Fredericksburg, Virginia Travel Guide

An hour south of Washington D.C. is the charming town of Fredericksburg, Virginia. As the childhood home of George Washington, it holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Stroll the streets to soak in colonial era architecture, storied museums, antique shops and friendly vibes. With huge green areas and quaint public parks, Fredericksburg makes for an excellent day trip to escape from the madness of D.C.

Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Some of the best things to do in Fredericksburg revolve around the 40-block downtown Historic District. Start out at the Visitor Center to orient yourself, and make your way to the Mary Washington House, the Kenmore (the home of George Washington’s sister), the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, and the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. Speaking of battlefields, Fredericksburg is known as home to some of the most important staging grounds for battles of the Civil War. The four fields -- Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania -- are all excellent destinations for travelers interested in history. As far as modern-era things to do, be sure to check out the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, a family-owned distillery that focuses on spirits. Fredericksburg is also home to tons of art galleries, and the Riverside Center Dinner Theater is a great place to a show with a significant other or the whole family. For a consistently-updated rundown on the events in Fredericksburg, check out their public page here.

Best Time to Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia

As summer can get pretty muggy here in Virginia, spring and fall make for excellent times of the year to visit Fredericksburg.

Cabins in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg in Virginia is the perfect getaway location, sitting on the falls of the Rappahannock River. Today, the unique history of the town is well preserved, with a huge 40-block downtown historic district, home to the University of Mary Washington, where every building has a story to tell. Modern influences are shown in the rich shopping, arts and cultural elements in the town, which blend effortlessly into its interesting heritage. There are also many wineries, golf and culinary experiences waiting for those that choose to get a Fresericksburg vacation rental.

For people who enjoy adventure in the outdoors, the surrounding area offers plenty to do. Adventureland Park will have you swinging through the trees, and the Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve is a stunning space teeming with wildlife.

A great way to top your vacation off is to rent a Fredericksburg cabin rental, many of which come with a full kitchen, making traveling with a family effortless and easy. Get a rental in the heart of the historical district, and have all the attractions on your front door, or alternatively stay a little out of town and have easy access to the great outdoors.