Overview
Petersburg is a city in Central Virginia.
2 sights · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Petersburg
Pamplin Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier,
On the outskirts of Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, this park and museum are must-see attractions for anyone interested in the Civil War. The park presents the "Breakthrough" battle in April 1865 that led to the fall of …
Petersburg National Battlefield
The park commemorates the nine and one-half month siege of this city from June 1864 - April 1865. A driving tour of the battlefields outlined on the park map includes 13 separate sites with three visitor centers along a …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Richmond)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RIC Richmond International Airport, Richmond — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 50 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $15 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pamplin Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier,
- Lunch The Brickhouse Run
- Afternoon Petersburg National Battlefield
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Just outside of Richmond, this town was a crucial rail hub during the American Civil War and holding Petersburg meant easy access to the Confederate capital at Richmond. After Union General Grant couldn't outflank Confederate General Lee during the Overland Campaign in the summer of 1864 Lee dug in here in trench warfare reminiscent of World War I until his lines were stretched too thin and he abandoned his positions to try to get away from Grant, only to be caught at Appomattox, leading to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy's main field army.
Get in
By train
Go Petersburg Station
By bus
- Petersburg public transit operates a bus to/from Richmond.
See
See Pamplin Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier,
On the outskirts of Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, this park and museum are must-see attractions for anyone interested in the Civil War. The park presents the "Breakthrough" battle in April 1865 that led to the fall of Petersburg and the surrender at Appomattox Court House. Use of interactive technology and first-rate presentation make the park and museum engaging and enjoyable by all ages. The walking trails include views of well-preserved fortifications and the park includes agricultural exhibits that are accurate to the period. Plan a full day if you want to take it all in. A more complete experience is available through a Civil War camp that is offered by the park.
Eat
Eat The Brickhouse Run
An intimate pub and restaurant with great atmosphere and food.
Sleep
Nearby
Richmond
City / town · 6 listings · 23 mi away
Blackstone
City / town · 8 listings · 34 mi away
Ashland
City / town · 14 listings · 38 mi away
Hanover
City / town · 8 listings · 38 mi away
Williamsburg
City / town · 34 listings · 38 mi away
Colonial Williamsburg
City / town · 67 listings · 39 mi away
Crewe
City / town · 7 listings · 40 mi away
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
City / town · 25 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.