24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fredericksburg, VA
Looking for something different to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia? This guide lists the top 25 most pleasurable activities to do in this little town, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
Fredericksburg, Virginia, is known for its rich historical significance and lively cultural scene. It is located midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, and offers a wide range of events that honor its illustrious past and active present.
Fredericksburg, one of the most historic towns in the area, welcomes you to learn more about its history at sites like the Mary Washington House and the Fredericksburg Battlefield. The town has a thriving arts culture, lots of boutique stores, and a wide variety of restaurants to suit every taste in addition to its historical landmarks.
Things To Do In Fredericksburg, VA (2024)
1. Intimidator 305
A fun and thrilling experience on the steel roller coaster Intimidator 305, named for NASCAR racer Dale Earnhardt, is one of the family-friendly activities to do around Fredericksburg, VA, if you have kids.
Built in 2010, the Kings Dominion Nestled Treasure is a near-vertical 85-degree first drop and an astounding 305 feet (93 meters) in height. It is categorized as a “Giga Coaster.”
Additionally, Intimidator 305 offers its guests thrilling and unforgettable experiences by transporting them on a beautiful adventure via high-speed curves, inversions, and airtime hills at a top speed of up to 90 mph.
Take advantage of the opportunity to experience this destination by driving 40 minutes to Doswell, Virginia, from Fredericksburg.
Address: Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, United States.
2. Goolrick’s Pharmacy
One of the few soda fountains still operating in Virginia, Goolrick’s Pharmacy is a notable milestone raised by K.N. Goolrick.
Originally built in 1897, this attraction features a pharmacy section in addition to a renovated soda fountain serving classic drinks including milkshakes and sandwiches.
Take a trip down memory lane, enjoy a delightful soda fountain experience, and fill your prescription to have the chance to discover the top activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia, this week.
Address: 901 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
3. Indian Punch Bowl
One of the fun things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is to find the Indian Punch Bowl, a large, naturally occurring hollow in a rock that resembles a bowl, and sit in a little park with a view of the Rappahannock River.
This location offers an insight into local history and the opportunity to observe a historic anomaly with a gorgeous view, thanks to nearby educational shows.
Address: Rappahannock Riv Heritage Trl, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States
4. La petite Auberge
La Petite Auberge is a family restaurant that serves delicious French and local cuisine, making it a great choice for couples looking for romantic activities to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia this evening.
Established in 1981, the restaurant offers a temporary menu with dishes made with premium ingredients, as well as a dining space designed like a garden and a bar with a musical theme.
Couples can expect a classic French dining experience with a contemporary twist, all in a charming and well-known setting.
Address: 311 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
5. Eileen’s Bakery & Cafe
A beautiful bakery called Eileen’s Bakery & Cafe is housed inside a converted church and serves as a daily guide to the many interesting things that may be done in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Savory breakfast sandwiches, inventive gourmet lunch options, a wide selection of pastries and cakes, and freshly brewed coffee and tea are all offered at this attraction.
Eating fresh cuisine at a historically significant site during the day is a lovely experience.
Address: 1115 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
6. Rush Hour Live Escape Games
Explore exhilarating activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia, suitable for all age groups at Rush Hour Live Escape Games, a special escape room that offers loads of fun and challenges.
With more than six unique room designs, the escape room allows guests to go on adventures like locating a lost jewel or escaping a private ship.
Enjoy a fun experience as you collaborate with loved ones, coworkers, or friends to solve riddles and puzzles in a certain amount of time.
Address: 1 Towne Centre Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, United States.
7. The Alpine Chef
Treat your taste buds to a wholesome German dinner at The Aline Chef, a Bavarian-inspired restaurant featuring menu items like schnitzel and sausages.
This weekend, among other great things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, visitors to The Alpine Cheff are allowed to enjoy family-style meals and Sunday brunch in addition to a delicious and authentic German dining experience in a picturesque setting.
Address: 200 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
8. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
At Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a modern performing arts venue offering the most exciting nighttime activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia, take in the top shows to liven up your vacation.
Founded in 1998, the center features meeting spaces, a dinner theater preference, a children’s theater, and a temporary schedule of performances and musicals.
A night at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts includes excellent plays, a delectable dinner before the show, and the option to use their meeting space.
Address: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, United States.
9. Sammy T’s
Located in a notable structure with exposed tin ceilings, Sammy T’s has been a legendary restaurant since 1981. This weekend, there are plenty of nice things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Tourists are flocking to this beehive to savor simple, fresh American delicacies made with natural ingredients; vegan options are available in addition to the main menu.
Enjoy this iconic location in Fredericksburg, take in the cozy atmosphere, and indulge in delicious cuisine in a breathtaking historic setting.
Address: 801 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
10. Old Mill Park
A popular public park in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Old Mill Park is located on the picturesque Rappahannock River and offers a variety of family-friendly activities.
The park offers a variety of facilities, such as playground equipment, walking routes, open spaces for sports and picnics, and canoe and kayak launches.
Savor the opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and taking in the beauty of the riverfront. It’s a great place for a family picnic, a friendly game of frisbee, or a peaceful stroll along the paths.
Address: 2201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
11. Reclaim Arcade
This weekend, visitors looking for fun things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, might visit Reclaim Arcade, an antique arcade that combines pinball machines with normal video games in a chic setting.
The gaming hub features more than 75 free-to-play arcade and pinball games from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, along with a working VHS video store and a living room decorated in the manner of the 1980s.
Play a variety of conventional games, relive your childhood gaming memories, and enjoy a unique setting that combines vintage charm with contemporary amenities.
Address: 2324 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States
12. Kenmore
Fielding Lewis and his wife, Betty Washington Lewis, who was George Washington’s sister, lived at Kenmore, a renowned house museum.
The home’s colonial-era fixtures and fittings provide an insight into the affluent farming class’s lifestyle in the eighteenth century.
There is always a house and garden to explore, information about the Lewis Family and their connections to George Washington, and opportunities to share American history at Kenmore.
Address: 1201 Washington Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
13. Fun Land of Fredericksburg
Fun Land of Fredericksburg is the premier indoor and outdoor family entertainment destination in Virginia. Enjoy exciting family activities there.
There are eighteen thrilling rides and activities at this park, such as multi-level go-karts, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, and a sizable arcade.
A complete day of family fun is offered by Fun Land, which features rides that are exhilarating and traditional arcade games for all ages.
Address: 1351 Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
14. A.Smith Bowman Distillery
The oldest distillery in Virginia and a well-known artisan distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery offers some of the top adult activities in Fredericksburg, VA.
The distillery offers follow-up visits that shed light on their distilling operation and records, with a focus on unique handmade beverages like bourbon and other whiskeys.
Adults can sample Virginian spirits, see how instant whiskey is made, and learn about the state’s distilling techniques.
Address: 1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, United States.
15. George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Visiting George Washington’s Ferry Farm, the remodeled childhood home of the nation’s first president, is one of the more daring activities available to families in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The farm is known for its depiction of George Washington’s residence, guided tours that explore the life of the family and enslaved individuals, and historic grounds that showcase noteworthy discoveries.
Visit George Washington’s Ferry Farm to learn about his productive years and to acquire deeper insights into his history.
Address: 268 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, United States.
16. Rising Sun Tavern Museum
For those seeking something different to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for art fans, visit the River Sun Tavern Museum, a storied monument that was formerly the residence of Charles Washington, the younger brother of George Washington.
The museum, which opened as a bar in the 1790s after being established in the 1760s, features period furnishings and offers guided tours that breathe life into an 18th-century pub.
Experience Fredericksburg’s colonial past through the eyes of this social center by traveling back in time.
Address: 1304 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
17. Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch, the main library for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library System, offers educational activities for people of all ages in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Numerous resources are available at the library, such as books, e-books, audiobooks, internet-connected public computers, printing facilities, and a notary public.
You can browse resources for all ages, attend programs, use computers and wifi, and borrow materials at the library.
Address: 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
18. Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
One of the most daring activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for visitors of all ages is visiting the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, a restored eighteenth-century structure that was formerly a pharmacy and doctor’s office.
Medical procedures and treatments, along with the tools and materials that were common in the eighteenth century, are demonstrated during tours conducted by qualified interpreters.
Discovering more about the lives of Dr. Hugh Mercer, a wartime figure, and historical American medicine can be done by taking a nostalgic tour of Hugh Mercer’s Apothecary Shop.
Address: 1020 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
19. Mary Washington House
During the last 17 years of her life, Mary Ball Washington, the mother of George Washington, lived in Mary Washington House, a historic house museum.
The home has gardens, antique furnishings, some of Mary’s possessions, and interpreters who breathe life into the 18th century.
This weekend’s interesting activities in Fredericksburg, Virginia, include exploring the life of George Washington, the famous son of Mary Ball Washington, and getting a glance into his life.
Address: 1200 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
20. James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
Take some time to visit the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, a notable location honoring the legacy and life of the country’s fifth president.
This site takes pride in having the largest collection of documents and memorabilia pertaining to Marilyn Monroe in the country, providing valuable insights into his life and accomplishments.
Visitors can delve deeply into American history, examine the Monroe Doctrine, and view the personal effects of this significant figure at the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library.
Address: 908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
21. Chatham Manor
For both tourists and residents, taking a tour of Chatham Manor—a notable Georgian-style palace that was the residence of statesman William Fitzhugh—is one of the most daring things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Constructed in 1771, the house’s salient characteristics are its splendid framework, exquisitely preserved internal chambers, and its environs.
Visit Chatham Manor to take a step back in time and discover the way of life of a Virginia farming family in the eighteenth century.
Address: 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, United States.
22. Fredericksburg, VA Farmers Market
Explore the best things to do this weekend in Fredericksburg, Virginia, by perusing the outdoor Farmers Market.
Local farmers and artisans set up shop at the market, offering a variety of freshly harvested vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, plants, and other products made in the area.
Local companies can take advantage of the fresh and occasionally produced goods at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market, as well as the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Fredericksburg.
Address: Hurkamp Park, Prince Edward Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
23. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Discovering Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, a Civil War site managed by the National Park Service, is one of the greatest things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, these days.
The park offers visitors the opportunity to delve into a significant portion of American history by commemorating the four great battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania.
Explore the areas where the fighting intensified, take in the striking architecture, and discover the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War.
Address: 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States
24. Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
One of the most instructive things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for everyone, is to see The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, which serves as a starting place for exploring the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
To learn more about the history of the wars, view artifacts, and plan your tour on the battlefield, the center offers displays on the local Civil War, a park film, and a bookstore.
Address: 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.
25. Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Visit the Fredericksburg Visitor facility to start your journey through Fredericksburg, Virginia. This all-access facility provides information on visitor-friendly activities that are exciting, instructive, and engaging.
The tourist center has knowledgeable staff to answer your questions about the history and activities of the city and offers free maps, brochures, and suggestions on nearby dining options, sights, and lodging.
Visiting the Fredericksburg Visitor Center helps you make the most of your vacation by offering resources and local knowledge to help you organize your itinerary and purchase mementos.
Address: 706 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States.