Originally a 5000 acre plantation, Monticello was the primary home of Thomas Jefferson. An architect as well as a statesman, Jefferson designed the house, an iconic neoclassical design featured on the back of a nickel. There are several tour options offered for the house and grounds, and you can see the interior of the house (except for the Basement Tour) only with a guide. The Behind the Scenes Tour and Sunset Pass also allow you to visit the upstairs portion of the house. Other tours provide a glimpse into the lives of the slaves who kept the plantation humming. There are also tours of the grounds and a visitors center with films and special exhibits.
If you go:
You should allow at least 2 hours for a complete tour. Book online for a discount. Free parking. During weekends in June and July you can take a tour with archaeologists who are still excavating the site.
Links:

931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 USA
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 316
Charlottesville, VA 22902 USA
Phone Numbers:
General Information
+1 (434) 984-9800
+1 (434) 984-9800
Group Tours
+1 (434) 984-9889
+1 (434) 984-9889