10 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, VA

History, beautiful scenery, and convenience all merge to create one fantastic destination for your getaways this year; Fredericksburg, Virginia. There are so many great things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, that you'll likely need more than one trip there to experience it all!

Fredericksburg, Virginia, is located on the northern stretches of the beautiful Rappahannock River, around an hour south of Washington D.C. Though it's so close to major metropolitan areas, the quaint, historic character of this town will have you feeling as though you're a million miles away in no time. The city is best known for its rich Colonial and Civil War History. 

Apart from touring battlefields and learning more about the foundational history of our country, there are a variety of fun things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Moreover, it's just a great place to relax, unwind, and get away without having to go too far. 

That is especially true when you choose to stay at the top lodging property in this historic town, which just so happens to be a Select Registry Bed and Breakfast. Fifty years of combined hospitality stand behind the Select Registry brand, ensuring you have the best of the best caring from you throughout your stay. 

With personalized service and Innkeepers dedicated to every detail of your stay, it's no wonder at all why Select Registry properties are often rated the top places to stay in a given destination. If you're ready to get out and explore the wide variety of things to do in Fredericksburg with us this year, then it's time to book your stay at our Virginia Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg!

Top Things to do in Fredericksburg, VA

As we've mentioned already, there's no shortage of great things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Whether you've been here before or this is your first visit to this historic destination, you'll soon see it's a fascinating place to explore. 

History buffs will love learning about Fredericksburg's place in history, while nature lovers will love the scenic beauty of the area and the distinct change of pace from the city. When you need to refuel, there are plenty of great restaurants, not to mention delicious wineries, breweries, and distilleries to visit as well. There are so many incredible things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Here are a few of our favorites: 

1. We'll cover each of these in more detail below, but one of the top things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is to visit Civil War Battlefields and other historical sites of significance at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County National Military Park.
2. Another one of the top things to do in Fredericksburg for history lovers is to travel down the African American Heritage Trail. The trail is 75 miles long and includes the opportunity to hear untold stories of the Civil War, Civil Rights Movement, and emancipation. The drive is as beautiful as it is insightful, too. 
3. America's first President, George Washington, was born in Fredericksburg. Don't miss a visit to Kenmore and the historic George Washington Ferry Farm. 
4. If you need a break from history or are maybe just here relaxing, then don't sleep on Fredericksburg's craft beer scene. Even in a  small town such as this, there are six incredible breweries. 
5. Just as there is excellent beer in Fredericksburg, there's also great wine. Virginia wineries have gained plenty of awareness and accolades in recent years, and those in and around Fredericksburg are no different!
6. Nature lovers won't want to miss Alum Spring Park, a hidden gem in the heart of town. 
7. Visit Chatham Manor. Not only is it one of the top things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, but it's one of the most beautiful homes in the country. The house was destroyed during the Civil War but has been restored to its impeccable glory. 
8. George Washington isn't the only US President with ties to Fredericksburg. Visit the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, located right here in Fredericksburg, VA. 
9. Do you want to try some of the "world's best bourbon?" Head to the Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg!
10. Finally, one of our favorite things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is to walk through the charming and historic downtown. There's excellent shopping, many delicious restaurants, and plenty of beautiful architecture to admire. 

Civil War Sites in Fredericksburg, VA

History buffs, don't miss the opportunity to visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. It's one of the top things to do in Fredericksburg for a reason. It's one of the most popular Civil War sites in the country, as it is home to four major battlefields of the Civil War. Over 100,000 people were killed, wounded, or captured during these battles. 

The area surrounding Fredericksburg, Virginia, is where the Civil War reached its bloody climax. Here, you'll find the battlefields of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. Here are some of the top things to do in Fredericksburg for history enthusiasts: 

1. First, to orient yourself to the park and all that happened here, we recommend stopping at one of the two visitor centers where you can watch the park film, explore the exhibits, and maybe take a short walk on a nearby trail. 
2. Take a self-guided driving tour of at least one of our four battlefields. Expect tours of these battlefields to last a few hours each. 
3. Explore the Sunken Road, which includes a 0.5-mile route that will guide you down the road from which Confederate defenders repelled multiple US assaults and through the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 15,000 US soldiers.
4. Walk the Jackson Wounding Trail near Chancellorsville. This 0.1-mile loop is where Confederate General Jackson was mortally wounded, and you can also see the Jackson Death Site at Guinea Station.
5. Visit Chatham on the Fredericksburg Battlefield or Ellwood on the Wilderness Battlefield.
6. Walk any number of the trails throughout the park. 
7. Visit the Old Salem Church on Route 3.
8. If you're short o time, consider taking a guided tour to make the most of your time here. 

After spending your day absorbed in the Civil War history of Fredericksburg, Virginia, the beautiful accommodations of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast - itself a historic home - will be waiting for you. 

Best Places to Stay in Fredericksburg, VA

1890 Caroline House

Only a block from the train station on the main street, the 1890 Caroline House is located in the middle of historic Fredericksburg, Virginia! This Victorian-esque home was built in 1890 and has since been refurbished to its original grandeur. No doubt a historic gem, the 1890 Caroline House offers you all of the modern comfort and amenities just steps from where major Civil War events took place.  We are ranked as one of the best B&B's in Virginia and our TripAdvisor reviews prove it!

With only two rooms and one suite, the 1890 Caroline House exudes romantic charm in an intimate atmosphere! It's the perfect getaway for couples and newlyweds who'd like to learn more about the nation's past. Tour the Civil War battlefields, go antique shopping, or spend the day at a nearby winery!

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