Where is Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Monticello is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.It lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rivanna River, situated on a hilltop in central Virginia, and is famous as the historic home of Thomas Jefferson and for its beautiful architecture and gardens.

Monticello Location Map, Charlottesville, Virginia

Top Attractions Inside Monticello

  • Monticello House – Thomas Jefferson’s historic home showcasing his architecture, design, and personal life.
  • Gardens and Grounds – Beautifully landscaped gardens, orchards, and terraces designed by Jefferson himself.
  • Mulberry Row – Historic area with reconstructed slave quarters and workshops, highlighting plantation life.
  • Jefferson’s Farm – Demonstrates innovative agricultural practices implemented by Jefferson.
  • Visitor Center – Exhibits, theater presentations, and educational resources about Jefferson and Monticello.
  • Guided Tours – Expert-led tours providing insights into Jefferson’s life, architecture, and innovations.
  • Special Exhibits – Rotating displays featuring artifacts, documents, and historical interpretations.

Monticello Facts

Official NameMonticello
LocationCharlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia, USA
Latitude & Longitude38.0097° N, 78.4550° W
Total Area~5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) including house, gardens, and plantation lands
Built / OpenedConstruction: 1768–1809; Opened to public tours: 1923
Founder / ArchitectThomas Jefferson (also designed the house)
Managed ByThomas Jefferson Foundation
Region / ConceptPlantation estate, neoclassical architecture, historical house museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Main FeaturesMain House, Terraced Gardens, Slavery Quarters, Jefferson-designed architecture, Mulberry Row, surrounding plantation lands
Visitor ActivitiesGuided tours, educational programs, historical reenactments, museum exhibits, garden walks, photography
Trails & AccessWalking paths through gardens, guided tours inside house, wheelchair-accessible routes available
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, shuttle service from parking lot to house
Nearby TownsCharlottesville, Virginia; Albemarle County, Virginia
Entry / FeesEntrance fee applies for house tours; additional fees for special programs
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall (March–October) for gardens; all year for museum programs
Annual VisitorsApprox. 200,000–250,000
Nearby AirportCharlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) – 15 miles (24 km); Richmond International Airport (RIC) – 80 miles (129 km)
TransportationPrivate vehicles, shuttles from parking, walking paths within estate
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.monticello.org/
Famous ForHome of Thomas Jefferson, neoclassical architecture, historical gardens, Mulberry Row, UNESCO World Heritage designation
UNESCO / National StatusUNESCO World Heritage Site (1987); U.S. National Historic Landmark

Distances from Monticello to Nearby Landmarks

  • Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • University of Virginia – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Downtown Charlottesville – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Rivanna Trail – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Shadwell, VA – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Michie Tavern – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Poplar Forest – 50 km (31 mi)
  • James Monroe’s Highland – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Monticello Wine Trail – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Carters Mountain Orchard – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Monticello Golf Club – 3 km (1.8 mi)
  • Albemarle County Courthouse – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Scottsville Historic District – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Historic Michie Tavern – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Monticello Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Ridge-Monticello Trail – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Monticello Lake Park – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Historic Downtown Crozet – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Skyline Drive (Shenandoah NP Entrance) – 80 km (50 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – 40 km (25 mi)