello Tour

This is the tour we chose because we have 4 kids ages 7-15.  We felt that our kids were too old for this tour.  Even our 7-year-old was on the older end of being able to enjoy this tour.  We thought it was geared towards 5 and under.  

One thing that was disappointing to the adults and teenagers in the group was that the tour was so geared toward a younger audience we didn't feel like we learned hardly anything. (That is why I was scanning QR codes trying to read as I toured.) 

45 minutes was long! I think if the tour had been for an older audience as well as the children it wouldn't have felt so long.  

The tour guide did have a bag full of fun objects that the little kids got to touch and hold.  

4. Behind the Scenes Day Pass

Tour Time: all morning or all afternoon

Ages 7+ : $85

Behind the Scenes Day Pass

This Monticello tour will allow you access to all 3 floors.  This tour gives a much more in-depth tour and historical background on Thomas Jefferson.  This tour really gets you inside Monticello! 

This is Monticello tour is great if you have already taken one of the other tours and want to learn more.  It is also for those who have the time to spend most of their day in Monticello Virginia. 

This is the tour I know I would enjoy the most! 

What to Do at Monticello Virginia

After you tour Monticello, there are still things to do.  In fact, there are even more tours.  

• Meet Thomas Jefferson
• Slavery at Monticello Mobile Tour
• Guided Slavery at Monticello Tour
• Guided Garden and Grounds Tour
• Self Guided Exhibits
• Life of Sally Hemmings

1. Meet Thomas Jefferson

Days Available : Tuesday – Saturdays

Times : 11 am, noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm

Thomas Jefferson

A historic actor will meet you near Monticello and give a 20 minutes presentation about Thomas Jefferson.  We came in at the end of the presentation. Thomas was very kind to answer any questions and give historic background.  

This is one of the fun things to do at Monticello with kids! 

Explore Monticello Grounds and Gardens

There are many exhibits around the house that you can check out. Touring Monticello is easy.  In fact, Thomas Jefferson created all-weather passages so that you could access the kitchen, basement, various store rooms, and the wine cellar easier. 

2. Mountain Top Activity Center

After you finish your Monticello tour and meet Thomas Jefferson you can head to the Mountain Top Activity Center.  Typically I think this is located outside but when we went it was raining. 

Fun Activities for Kids

This is a fun thing to do at Monticello for kids.  There are hands-on activities.  

• Write with a Quill Pen
• Crack a Code (Wheel Cipher) 
• Explore Mystery Object (Guessing Game)

3. Get Some Ice Cream or a Snack

After you play for a little while, you can grab a snack! There is ice cream and some fun colonial-style food choices. There is a little Farm Shop right next to the activity center. 

4. Visit the North Wing

You can also check out the icehouse on the north wing.  There are also bays for horses and carriages you can check out.

Jefferson's Travels

There is a map that shows the route Jefferson would take to visit Washington DC in his 1802 horse-drawn phaeton (sports car of the colonial times.)

5. Explore the Main House Basement

The main house basement exhibit is pretty cool. There are lots of underground passageways to and from the house. The basement connects the passageways. 

Wine and Beer Storage

You can visit the storage areas and wine cellars.  Jefferson was instrumental in forming the American wine industry. 

Crossroad Exhibit

There is a crossroads exhibit along the passageway.  This was an area where the Jefferson and enslaved workers would cross paths. 

6. South Wing of Monticello

You will have to walk a little bit to get to the south wing.  The south wing has the 1809 kitchen, smokehouse, living quarters for enslaved workers, and the diary.  

Life at the Monticello

We enjoyed looking at all the areas on this side of the house.  There is a Sally Hemming exhibit that gives a little more insight into her life. 

There is also a tribute to Martha Jefferson, the wife of Thomas.  She died at age 33 after 10 years of marriage. 

There are also other areas such as the kitchen and a cook's room that you can explore. 

7. Learn About the Slavery at Monticello

After touring Monticello and around the house, you might be up for another tour that is included in your ticket. The Slavery at Monticello Tour is offered on the hour. 

Mulberry Row

Mulberry Row is the area where many slave quarters are. The hemmings cabin, the stable, the textile workshop, and the storehouse for iron were all along this area. 

Slavery at Monticello Tour

You can take a guided tour and find out more information about this area. During the tour, you can hear about individual stories of the slaves that lived at Monticello.  Some families were separated.  You will also hear about in-depth daily living conditions on the plantation. 

This tour is not recommended for those under the age of 12.  This tour is 45 minutes. 

The older members of our family went on the tour.  The younger viewed the areas but did not take the guided tour. 

8. Gardens at Monticello

The gardens at Monticello were not only a source of food, but Thomas Jefferson loved experimenting with different plants from around the world. 

There are vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens throughout the entire estate of Monticello.

Gardens and Ground Tour

Times: 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm – Daily

There is a garden and grounds that is included in your ticket.  If you have time and have an interest in plants this is a great option. 

9. Monticello Cemetary

Thomas Jefferson died July 4th, 1826. In fact, I think he did that on purpose! He was the author of the Declaration of Independence. He believed in religious freedom and was the father of the University of Virginia. 

He was a scholar and loved learning.  His grave is located at Monticello at the cemetery.  It is worth a stop to honor one of the founding fathers of the United States. 

10. Saunders-Monticello Trail

The grounds around Monticello are beautiful.  There are lots of trails around Montic ello.  

Boardwalk Trail

The Saunders-Monticello trail is about 2 miles and can be accessed right from the visitor center. Most of the trails near the visitor center have a boardwalk.  There actually is a more extensive trail system near Monticello.  It is a great place to hike. 

11. Monticello Scavenger Hunt

The Monticello scavenger hunt is a great thing to do at Monticello with kids.  It is really easy to do! 

Scan the QR Code

Scan your QR code and you will be given a few options. You can Snap it, Learn it, or Find it! This will make touring Monticello with kids more fun and enjoyable! 

12. Visit Monticello Exhibits and Films

Once you wrap up touring near the house, you can head to the visitor center and enjoy more exhibits.  You can take a self-guided tour and explore.

If you didn't get a chance to watch the film before your Monticello tour you can do it after. 

13. The Griffin Discovery Room

The Giffin Discovery Room is located near the visitor center.  It is an area for kids.  There are hands-on activities your kids will love.

Activities at the Griffin Discovery Room

• Dig and Analyze Artifacts
• Create an Oral History
• Block Table

You can spend 10-15 minutes enjoying the activities and learning more about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.

Visiting Monticello Shops

The Monticello Shops are awesome! There are some fun souvenirs.  It is fun to walk around and check out all the merchandise you can also grab a bit to eat at the Farm Table. 

14. The Shops At Monticello

The shops at Monticello is the main gift shop for Monticello. They have some cute merchandise.  There are many colonial items to choose from.  

Items at the Shops at Monticello

• Virginia Wine
• Gourmet Food
• Games and Toys
• Collectables 

15. Farm Table

If you are hungry, the Farm Table has snacks but it also has a full menu. There are primarily soups and sandwiches.

 You can enjoy eating inside or outside.  It is a cute little area to enjoy a meal. 

Are you Ready to Visit Monticello Virginia?

Hopefully, this guide to visiting Monticello will help you know which Monticello tour you want to take! We really enjoyed our time visiting Monticello and viewing the home of Thomas Jefferson.  

More Historic Sites Nearby

When you finish touring Monticello, make sure to head over to Michies Tavern.  You will be able to have one of the best 17th and 18th-century pub southern-style meals. 

You can also jump over to Montpelier and see James Madison's home. The James Monroe Highland is also worth checking out.

If you love colonial history Williamsburg is only 2 hours away!

You can also go to Washington DC and see more of Thomas Jefferson. You can enjoy the monuments in Washington DC as well as all of the best museums in DC . 

Facebook Community

Join my  Travel Community on Facebook .  This is a great group that can help answer any travel questions you might have.  I also try to add any deals that companies send me as well!

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33 Comments

What an amazing place to visit! Fun for the whole family! I’m going to visit the next time I’m in the area!

It is a little out of the way from DC but it was worth it!

I love all things history. Great guide to tour Monticello!

I would love to visit! So much history.

I love history!

I was so glad to explore the area!

Wow, I love this! I would love to visit.

I loved our time visiting Monticello. Our kids found the gardens and grounds fabulous, and I loved the wine I bought at the gift shop. I still have a few bottles and remember my visit when I drink one. I want to do the slavery tour next time I’m in the area.

That is so cool! Jefferson really helped the wine industry in America.

This is a great guide to Thomas Jefferson’s historic home, Monticello. I love visiting historic homes and haven’t been to this one yet.

It is worth a visit, especially if you plan on visiting Shenandoah National Park.

Thanks for taking me to Monticello & the tour! I’ve never been and looks to be an amazing historical site to visit!

Yes! You would love the gardens!

I love visiting historic kitchens. Looks like you had a great time exploring on the Monticello Tour.

Yes! I am a fan of the founding fathers!

I love visiting historical sites! I was just in DC but didn’t get out of the city. I’d love to visit Monticello next time I’m out East.

I love visiting historical sites too – so fascinating! I think I visited Monticello as a kid, but I can’t really remember anything, so thanks for the refresher 😊. This may be a sign that I need to plan another visit soon! Xx Sara

I know and there are so many cool tours you can choose from!

It is really cool! We lived in DC and never visited until this year!

I would LOVE to go on a Monticello tour! And I’ve never considered it’s the only house on currency!

I never had either!

Such a helpful guide, thank you for sharing. I love exploring places I don’t know a whole lot about, I’ll definitely be saving this

It is a fun historical site!

I had no idea that Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson. Thank you for sharing!

It is pretty cool!

I loved Monticello! I was so bummed that at the time of our visit, you weren’t allowed to take pictures in the house. Then I found out that’s changed! I guess I’ll have to go back and get my interior photos. Maybe I could do a more in-depth tour next time.

Yes, I think it is probably too hard to control with everyone having an iphone.

I have been to Colonial Williamsburg, which I really loved. never been to Monticello. looks like there is a lot to explore there. You provided and awesome and thorough guide. Thanks

Thanks! We did Colonial Williamsburg as part of this trip!

We love the guide on visiting Monticello. A tour would be amazing. Thank you for sharing.

We love historical places! It was pretty cool!

Nice body of information. We took the Self-Guided recently; it was a time specific entry with a walk-through form, unguided. That said, guides were rotating through the rooms to answer questions and help the flow of guests.

We’ve also taken the premier tour, Behind the Scenes. Also time specific and, wow – very informative 90 minutes.

We took the kid tour but I would go back and take a different tour forsure!

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Plan, Ready, Go

Guide to Visiting Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Estate

A visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is like stepping back in time to the days of early America. Here’s your guide to visiting Monticello.

As the home of the third president of the United States, Monticello offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the country’s most influential founding fathers. With its stunning grounds and beautiful architecture, Monticello makes a great day trip in Virginia . It’s a must-see for any history lover or anyone interested in getting a taste of early American history.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what to expect from a visit to Monticello, how to get around the property, and the things you can do there. I also provide tips for where to stay in Charlottesville, Virginia, and what else you can do there.

Plan to perfect trip to Virginia with this free printable travel planner.

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What is Monticello?

Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence. It’s preservation is supported by the private non-profit Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

It has become something of an architectural and historical landmark, having been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 along with the University of Virginia’s Academical Village.

Rather obsessed with his home and an architecture enthusiast, Jefferson’s design for the house was the subject of painstaking study and work.

Where is Monticello?

Monticello is located at 1050 Monticello Loop in Charlottesville, Virginia, about two and a half hours from Washington D.C.

It’s just a short drive from downtown Charlottesville to Monticello (about five miles) and about 75 miles northwest of the Virginia capital city of Richmond.

Below are listed several airports in the region along with their distance from Monticello:

• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport: 17 miles
• Richmond International Airport: 80 miles
• Washington Dulles International Airport: 105 miles
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: 115 miles

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How to visit Monticello

The first step in planning your visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is to review your ticket options.

I recommend that you buy your entrance tickets ahead of time online. I’d hate for you to be disappointed because you couldn’t get the Monticello tour or entrance time you wanted.

Some options are definitely more pricey than others, but Monticello tickets help support the preservation of the Monticello plantation. The only way to see the house’s iconic dome room and the upper floors of the historic house is to book the behind-the-scenes house tour day pass.

There are several guided tour options such as the “From Slavery to Freedom Tour” and the “Highlights Tour.” There are also tours that will enhance your experience at Monticello and are included with your ticket.

Depending on the time of year, there may also be special exhibitions and activities or special events taking place throughout the grounds such as holiday evening tours around Christmas time. There are so many options you could easily spend an entire day at this national historic landmark.

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this .

What to see at Monticello

Visiting a historic estate the size of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello can be a little overwhelming. Here are the “must-do’s” when visiting Monticello. Plan to spend at least a few hours at Monticello if not more.

I recommend that you book your tour first and then plan the rest of your time at Monticello around your tour time.

The visitor center

Make your first stop at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. This is where you can tour special exhibits about the creation of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s life, and see many of his personal possessions.

There’s also a short film that plays on a loop that you can watch if you want. I’m a visitor center nerd, so I love watching any films on offer. They usually provide important historical perspectives and insight into the people and events I’ll be learning more about later.

They have a beautiful and large gift shop there that’s full of wonderful souvenirs. We always try to get a Christmas tree ornament and a refrigerator magnet from each place we visit.

This area is also where you’ll catch the shuttle bus to the top of the hill to see the house. Or you can walk. It’s a bit of a hike, but it’s pleasant. And then you don’t have to wait for the shuttle.

Tour the main house

No doubt, the historic house is really what you’re at Monticello to see. Designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, this iconic structure sits atop a hill overlooking the land below.

Inside, visitors can stroll through the rooms Jefferson lived in and take in the artifacts he collected over his long life.

If you select the behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll get to see inside the house beyond the first floor of Thomas Jefferson’s home.

Don’t neglect to explore areas around the house and even under the main house. They’re quite fascinating.

Explore the grounds and gardens

Now, as amazing as I think Thomas Jefferson’s house is, the grounds also are part of what makes Monticello one of my favorite historic sites. The lovely gardens and beautiful scenery make this site extra special, in my opinion. I just love the grounds, and I think you will too.

The 1,000-foot-long terrace vegetable gardens supported hundreds of varieties of vegetables. There were also fruit gardens and flower gardens.

Look at this view!

And make sure to take a stroll down Mulberry Row.

Stop by the family cemetery

The cemetery on the grounds of Monticello is still owned by the Thomas Jefferson family’s descendants. Here you’ll find the final resting places of Thomas Jefferson along with many of his family.

Grab a bite at the Monticello Farm Table cafe

When you’re ready to sit down and have a little something to eat, stop by the Monticello Farm Table cafe in the Visitor Center area.

They have a lot of really great sandwiches, salads, and soups. I easily found a delicious vegetarian sandwich and there were some nice gluten-free options for Hubby to choose from

Other things to do in the area

In Charlottesville, there’s always something exciting to do. Here are a few ideas if you have enough time to explore more of this great city:

Historic Downtown Mall

The Downtown Mall is a great place to visit for its lively atmosphere and delicious local eateries. In fact, there are over 120 shops and about 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings along Charlottesville’s main street.

It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day touring historic Monticello and grab some dinner. We loved our meal at Citizen Burger Bar. Yum!

University of Virginia

If you’re ever in the Charlottesville area, I highly recommend paying a visit to UVA’s beautiful campus. It was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and is the flagship institution of the state’s public university system.

The campus is beautiful and many of the buildings on campus are modeled after those at Monticello. Virginia residents and U.S. presidents James Madison and James Monroe served on the board of the University of Virginia.

And if you’re also into American Literature, make sure to stop by Edgar Allen Poe’s preserved dormitory room. There’s a historical marker there and easy to visit if that’s of interest to you.

James Monroe’s Highland

If you’re really into history, consider dropping by the historic Highland estate after your tour of Monticello. Highland was the private home of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. It’s only a few miles from Monticello.

The estate offers general admission tickets so that guests can enjoy a self-guided experience or you can book a guided tour of the estate’s buildings.

Where to stay in Charlottesville

On our visit to Monticello, we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlottesville Downtown . It was a comfortable hotel in a good location with a free breakfast. We don’t usually ask for much more than that!

Here are a couple of other highly rated options for places to stay in downtown Charlottesville:

• Inn at Court Square: charming inn just steps from dining and shops at the Downtown Mall. Just a few miles from Monticello and only 10 miles from Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.
• Omni Charlottesville Hotel : guests enjoy this lovely hotel near the Downtown Mall and only a few minutes’ drive from the University of Virginia campus.

Final thoughts on tips for visiting Monticello

If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Virginia , Monticello is the place to go.

This historic site is home to many interesting exhibits and attractions. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something to do in Charlottesville, there’s plenty to see and do at Monticello.

And don’t forget that there’s much more to do in Charlottesville than just visiting Monticello. And no matter how you choose to spend your time at Monticello, we know you’re going to have a great time.

Articles related to planning a visit to Monticello

• Wonderful day trips in Virginia
• Epic day trips from Washington, DC
• Tips for visiting Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home
• Visiting James Madison’s Montpelier
• Essential day bag packing list

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

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Slavery at Monticello Tour

Open Today – 8:30AM - 5:30PM

These guided outdoor walking tours focus on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation. Included in the price of admission.

Reservations for this tour are not required. Tours begin on Mulberry Row near the Hemmings Cabin (view a map of Monticello for visitors ).

Explore Before You Visit

Download our free Slavery at Monticello app

Thomas Jefferson and Slavery

People Enslaved at Monticello

Slavery FAQS

Videos related to slavery at monticello.

"Picturing Mulberry Row" - a look at slavery at Monticello through this critical component of the greater plantation

"Some visitors think we're trying to knock Jefferson off his pedestal" - A Guide's Perspective

The 1827 Monticello Dispersal Sale

"A Fight in Monticello's Nailery"

"Wormly Hughes - Master of Many Trades"

"An Enslaved Mother Leaves Monticello"

"Mary Hemings Bell, an enslaved 'common-law wife'"

"Overseers and Violence"

"Ursula Granger, an Enslaved Cook Prepares Food on the Hearth"

"James Hemings, an Enslaved Chef Creating French Cuisine"

"The Life of Nance Hemings" - a Monticello Weaver

ADDRESS: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, VA 22902 GENERAL INFORMATION: (434) 984-9800

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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Monticello

No matter how many times you’ve visited Monticello, there’s always something new to see and experience. Jefferson’s vision is very much alive and constantly being reevaluated and presented in new ways as historians and archaeologists discover new things and glean new insights.

The Griffin Discovery Room gives Monticello visitors—especially those ages 6 to 11—the chance to literally get in touch with Jefferson’s life and times through hands-on elements and activities, including reproductions from the house and plantation.

For visitors to Monticello of all ages, here are 4 reasons this historic landmakrt is a must-see…

Landscape of Slavery Exhibition

A primary purpose of this site has become the illumination of slavery. Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row shares with Monticello visitors the stories of the dynamic, industrial hub of Jefferson’s 5,000-acre agricultural enterprise. The exhibition features thirteen site-based panels with interpretive text, images of historical text, and recreations of artifacts excavated by Monticello’s archaeologists.

The exhibition can be self-guided, experienced in conjunction with the Slavery at Monticello Tours or with  the new app, Slavery at Monticello: Work and Life on Mulberry Row .

Behind-the-scenes Tour 

When you’re visiting Monticello, you should consider this unique tour. It really is behind-the-scenes, leading you through rarely-seen rooms on the second and third floors. Participants will learn about Jefferson’s family members and slaves who lived and worked there.

In addition, visitors will also learn about the design and layout of Monticello’s upper floors and learn the restoration ideas and plans underway to restore selected rooms. As the tour involves climbing very steep and narrow stairs, it is not recommended for anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs and children must be able to walk up on their own.

The tour is not handicapped accessible. Visitors will conclude their tour in the cellar of Monticello where they can view the newly installed “Crossroads” exhibition. Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. $37

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello ‘Crossroads’

The cellar level of the Monticello house was a horizontal and vertical crossroads. There, enslaved domestic workers, Jefferson family members, slaves accompanying Monticello visitors, waggoners delivering supplies, and any other people using Monticello’s “service entrance” all crossed paths and interacted.

This exhibit combines artifacts, life-size figures, and informational panels to give Monticello visitors a sense of this buzz of activity and introduce them to some of the people who worked to sustain the Jefferson household.

Visiting Monticello’s Dining Room

The transformation of Monticello’s Dining Room was the centerpiece of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s restoration initiatives in 2010. The repainting and refurnishing of the room presents a more historically accurate interpretation of the space, provides visitors with fresh insights into domestic life at Monticello during Jefferson’s time, and highlights Jefferson’s celebrated ingenuity and taste. (You’ll see Jefferson’s revolving doors with shelves, dumbwaiters, and the wine dumbwaiters to the cellar.)

Jefferson is equally well-known for his appreciation of wine. The restored Wine Cellar, located in the passageway beneath the house and connected to the Dining Room by a dumbwaiter system, provides detailed information about Jefferson’s interest in wine.

We would love to host your Monticello pilgrimage here at the nearby  Prospect Hill Plantation Inn . Click  here  to check availability.

Photo Credit: Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation

A Changing Narrative at One of America’s Most Famous Presidential Homes

A university of virginia alum revisits thomas jefferson’s monticello to find much has changed..

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Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate has rethought the information it presents to visitors in recent years.

Photo by Christianthiel.net/Shutterstock

When I was an architecture student at the University of Virginia (UVA), Thomas Jefferson was an integral figure in my undergraduate studies. I was required to learn about his designs for the Academical Village at the university as well as for Monticello, his 5,000-acre hilltop residence and former plantation. However, my greatest lesson on “TJ” came not from examining the Jefferson architectural style or his renowned writings, but from a required course field trip to Monticello 25 years ago. Back then, Jefferson’s achievements, ideals, and family history dominated the “guide speak,” brochures, and exhibits at Monticello , but as Monticello prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary as a historic site, today’s narratives tell a much more inclusive story.

During my college years, there was considerable public discourse about the nature of Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved young woman with whom Jefferson fathered six children. Yet my first tour of Monticello only briefly touched on their relationship—or the lives of enslaved people in general. Instead, it focused heavily on the home’s Palladian architecture, Jefferson’s meticulous record keeping, his love of horticulture, and his extensive book collection, which housed one of the largest libraries on architecture in the United States during his time. The tour also presented an idealized view of the third U.S. president, with little acknowledgment of his moral contradictions, such as being a staunch defender of liberty while owning hundreds of enslaved people.

Toward the end of that first tour, I visited the exterior gardens and Mulberry Row, the principal place of work and domestic life for enslaved people, free workers, and indentured servants. I remember spending several moments in contemplation at Mulberry Row, imagining the perils of being forced to work at Monticello and wondering about the names and faces of the people who lived and worked there. I left Monticello feeling that an important piece of its story was missing.

I was quite surprised by how drastically the narratives had changed when I revisited Monticello in 2022 during the national launch of Discover Black Cville , a community-led initiative that began in response to recent racial incidents in Charlottesville; the initiative’s goal is to attract Black visitors and support Black businesses. While Jefferson’s life and notable accomplishments still remain at the forefront, new perspectives on the lives of enslaved people are being presented in richer detail. A recreated South Wing features The Life of Sally Hemings exhibit and new exhibits from the Getting Word Oral History Project , both of which opened in 2018, as well as the Post-1809 Kitchen exhibit, which opened in 2006.

“Historic sites play an essential role in influencing how people understand the past in a unique way,” says Brandon Dillard, manager of Historic Interpretation at Monticello. He adds that, during the late 1990s, “the field of public history began embracing marginalized narratives, and Black histories were being foregrounded in public discourse at a lot of historic sites that previously failed to include them.” Starting in 2000, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the organization that owns Monticello, began requiring guides to incorporate the history of Sally Hemings and her children on all tours.

Gayle Jessup White, a descendent of Hemings, gives a talk at Monticello.

Photo by Justin Ide

Gayle Jessup White, a Hemings descendant and author of Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant’s Search for Her Family’s Lasting Legacy , discussed the post-1809 kitchen in the Netflix series, High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America . In addition to the post-1809 kitchen, one of the places where White has felt a strong connection is the Granger/Hemings kitchen, Monticello’s first kitchen.

Only recently excavated in 2017, it’s where White’s great-great-great grandfather, Peter Hemings, learned the art of French cooking from his brother James Hemings, an accomplished chef who received culinary training while living with Jefferson in Paris. As part of his negotiation with Jefferson, James was granted freedom for teaching Peter his knowledge of cooking. White believes that stories like these demonstrate how much enslaved people had to maneuver and manipulate their circumstances to create lives of purpose.

White also recounted a story I knew nothing about when I first visited Monticello. One of the grueling duties performed by enslaved children was creating the red bricks used on the exterior of Monticello, and small imprints embedded in the surface of the bricks are easily visible when standing next to the home. White says, “Two hundred years later, we still see the marks of those children on one of the most recognizable structures in the world,” a building that graces the back of the U.S. nickel. Dillard suggests that white brickmakers employed by Jefferson likely used enslaved children to mold and form bricks, a laborious process typically performed by hand with clay and fire.

The momentous effort to move away from telling one version of history and provide honest, inclusive narratives about Jefferson and the people living and working at Monticello has brought stories from the shadows that have never been shared previously. White believes that Monticello has done an exemplary job at telling complete stories that humanize people who have been dehumanized. She considers Monticello her ancestral home and wants visitors to understand that enslaved people saw Monticello as their home, too.

Every tour at Monticello now includes histories of enslaved people, from the standard guided Highlights Tour to the more in-depth Behind the Scenes Tour . Dillard believes these tours lead visitors to consider the ongoing legacies of race-based slavery that American society still struggles with today. Dillard also believes that Sally Hemings’s life and history can be a lens through which we all can better understand slavery and the resilience of enslaved people and their descendants.

Though my second visit to Monticello didn’t change my view of Jefferson, it did provide a more accurate representation of what life was like from the perspectives of enslaved people on one of the best-documented plantations in the United States. And the inclusion of such diverse perspectives allows us to preserve, understand, and honor the histories and contributions of underrepresented groups to the world.

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VIP After Hours Monticello Tour

This one-of-a-kind experience picks your group up at your doorstep in charlottesville and takes you right to the doorstep of thomas jefferson’s monticello where you will meet your private guide, bypass the gates and lines in this exclusively offered tour., experience monticello after hours and behind the scenes. see the full house, including the upper floors. learn about jefferson and the times in which he lived, and all the people, both enslaved and free, who lived and labored at monticello. this exclusive pass allows guests to explore the mountaintop after the regular closing time, providing a peace and quiet for reflection that differs from the activity of a day visit., tours begin at 5:30 and usually run an average of an hour and a half..

• Tours must be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Your Itinerary

1 private transportation to and from monticello, 2 bypass the main gates, 3 multi level tour of monticello, 4 explore the mountaintop, 5 transportation back to your accommodations, $615 for 5 guests including transportation plus $75 for each additional guest up to 14 people. tour must start at monticello at 5:30pm. runs thursday – sunday evening..

1 Private transportation from the location of your choosing in Charlottesville or Albemarle County. We will pick your party up in one of our luxury vehicles at your doorstep, and drive you all the way up to the doorsteps of Monticello. No other tour does this!

2 bypass the gates and the line., tour of monticello – this exclusive pass takes you behind the scenes: through the first floor of monticello and up the narrow staircase to explore the private quarters on the second and third floors, including the iconic dome room. along the way, you will see unique architectural features and visit newly restored spaces that reveal the complexities of family life at monticello. , learn about the jefferson, hemings, and randolph family, as well as other free and enslaved people who lived and labored at monticello., 4 enjoy the monticello mountaintop and scenic view after the regular hours that day tours would permit., 5 our driver will gather your group and transport you back to your accommodations..

Please note:

Children must be able to climb and descend stairs unassisted by an adult. These tours are recommended for adults and children 7 and older.

Sprinter Van

14 Passenger Mercedes Sprinter Van

Wine, then dine and unwind. Guests of the Monticello Wine Tour receive complimentary access within one day (+/-) of booked transportation to Common House, a modern social club on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall.

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School Bus in 3-Vehicle Crash Near Monticello

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MONTICELLO ( WJON News ) - A school bus was involved in a three-vehicle crash Tuesday morning South of Monticello .

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office says they were dispatched to the corner of Highway 25 and County Road 37 just before 8:00 a.m.

Officers say a Volvo truck, a minivan, and the school bus were all Northbound on Highway 25 when they crashed.

The minivan driver, 44-year-old Randolph Torkkola of Becker was taken to North Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The truck driver, 35-year-old Kevin Batten of Becker, and the school bus driver, 69-year-old Barry Jenneke of Big Lake, were not injured in the crash.

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