Walking trails, river access and NPS battlefield park trails offer outdoor experiences just minutes from excellent dining, shopping and entertainment
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA–APRIL 2025–Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a rare combination of a vibrant downtown and a variety of fun outdoor spaces. The result is excellent dining, shopping and entertainment with hiking, cycling, paddling and more, just a stone’s throw away. With its downtown paralleling the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg is located midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. Interstate 95 and U.S. Routes 1 and 17 pass directly through the city, as does Virginia Route 3. It is easy to get to and is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to combine downtown fun and outdoor excursions.
Fredericksburg has a variety of lodging options downtown, from well-known branded hotels to one-of-a-kind properties. The newest option is The Publisher, Fredericksburg: A Tribute Portfolio Hotel (711 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-518-2624) a boutique hotel that sits on the former site of Fredericksburg’s newspaper. Many visitors choose to start their visit with a guided ride through town. Model-A Car Tours (620 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 989-239-9160), Fredericksburg Trolley Tours (601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-898-0737) or an Olde Towne Carriage Tour (706 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-0094) are popular options for getting oriented and learning what’s new, along with a dose of history, too. There are a number of specialized tours, also, exploring wineries, ghost sightings and more, along with a host of self-guided walking tours.
It’s easy for visitors to enjoy the outdoors on their own. In the heart of downtown, where the city meets the river, Riverfront Park (701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401; 540-372-1086) features views of the Rappahannock River and includes open spaces, a meadow (which will soon include an event venue) and a bike repair station. From here, the three-mile Canal Path and Heritage Trail loop is perfect for walkers, joggers or cyclists who want to enjoy a leisurely scenic outing alongside the Rappahannock River, through historic neighborhoods, under a canopy of trees.
Adjacent to the park is City Dock (207 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401), where the views continue and Virginia Outdoor Center (3219 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-5085) offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, giving everyone an opportunity to get out on the river. The center also offers guided river trips and instruction. Nearby Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area (6600 River Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407) is a departure point for many trips. In addition to its river access, the park’s 860 acres include a 160-acre reservoir, popular for fishing and canoeing, with Jon boat, canoe and kayak rentals onsite. There are four miles of hiking trails, more than 11 miles of biking trails, picnic tables, grills and a bike repair station.
Amid the backdrop of some of the country’s most significant history, there are even more nearby trails to explore. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (540-693-3200) includes four battlefields (Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House) and multiple historic sites. Each battlefield has hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-mile hikes, including the seven-mile Spotsylvania History Trail. There are online trail maps outlining the routes. Bicycles and e-bikes are permitted along all park roads but are not allowed on park trails.
Of course, Fredericksburg’s vibrant downtown is always ready to welcome outdoor lovers back to its streets to enjoy a diverse collection of restaurants and shops. This historic city has an amazingly vibrant atmosphere, created by an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs, artists and chefs.
Approximately 60 shops and stores line the streets, showcasing an array of hand-crafted items, boutique fashion and specialty goods. Shops are filled with furniture, clothing, accessories and antiques. The variety goes beyond the usual, including upscale re-sale finds at Wildflower Collective (208 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-940-8932) and top outdoor gear and apparel at River Rock Outfitters (708 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-372-8708). There are candles and pouring classes at Fifth Scents Candle Co. (1011 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg Virginia 22401; 540-670-1004), art on display at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery (712 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-656-2215) and massage and nail services at Collage Spa (804 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-479-6470).
There are more than 40 chef-owned restaurants here and the variety is as amazing as the dining experience itself. A healthy way to start the day is with a trip to Original Grinds (615 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401) for locally roasted coffee along with fresh, healthy options like avocado toast, oatmeal or protein-packed breakfast bowls. To refuel later, Sammy T’s (801 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-2008) is a spot that offers hearty salads, wraps and vegetarian-friendly dishes, all made with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Other Fredericksburg originals include the authentic Italian creations of Chef Danilo Orofino at Orofino Restaurant (1006 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-373-1352), the Bavarian favorites of Chef Jannec Hornig at The Alpine Chef (200 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-656-2101) and the regional farm-to-table American cuisine of Executive Chef Joy Crump at FoodE (900 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-479-1370).
If you go
Fredericksburg’s calendar is filled with concerts, art exhibitions, cultural events and festivals that beckon visitors all year. And those who come in summer can take advantage of the Around the Town free trolley service every Friday and Saturday evening.