Historical Fredericksburg is east of the Potomac River and close to Colonial Beach. It's only two hours from a hotbed of things to do all around famed Virginia Beach and the surrounding area which includes Hampton, Norfolk, Newport News and numerous Virginia beaches. Fredericksburg is an easy day trip for anyone visiting the Virginia Peninsula, and makes a great overnight stay for anyone wanting to explore the area in more depth. Visitors seeking quiet getaways could plan a Fredericksburg vacation inversely, enjoying more time exploring Fredericksburg and heading south to explore Virginia Beach Pier, Hampton and the surrounding area for a day or two. No matter how you plan your journey, if you're in the area, don't miss this special little town.

The true essence of Fredericksburg Virginia lies in the town's rich past. Fredericksburg is renowned for a long and notable history. It is linked to two important historical periods that include George Washington and the Civil War. There are many sites in Fredericksburg associated with George Washington's life. When looking for George Washington related things to do in Fredericksburg, head to the James Monroe Law Office-Museum, his mother's home called Mary Washington House, George Washington's sister magnificent estate Kenmore, or the Rising Sun Tavern, a gathering place that played a central role in much of the town's revolutionary movement.

The beautiful Rappahannock River is well known as a great place for outdoor water-based adventure but it once played a significant role in the Civil War. Situated between the Confederate capital of Richmond and Washington D.C., the river was a central battle site where more than 100,000 troops died before the end of the war. Four major battles happened in Fredericksburg Virginia, all within 30 miles of the town proper. The battlefields are of special interest to most visitors and include; Spotsylvania, the Wilderness, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. The battlefields are all found within the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which can be toured by guided tours during the summer, via walking trails, or by car. Two visitor centers illustrate the history of each of the battles.

Virginia Map

Today, many tourists travel to Fredericksburg to explore the scenic area, a colorful arts scene, unique dining venues and a wealth of area attractions. A multifarious host of Fredericksburg hotels, from bed and breakfasts to traditional accommodation, add an extra layer of appeal. Art history runs deep in Fredericksburg Virginia. The age-old tradition of the arts is illustrated through a number of art mediums found throughout the small galleries and museums in town, from the birth of the colonial era through to modern day. The attractive area architecture, nearness to larger urban regions and a spirited, art-loving community always hungry for original works appeals to artists from all around the world. Shopping for artistic creations is a beloved pastime of many visitors who travel to Fredericksburg.

There are scores of things to do in Fredericksburg appealing to a wide variety of tastes. Walking tours of Fredericksburg explore this picturesque geographical region and illustrate the main historical points throughout town. There are a number of tours to choose from, each highlighting a specific historical period. Ghost tours are another popular, family-friendly option during a Fredericksburg vacation. The Klein Theatre of the University of Mary Washington, Riverside Center Children's Theater and, Riverside Center Dinner Theater offer an avenue to local live theater. Distillery and winery tours are a favorite of Fredericksburg Virginia visitors. The Potomac Point Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Blue & Gray Brewing Co., and Smith Bowman Distillery are all open for public viewing.

Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities make a Fredericksburg vacation even more appealing. Many travel to Fredericksburg specifically to enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting along the Rappahannock. On dry land, camping, cycling, hiking, bird watching, and nature walks are most popular. Ample green space and trail networks offer an outdoor advantage over many nearby areas, attracting the intrepid looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Completely unrelated to outdoor fun, yet offering a unique excitement of its own, shopping in Old Town Fredericksburg is another special experience. More than 100 boutiques, studios, galleries, antique shops. and a variety of restaurants dot the entire National Historic District, forty blocks of pure entertainment showcasing more than 300 early eighteenth and nineteenth-century buildings. Parking rental cars is a breeze in the downtown parking garage or in several lots around town. Be sure to visit the Visitor Center for free parking passes. Concert series, art fairs, museum events, festivals, and parades are also a large part of life and offer even more reason to travel to Fredericksburg when visiting Virginia.