Free things to do

Stafford provides the opportunity to do many different activities for little to no expense. From outdoor recreation to historical sites, explore the variety of Stafford’s attractions while keeping the tab low and the quality of experiences high!

What To Do

Start your day with a hike at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve. Bring a snack and walk the trails with your loved ones and friends and enjoy the scenery, bright green trees, and the smell of the great outdoors. There are a variety of trails ranging in length and rigor to choose from – depending how long you want to escape in the natural preserve. The preserves have been known for the abundance of birds and wildlife-watching opportunities, specifically the Blue Herons who wade in the waters of the Potomac River and Creek, nesting Bald Eagles, and Songbirds. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of nature by launching your own canoe or kayak with the 4-mile Crow’s Nest Water Trail (8-miles round trip). For the adventurous, paddle to Boykin’s Landing and hike the trails to extend your exploration by foot.

Take in amazing history at the Stafford Civil War Park. This historic site, situated on 41 acres, allows visitors to tour eight spots that once hosted the union army following the Battle of Fredericksburg in early 1863. See where the troops fought, slept, and even wrote letters to their family members. Next, visit the Aquia Episcopal Church, where confederate and union soldiers held services when making their way through the community. See where confederate soldiers made their mark on the church by carving their names into the bricks of the church’s exterior. Looking for more historical site around the community? Follow our Memorials, Markers, and Museums trail to find an abundance of opportunities to travel back in time in Stafford County and the Fredericksburg area.

Visit the places where African Americans worshiped, lived and labored on the African-American Heritage Tour. Hear the stories about the prominent people who lived or were brought here and see the locations where they lived out these stories. Learn about The Trail to Freedom, located halfway between Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and see the routes of freedom-seekers which takes you through Stafford and the surrounding areas.

Take a load off and let the kids run around at Curtis Memorial Park playground then try something new and play a round of disc golf through the trees of the park. The 18-hole course is an easy and inexpensive way to have some family-friendly competition before a bite to eat. Bring a lunch and enjoy the pavilions surrounded by trees and grass.

Finish your day at Aquia Landing watching the sunset! Watch from the shore and feel the breeze on your face as you take in the natural scenery. See different wildlife that is native to the area as you sit on the beach and wiggle your toes in the sand.

Where To Stay

Want to spend more time? Rest up in one of our 29 affordable hotels. With breakfast included with most reservations and many having pools for you and your family to splash around in, it’s easy to make Stafford an affordable weekend getaway.