Explore the Historic Heart of Virginia!
For more than 50 years, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society has been a local leader in personally-guided walking tours that explore the rich history of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. With a variety of tours, there is a topic for everyone!
Learn more and book your ticket below.
Public Walking Tours (April - November)
Seasonally, we offer historic walking tours that take guests through the history of Court Square, the Downtown Mall, or Charlottesville’s Black barbers and barbershops. The tour season will begin on Saturday, April 4 and go through Saturday, November 28, 2026!
$20 General Admission Adult/$10 General Admission Youth (12 and under)
$10 Member Adult/$5 Member Youth (12 and under)
Not a member? Join today to get our exclusive member pricing!
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began
Reserve Tickets Here
Saturdays, April 4 – November 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Tour begins at the Albemarle County Courthouse
501 E Jefferson Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Tour Capacity: 15 guests
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Walking Distance: Less than one mile
Historic Downtown Mall
Reserve Tickets Here
Saturdays, April 4 – November 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Tour begins outside the Ting Pavilion
700 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Tour Capacity: 15 guests
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Walking Distance: Approx. one mile
Black Barbers of Charlottesville
Email for Reservations
Available by Appointment
Tour begins at ACHS
200 Second Street NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Tour Capacity: 15 guests
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Walking Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles
Private Walking Tours
We are happy to welcome tours to private groups or by appointment.
To inquire about availability and cost, please email [email protected] or call us at (434)296-1492.
Walking Tour Options
Want to learn more before selecting a tour? Read below to hear about our tour offerings!
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began
Beginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and the removal of four controversial Charlottesville monuments in 2021. Surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings, learn why the city was Albemarle County seat and how the historic downtown area grew around Court Square and beyond.
Historic Downtown Mall
Take a casual eight block walk around Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. Surrounded by original buildings, discover the local history of three important Presidents, learn about the development and expansion of local businesses along Main Street before and after the Civil War, and finish with stories of the growth of a lively restaurant, theater and live music scene. There is local history on every corner
Black Barbers of Charlottesville
Take a look at the city of Charlottesville through the history of its Black barbers. Focusing on stories from the late-19th and early-20th centuries, this tour covers the history of Jim Crow, segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Playing a pivotal role in society and business, Charlottesville’s Black barbers held influential positions within the local community and their barbershops were places of gathering and commerce, while also sometimes being spaces of racial tension. Learn about these complexities and more through stories of men like John West, James Ferguson, and Washington Pollard.
Historic Walking Tours FAQs
Do I need my ticket?
Yes. Your guide will check tickets at the beginning of the tour, so please have your ticket handy on paper or a smartphone before the tour begins. All tickets will be emailed to guests upon purchase and tickets are required for this tour.
How much walking is on this tour?
Our walking tours range from less than one mile to approximately 1.5 miles. Though the walking distance has a range, all of the tours involve stairs, standing, and walking up inclines. Guests with mobility devices should be advised that not all tour routes are accessible.
What happens if it rains?
The tours will continue rain or shine – so be prepared! In the case of inclement weather like thunderstorms or snowy/icy weather, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. All guests will be notified via email if a tour is cancelled. If the tour does get cancelled due to inclement weather, all guests will be offered to reschedule their tickets or receive a refund.
Can I take more than one walking tour in a day?
Yes! The tours are designed to be 60 minutes in length and are start times are staggered so as to allow guests to take more than one. Be advised though that the starting points of each tour are not the same!
Where can I park downtown?
There are two parking garages available that offer the first hour free and then charge every subsequent hour. They are located on Market and Water Streets. Most street parking is available on a two-hour basis.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While our tours are not designed specifically for children, they contain information that is historical in nature and can be geared toward all audiences. Some tours may have discussion of difficult periods in American history that include stories of racial discrimination or violence. Be advised that this material may not be appropriate for very young audiences.
Are dogs allowed on the tours?
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on our walking tours! To help ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience, we ask that you please keep your dog under your control at all times and be mindful of other guests. If a dog’s behavior becomes disruptive or poses a safety concern, the tour guide may ask the owner and dog to leave the tour. If you plan to bring your dog, we ask that you kindly let us know by emailing [email protected] or calling (434) 296-1492.
