Petersburg, Virginia Travel Guide

Just south of the city of Richmond, Virginia’s Petersburg is a place where travelers can take a deep dive back into the rich history of the United States and have some entertaining fun while they’re at it. Situated along the James River, Petersburg is in the same tier as Jamestown when it comes to historical significance. The site was an important stomping ground of both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars, so there’s enough American history here to make your head spin. That said, Petersburg is also a destination for those more keen on modern society. It’s home to Virginia State University, which gives the town a bit of a university feel, and there are enough dining and restaurant options to entertain any culinary traveler for a good chunk of time.

Things to Do in Petersburg, Virginia

Some of the best things to do in Petersburg revolve around the area’s historical prominence. First, we highly recommend visiting the Pamplin Park & National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. The park is home to the “breakthrough battle site” in 1865 that led to the fall of Petersburg by the South and the surrender at the courthouse. The museum is super modern with its high tech info boards and self-guided tours, so it’s a great option for all ages. Next, make your way over to the Petersburg National Battlefield for some more history lessons.

If you’re looking to get outside while in Petersburg, you should head just outside of town to the Harrison Lake Fish Hatchery. Here you can take part in fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife watching, and tons more. We also recommend Pocohontas State Park, which features over 7,000 acres of green space and two lakes, the Point of Rocks Park, the Dutch Gap Conservation Area, and the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge.

Brewing is also a big passion for the locals here in Petersburg. To get a taste for local flavors, head to the Trapezium Brewing Company, or Ammo Brewing, both of which make for a great evening activity after a day in town.

Best Places to Stay in Petersburg, Virginia

As for your accommodation in Petersburg, we recommend you stay either in the downtown area, or towards Fort Lee. There are also lots of excellent vacation rental options near the outskirts of town and closer to the natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Petersburg, Virginia

Petersburg can get fairly cold during the wintertime like many places in Virginia, so we recommend visiting during the spring, summer, or fall. Keep in mind that some places have limited visiting hours during the winter months.