Williamsburg is a fantastic place for drinking tours because it combines historic taverns, lively breweries, and ghost stories that bring the past to life. Whether you’re into ghostly tales, murder mysteries, or just sampling local brews, Williamsburg offers plenty of options.
One of our favorites is the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl, which blends spooky stories with local drinks—ideal for history lovers who enjoy a good scare.
We also like the Murder Tour and Pub Crawl for its dark stories of crime, perfect for those who love true crime and a bit of a thrill. Williamsburg’s unique mix of historic sites and lively pub scenes makes it a top spot for these themed tours.
If you’re looking to explore Williamsburg’s haunted corners or learn about its darker side, these tours provide a combination of history, ghostly lore, and a few drinks to fuel the stories. Each tour offers something different—whether it’s ghost stories, murders, or a mix of both—so there’s an experience to match your mood and curiosity.
Quick Overview
This guide covers four of the best drinking tours in Williamsburg, ranging from haunted pub crawls to murder-themed adventures. Some tours focus on ghost stories, others on true crime, and a few combine historic sights with local drinks.
All tours include visits to popular watering holes and provide engaging guides who bring Williamsburg’s stories to life—or death, depending on your taste. For a full breakdown of each experience, read on for detailed reviews.
1. Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
At number 1, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a 2-hour walk through Williamsburg’s historic streets paired with spooky stories and stops at local watering holes. This tour is great if you’re interested in well-researched ghost tales intertwined with visits to classic pubs and restaurants.
The tour stops include The Hound’s Tale, DoG Street Pub, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill, and Precarious Beer Project, giving you a taste of the local drinking scene along with haunted history.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling—your guide shares thrilling legends and historical hauntings as you sip drinks. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and humor, with many noting how the stories add to the fun.
Although drinks are not included in the $27 price, the focus on history and spooky tales makes it perfect for those who want a lively history lesson with a ghostly twist. It’s ideal for anyone interested in ghost stories, history buffs, or those who enjoy a casual pub crawl with a story.
Bottom Line: This tour is affordable, fun, and perfect for a relaxed evening of spookiness mixed with local drinks.
2. The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl
Number 2 on our list is the Murder Tour and Pub Crawl, which takes about 3 hours and costs $48 per person. This experience is the only murder-themed tour in Williamsburg, exploring the city’s sinister past with stops at popular pubs like Precarious Beer Project, Williamsburg Winery Tasting Room, and The Hound’s Tale.
The tour blends true crime stories with visits to these local drinking spots, making it a dark but engaging way to spend an evening.
During the tour, you’ll hear about unsolved murders, infamous crimes, and the secrets hidden in Williamsburg’s streets, all while enjoying a drink or two. The tour’s length is perfect for those wanting a more in-depth experience, and reviews mention how Randy’s storytelling keeps everyone hooked.
If you’re fascinated by true crime and want a deeper dive into Williamsburg’s more sinister side, this tour offers an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For around $48, you get a longer, more detailed tour focused on crime stories—great for history buffs who like a murder mystery with their drinks.
3. Ale and Apparitions Haunted Pub Crawl
Coming in at number 3, the Ale and Apparitions Haunted Pub Crawl offers a 2-hour exploration through Williamsburg’s haunted taverns and landmarks. Priced at $34.99 per person, this tour is led by a costumed guide who shares ghostly lore from the colonial era.
Though it currently has no reviews, its focus on haunted landmarks like the Wren Building and George Wythe House makes it appealing for ghost enthusiasts.
The tour includes visits to historic taverns and landmarks where tales of executions, scandal, and lingering spirits still echo. You’ll sip on local brews or cocktails while uncovering stories steeped in colonial ghost lore. This tour is suited for those wanting a spooky, costume-led experience with a historical edge.
It’s a good option if you prefer a more theatrical ghost tour with drinks, especially for those interested in Williamsburg’s ghostly legends.
Bottom Line: It’s a reasonably priced option for ghost fans who want a fun, slightly theatrical night with drinks and spooky stories.
4. The Ghost Tour Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Finally, at number 4, the Ghost Tour Boos and Booze is a 3-hour tour for $48 per person that takes you through Colonial Williamsburg’s most haunted spots. It’s billed as Virginia’s oldest ghost tour, and it includes visits to historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square and George Wythe House, plus a stop at Mellow Mushroom for a signature drink.
This tour combines famous ghost stories with visits to multiple pubs and historic landmarks, making it a well-rounded experience. The focus is on the most haunted places in Williamsburg, with a lively guide sharing the stories behind each location. The tour was designed for those interested in Virginia’s supernatural legends and who want to hear all the ghostly tales while enjoying a drink at each stop.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a longer, more comprehensive ghost tour with multiple stops and stories, this is a great choice, especially if you love the idea of combining history with spirits.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Williamsburg
When deciding between these options, consider your interest level in ghost stories or murder mysteries. If you’re after a lighthearted, spooky pub crawl, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a good balance of stories and drinks. For deeper, darker tales, the Murder Tour and Pub Crawl provides more time and a focus on true crime.
If your focus is on haunted landmarks and theatrical ghost lore, the Ale and Apparitions Haunted Pub Crawl delivers spooky stories with a fun twist, while the Ghost Tour Boos and Booze combines multiple haunted sites with a longer, more detailed experience.
Factor in your budget and time, as some tours are shorter and less expensive, but offer fewer stops. Booking early is smart, especially in summer or fall, when Williamsburg sees lots of visitors.
Final Thoughts
Williamsburg’s drinking tours offer a unique blend of history, ghost stories, and local drinks—perfect for a memorable night out. For a quick, spooky introduction, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl is a solid choice. If you’re craving a longer, crime-focused adventure, the Murder Tour and Pub Crawl is hard to beat.
For ghost lovers who want an immersive costume-led experience, the Ale and Apparitions Haunted Pub Crawl is a fun pick. Meanwhile, those wanting a comprehensive, haunted Williamsburg experience should consider the Ghost Tour Boos and Booze. Whichever you choose, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out on these spirited experiences.