Looking for the ultimate experience at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello?
You would think you could just go to Monticello, walk around the estate for a little bit, then go on your merry way.
But that is not the case here at all.
You’ll want to plan to spend at least a half day here (4-6 hours) or longer if you’re going to the tavern too.
There are museum exhibits, an in-depth behind the scenes tour, several smaller/shorter tours around the estate, and the cemetery.
I wish we had planned for more time here, but we were on our way to the Outer Banks and realized we had to drive right by Monticello, so we stopped in for a tour and a late lunch.
Monticello One Day Itinerary
If you find yourself in the Charlottesville area for a wine tasting trip or to visit some historical sites, dedicate one day of your trip to visiting Monticello.
It’s best to plan more time than you think you’ll need so you don’t have to rush.
You’ll also have time for all the extra experiences that pique your interest.
Short on time? These are the highlights:
– arrive early to see the museum exhibits at the entrance
– book the behind the scenes tour so you can see areas of the house most guests never get to see
– your admission includes additional free tours like the slavery tour, gardens tour, and the archeology experience
– visit Thomas Jefferson’s grave site on your way out
– stop by the gift shop for some estate wine & souvenirs
– dine at Michie’s Tavern
Museum Exhibits
When you park at Monticello and walk through the security/ticketing line, the first places you’ll see are the gift shop, restrooms, and some museum exhibits.
Whatever time you’re supposed to meet for the tour you book later, plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to that so you can walk through the museum exhibits and maybe even take a restroom break.
There’s not a ton here, but plan like 5-15 minutes to leisurely stroll through and look around some artifacts that are here.
Save the gift shop for last.
Once you’re done, the museum will let out at the shuttle stop where you can take a picture with this life size statue of Thomas Jefferson!
This shuttle will take you up to the estate for your tour.
Behind the Scenes Tour
While you could just do the standard 45 minute mansion tour, I highly recommend the extended 90 minute Behind the Scenes Tour.
It takes you to upper levels that most guests never get to see.
There are some fascinating rooms and spaces up here that are worth the extra cost to see.
If you book the regular tour and you see a group going up the stairs, you’ll be jealous you’re not going up there too.
My favorite room in the house was probably the golden yellow dining room that was designed to feel like a Parisian cafe.
It’s not a color I would have ever thought to pick but it just works so well in this room for some reason.
My favorite part of the tour though was learning about all kinds of random gadgets and quirks that were built into the house because they were very practical.
Thomas Jefferson had a writing instrument essentially on a string that would exactly copy what he was writing as he was writing it, so every letter he sent to someone he’d have his own copy of.
He also had a large cuckoo clock that was a 7 day clock, but the ceiling wasn’t high enough for the last day, so he just cut a hole in the floor, because why not.
Slavery Tour
After your tour, your guide will explain everything else that’s available to you with your tour ticket and admission.
There are 3 additional tours and experiences that are done throughout the day that I recommend making time for.
The first is the 45 minute slavery tour.
It takes you to an area of the estate called Mulberry Row (the slave quarters) and talks about the lives of the slaves that worked here.
Gardens Tour
Another tour that is seasonal (Spring and Summer mostly) is the 45 minute gardens tour.
There is an extensive vegetable garden that overlooks the valley below and I wish I could have something like that in my backyard.
The tour also takes you around the estate to see a variety of flower beds.
Archeology Experience
The coolest free tour in my experience is “archeology in action”.
This happens on week days throughout the day (except winter and as long as weather permits).
It’s a 20 minute experience where you get to learn about the active excavations that are going on throughout the property.
In another life I would’ve been an archeologist but I’m not sure I could narrow down just 1 focus or region to explore!
Thomas Jefferson’s Grave Site
Once you’re done exploring the grounds and you’ve done all the tours that interest you, you’ve probably been here for about 3 hours already.
The last thing to do before taking the shuttle back to the entrance is to visit Thomas Jefferson’s grave site.
Along the way you’ll pass a “contemplation site” where you can sit and relax.
The walk from the estate to the grave site is only 1/4 mile and the contemplation site is somewhat in the middle.
Thomas Jefferson’s grave site is in a small private family cemetery, so it’s closed off, but you can clearly see his headstone through the gate.
If you hang out for a few minutes, a shuttle will pull up to take you back to the main entrance.
Gift Shop
You’ll get dropped off near the gift shop and now is the perfect time to pick out a souvenir to take home.
JP and I always get Christmas ornaments everywhere we go as our souvenir.
But we also love wine and ciders, so we picked out a couple estate bottles to try when we get home.
We usually only buy bottles from wineries we’ve done tastings at, but we weren’t able to taste these beforehand.
We have high hopes though!
Dining at Michie Tavern
After you’ve explored Monticello, you have to eat at the historic Michie Tavern.
It’s just down the street and I consider it an essential part of the Monticello experience.
It’s a buffet that’s actually affordable and serves historic Southern dishes.
My favorites were the pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
What’s even better is that after your first pass through, your waitress will bring you more of anything else you need after.
You must save room for the peach cobbler at the end though.
It’s hot and crumbly and just hits the spot.
Where To Stay Near Monticello
I mentioned earlier that when we were visiting Monticello we were just driving through on our way to the Outer Banks, so we didn’t actually stay in the Monticello area.
But I’ve been thinking of going back for a weekend getaway to explore the nearby wineries and James Madison’s home.
If I were to go back, the first place I’d look is the various historic inns and vineyards.
Charlottesville is one of those destinations where staying at a winery or in a historic inn is part of the experience.
These can sometimes be pricier due to lower capacity, but sometimes it’s worth the splurge if you can afford it.
If you just want a good place to stay that’s affordable, then I would look at the Hilton hotels.
Pretty much all of their brands have a location in Charlottesville.
- Hampton Inn – budget, free breakfast
- Hilton Garden Inn – business hotel
- Home2 Suites – budget, trendy, free breakfast
- Homewood Suites – budget, larger rooms with separate bedroom & kitchens
- Doubletree – free cookies!
- Graduate – trendy, a bit upscale, pretty new
Click Here To Explore Accommodations For Your Charlottesville Stay Today!
More Presidential Sites To Visit
There are several presidential estates you can visit, as well as birthplaces, grave sites, and presidential libraries.
Here are some that we’ve done that I recommend:
Conclusion: Monticello One Day Itinerary
If Monticello isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be.
It was so fascinating to learn about how Thomas Jefferson designed this home and just how he was as a person.
Very analytical, thoughtful, and has a reason for every little quirk in his home.
I hope I can design a home for all my quirks that I want in my dream home one day too.
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