10 Easy Road Trips Near Petersburg, Virginia (That Take You Out of the County)
If you’re based in
Petersburg, Virginia and getting a little stir crazy, you’re in the perfect spot for quick, easy road trips. In less than 30–40 minutes, you can be walking riverside trails, tasting local beer, stepping onto Civil War battlefields, or shopping your way through small downtowns.
This guide focuses on
short out-of-county road trips from Petersburg, using nearby:
- Chesterfield County, VA
- Dinwiddie County, VA
- Prince George County, VA
- Colonial Heights (independent city), VA
No long drives, no complicated planning. Just honest, easy things to do near Petersburg for a half-day or full-day adventure.
1. Walk the Appomattox River at the Colonial Heights Riverfront
Just across the river from Petersburg,
Colonial Heights gives you a quieter change of scenery without a long trip. The Appomattox Riverfront area is perfect when you just want to get outside and breathe.
You’ll find:
- Riverside walking paths
- Plenty of spots to sit and watch the water
- Easy access to casual dining nearby
On a warm evening, grab a coffee or ice cream and take a slow stroll along the river. It’s simple, but it feels like a mini vacation after a busy week.
Why it’s great for Petersburg locals: It feels different from home but is close enough that you don’t have to pack or plan much. Just hop in the car and go.
2. Shop, Eat, and People-Watch at Southpark Mall (Colonial Heights)
When the weather’s iffy,
Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights is one of the easiest road trips from Petersburg. It’s just outside your county line, but it gives you that “day out” feeling.
You can:
- Window shop or tackle your shopping list
- Grab a casual lunch or sit-down dinner
- Let kids burn energy walking the wide halls
I’ve done plenty of “I’ll just look” trips here that turned into a full afternoon. It’s especially nice around the holidays when the mall is decorated and lively.
Tip: Plan a later matinee at a nearby theater and turn it into a full rainy-day escape.
3. Step Into History at Pamplin Historical Park (Dinwiddie County)
If you’re into
American history, especially the Civil War, Pamplin Historical Park in
Dinwiddie County is a must-do day trip just outside Petersburg’s county.
This large history park includes:
- The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier
- Living history demonstrations (on select days)
- Preserved earthworks and battlefield sites
- Walking trails through fields and woods
You don’t have to be a “history buff” to appreciate it. The exhibits do a good job telling human stories, not just dates and battle names. Kids who enjoy hands-on learning usually love this place.
Road trip idea: Pack a simple picnic and plan to spend a half day here walking the grounds and exploring the museum.
4. Explore the Trails and Lakes of Pocahontas State Park (Chesterfield County)
Looking for
outdoor things to do near Petersburg? Head into
Chesterfield County and spend the day at
Pocahontas State Park, one of Virginia’s most popular state parks.
Here you can:
- Hike or bike miles of wooded trails
- Rent a boat or paddle on the lake (in season)
- Swim at the park’s pool and water features (summer)
- Enjoy shaded picnic areas with grills
It’s about the kind of park where you can keep it simple: toss some chairs and a cooler in the trunk, drive over, and decide what to do when you get there.
Pack this: Bug spray, sunscreen, and a light jacket if you’re heading out in spring or fall. The woods can be a bit cooler than you expect.
5. Hit the Water at Swift Creek Reservoir (Chesterfield County)
For something a little more low-key than a big state park, try the
Swift Creek Reservoir area in Chesterfield County.
Depending on where you go around the reservoir, you can find:
- Scenic water views for photos
- Access for kayaking or canoeing
- Nearby restaurants with lake views
This is a great choice if you just want to relax by the water rather than “hike hard.” I like to treat it as a Sunday drive destination—roll down the windows, drive the back roads, and then stop for a meal overlooking the water.
Tip: Check ahead for rental options if you don’t own a kayak or canoe. Some outfitters operate seasonally.
6. Visit the Tranquil Countryside of Prince George County
Just east of Petersburg,
Prince George County offers a slower, rural vibe that feels a world away even though it’s close by.
On a simple road trip through Prince George, you can:
- Drive quiet country roads
- Stop at local diners or family-owned restaurants
- Visit small farms or roadside stands (seasonal)
If you’re the kind of person who finds peace in big open fields, old barns, and blue-sky back roads, this is your kind of drive. It’s a nice reset after a busy workweek.
Idea: Put on your favorite playlist, pick a direction, and just explore. Sometimes the best things to do near Petersburg are the simplest.
7. Explore Civil War Sites in Prince George County
Beyond the countryside,
Prince George County also holds key
Civil War history. While Petersburg is famous for the Siege of Petersburg, the surrounding county carries its own stories.
Around Prince George you can:
- Visit smaller historic markers and sites tied to the siege
- Walk quiet fields where troops once marched
- Connect your Petersburg history knowledge to the broader campaign
If you like connecting the dots between what you’ve read in history books and what you see in person, this area makes a great short drive. Bring a map or save a few key sites on your phone before you go.
Tip: Many of these spots are self-guided, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a bit of walking.
8. Enjoy a Relaxed Food + Shopping Day in Chesterfield County
Sometimes, the best “road trip” is really just a change of scenery for your usual errands and eating out.
Chesterfield County has plenty of shopping centers and dining options that make for a low-stress day away from Petersburg.
You can:
- Browse big-box stores and local shops
- Try new-to-you restaurants and coffee shops
- Plan a casual date day or friend hangout
Think of it as a “comfort day”: no history lessons, no hiking boots, just good food and easy browsing. If you’ve got kids, this can also be a reward day—grab lunch, hit a store they enjoy, and maybe get dessert on the way home.
Road trip tip: Make a short list of places you want to try so you’re not driving in circles once you get there.
9. Discover Quiet Roads and Backcountry in Dinwiddie County
To the west and south of Petersburg,
Dinwiddie County offers classic Virginia backroads with big skies and wide-open spaces. If you’ve ever wanted to just “go for a drive,” this is where you do it.
Along the way you might:
- Find small country stores with great biscuits or fried chicken
- See old churches and historic cemeteries
- Pull over for photos of fields, forests, and sunsets
I like to think of these drives as a “mental reset button.” You may not hit a famous attraction, but you’ll come home feeling calmer.
Tip: Keep your gas tank at least half full before wandering side roads. Rural areas can mean fewer gas stations.
10. Picnic and Play at a Park in Colonial Heights
Rounding out this list, head back to
Colonial Heights for some easy family-friendly fun at one of the city’s parks. You’ll find:
- Playgrounds for kids
- Open fields for tossing a ball or flying a kite
- Shaded picnic areas for a simple meal outside
Sometimes, especially if you have young kids, you don’t need a full-day adventure. You just need a new playground that isn’t the same one you visited three times last week.
Easy plan: Make sandwiches at home, pack a blanket, grab a ball or frisbee, and spend a couple of hours across the river.
Tips for Short Road Trips from Petersburg
To make the most of these
short out-of-county road trips near Petersburg, keep a simple “go bag” ready:
- Reusable water bottles – cheaper and easier than stopping all the time
- Phone charger and car adapter – for maps and photos
- Small first-aid kit – especially for hikes and parks
- Light jacket or hoodie – weather can change fast
Think of these trips as building blocks. Start with a nearby spot in Colonial Heights, then branch out to Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George as you feel more adventurous.
What’s Your Favorite Short Trip from Petersburg?
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have a go-to spot in
Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, or Colonial Heights that you love for a quick escape from Petersburg?
Did I miss a great park, trail, or small-town restaurant?
Share your ideas in the comments so other locals and travelers can discover new things to do near Petersburg, Virginia.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” A short drive might be all they need.
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