Virginia Beach to Fredericksburg train

While boasting a suburban atmosphere that will make anyone jealous of an East Coast life, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population and one of the state's best destinations. Positioned at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, its primary focus has always been its oceanfront location.

In the record books as having the longest pleasure beach in the world, the soft golden sands of Virginia Beach stretch for miles. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to take a stroll or bike along the three-mile boardwalk lined with cafés.

A block back, Atlantic Avenue plays host to Virginia Beach's dining scene, which incorporates everything from well-known names to family-run restaurants specializing in the bay's seafood.

But for all the glitz and glamour of Atlantic Avenue, it's Virginia Beach's natural splendors that will have you coming back again and again. As it twists with the coastline to become Shore Drive, you'll reach First Landing State Park. It preserves the spot at which English colonists first arrived on U.S. soil in 1607 after a five-month voyage. Meanwhile, out to sea, there's a chance to spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

The city’s central location on the Atlantic coastline means there are many destinations you can visit from Virginia Beach for very cheap. The busiest terminus in Virginia Beach is on Northampton Boulevard. It sees buses reach New York City in around eight hours. Head to Norfolk, and you can also jump on Amtrak's Northeast Regional train service to Boston.

Fredericksburg is a treasure trove for history fans, especially those interested in the Civil War era. When you are in town, check out Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, a site of four major battlefields during the Civil War. The park also features guided tours to contextualize what you see in the park. To learn more about the contributions of African Americans in Virginia, don't miss out on the historical sites along the Spotsylvania African American Heritage Trail. Fans of the nation's first president will want to hit up George Washington's Ferry Farm, where he spent several years during his childhood.

Fredericksburg is a famous location if you wish to grab some craft beer. The local breweries will quench your thirst with ease; Red Dragon Brewery and Spencer Devon Brewing are two standouts. If you are looking for a place to eat, The Log Cabin Restaurant is a local favorite with a cozy vibe.

Bus and train routes connect Fredericksburg to Washington, D.C., Atlanta, New York, and even Houston. Ground travel is usually the preferred mode of transit to reach Fredericksburg since the nearest airport is over 50 miles away at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.