Where is Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia?

Written by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 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 Area5,000 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)

Top Places to Visit in Virginia

Explore the most popular tourist places in Virginia. The list below includes famous national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places in VAPlaces in VAPlaces in VA
Appomattox Court HouseMonticello Charlottesville VirginiaShenandoah Caverns
Babcock State ParkMontpelier Orange VirginiaShenandoah River State Park
Chincoteague National Wildlife RefugeMount Vernon VirginiaSmith Mountain Lake State Park
First Landing State ParkNatural Tunnel State ParkTheodore Roosevelt Island Arlington Virginia
Fort Monroe Hampton VirginiaNew River Gorge National ParkVirginia Beach Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkPortsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.