Things to Do in Fredericksburg Virginia

Marc Douglas

Fredericksburg offers plenty of activities and attractions to keep history buffs occupied all day long, from tours of George Washington's homes to whisky distillery tours and beyond. There's sure to be enough historical gems here for anyone to appreciate all day.

Experience local culture at Riverside Center for The Performing Arts or Market Square by watching a play or enjoying live music performances. Plus, this compact downtown area hosts exceptional restaurants and breweries!

1. Visit Spotsylvania National Military Park

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park contains four of the most significant Civil War battles ever fought, from Fredericksburg Battlefield, Chancellorsville Battlefield and Wilderness Battlefield - sites of some of the bloodiest fighting during America's bloody conflict.

It also contains monuments honoring those lost - homesteads for fallen service members as well as granite tributes - attest to this tragic period in American history.

Spend an enjoyable day touring these historic sites and learning more about what has shaped our nation. Additionally, take part in one of the educational programs such as ranger talks or tours offered.

This beautiful historic park is an absolute must for anyone interested in American History. Perfect for visiting with family and teaching kids the lessons learned during such a turbulent period in our nation's past, this destination will not disappoint.

Hikers looking to explore Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Monument will find plenty of hiking trails at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP.

Trails range in length and difficulty, so that you can select ones best suited to you and your group. Be sure to stop by Old Salem Church where George Washington spent part of his youth years.

While visiting these historic destinations, take the opportunity to take a trolley tour. There are various tours running throughout the day that allow you to see as much of Fredericksburg in as little time.

Chatham Manor was home to George Washington's sister. Located right in downtown Fredericksburg, visitors can get an insight into how wealthy families lived during that period. Admission is free but guided tours can provide additional insights into its history.

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2. Take a Walking Tour of Old Town

Fredericksburg's compact downtown is an enjoyable place to stroll and discover, with plenty of shops and eateries, including Goolrick's Pharmacy's famous lunch counter as well as fine dining establishments and several breweries. Visit Fred provides some recommendations, or you can explore independently!

Fredericksburg offers many free activities, from exploring its streets and houses to looking out for cute mailboxes with special themes or decorations.

Visit the White Oak Civil War Museum, which showcases an extraordinary private collection from both Union and Confederate soldiers stationed near Fredericksburg during the American Civil War.

Here, artifacts range from soldiers' personal belongings to replicas of their huts - creating a truly fascinating display.

Visit Fredericksburg Centre for the Creative Arts for an array of cultural experiences! This art gallery and gift shop hosts events such as lectures about local artists and children's story hours in an historic house built in 1785.

This home may not be inside city limits, but history lovers shouldn't miss seeing it. Once home to a family of silversmiths and built during the 1700s.

This house serves as both a museum and tour destination. Visitors can view its kitchen and dining rooms, original gardens and grounds, garden center facilities and small farm with seasonal events open to the public.

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3. Visit Chatham Manor

Fredericksburg is a charming small town full of history and local culture. Explore Old Town for some light shopping (there are lots of adorable boutiques) or try one of the numerous local restaurants. Want to learn even more? Join one of Fredericksburg's historic walking tours led by an expert local guide!

Spotsylvania National Military Park is home to over 100,000 battle casualties during its Civil War battles; an unforgettable sight that should not be missed for any American history buff. As one of the premier Civil War attractions, Spotsylvania is an essential visit.

Take time to visit Chatham Manor, once used as a Union hospital during the Civil War and located on an attractive bluff overlooking Rappahannock River.

Inside is a variety of activities like museums, historical interpreters, video shows and antique furniture - an interesting glimpse at life during mid-1800s America with benches, gardens, shrub mazes and artillery on its grounds!

Another historic site to consider visiting is the Mary Washington House, once owned by George Washington's mother Mary and now known as its namesake tavern. You'll find period furniture and artifacts here as well as costumed guides who can show how taverns operated back then.

Goolrick's Pharmacy on Caroline Street provides quick and easy dining, offering classic soda fountain drinks alongside American-inspired burgers, sandwiches, and other dishes. For something more substantial check out Castiglia's Italian Kitchen or Sammy T's for some traditional pub fare.

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4. Visit the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library

Mary Washington College operates this museum that contains artifacts of Monroe's law practice and personal life, such as his desk where he signed the Monroe Doctrine and collection of Louis XVI furniture. There's even an exciting scavenger hunt available so the whole family can have fun at this incredible attraction!

The charming cottage-style property that once belonged to George Washington's mother, Elizabeth Custis Washington, and was saved from demolition by a local resident in 1890 is one of Fredericksburg's top things to do and offers visitors an excellent opportunity to learn about him and Fredericksburg itself.

Visitors can explore its rooms and gardens while also walking through gallery spaces and restored grounds.

Fredericksburg's National Historic District features over 350 original 18th and 19th century buildings, making it an excellent spot for leisurely strolling. The streetscape is stunningly picturesque while visitors can also take pleasure browsing local shops and eateries.

Fredericksburg offers many museums for those seeking a cultural experience, from Native American tribes and Black Lives Matter events, to more recent exhibits such as those found at Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center.

Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop boasts an unusual and fascinating collection from its past, with items including old love letters, court cases from Fredericksburg residents and personal photographs from residents themselves.

Additionally, this site hosts regular historical reenactments, making this experience truly unforgettable for visitors to Fredericksburg.

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5. Visit the Smith Bowman Distillery

Fredericksburg offers everything from world-famous golf courses and historic sites, to old-timey shops and charming historic downtown with 350 original 18th and 19th-century buildings, or visit riverside "antiques row" where early pottery and vintage grandfather clocks can be found.

With so much on offer in Fredericksburg, there's sure to be something fun and engaging waiting for you in Fredericksburg!

Take a stroll through its charming historic downtown for some great photo op opportunities or stroll the 40-block loop for even more of fun things to discover - maybe stroll along its charming historic downtown from 40 blocks around or head riverside "antiques row", where early pottery and vintage grandfather clocks await!

If history is your passion, a trip to the White Oak Civil War Museum should not be missed. It houses an incredible private collection of historical artifacts abandoned or lost during battles in Fredericksburg and Stafford County areas as well as replicas of soldiers' huts from both armies.

Smith Bowman Distillery was established shortly after Prohibition was repealed in Virginia, producing an extensive selection of bourbons and whiskeys, such as its popular "Virginia Gentleman." Tours are offered daily and feature tastings as well as insights into distilling techniques.

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After an exciting day of exploring, dining, and drinking, it's time to unwind for the night. Choose between dining at French Laundry or Alpine Chef which both specialize in seasonal fare while providing amazing views of the town below.

Or head into Goolrick's Pharmacy since 1863 with its 1912 soda fountain which makes a delightful place for sharing sweet treats with family.

When looking for an enjoyable evening activity in Fredericksburg, catch a show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts or attend Market Square's live music events. Later, enjoy some local cuisine at one of Fredericksburg's many eateries or breweries before exploring Groupon offers of other things to do around town.