Civil War Trails: A Journey Through America’s Battlegrounds

Arrive in Washington, D.C., in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Begin your evening with a leisurely visit to the Lincoln Memorial, beautifully illuminated at night, and reflect on its significance to Civil War history. If time permits, take a short walk to the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a poignant experience. Enjoy dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic eatery near the White House, known for its classic American dishes and welcoming ambiance.

Highlights: Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Meal Suggestion: Old Ebbitt Grill for classic American cuisine.

Begin your day with a private walking tour of Capitol Hill, including visits to the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress. This engaging tour provides fascinating insights into the nation’s legislative and judicial history. Continue your exploration at Arlington National Cemetery, where you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame. Consider a stop at Fort Stevens, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in the District of Columbia. Spend the evening enjoying the charm of the Georgetown Waterfront, perfect for a scenic stroll and photo opportunities.

Highlights: Private Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Stevens, Georgetown Waterfront.

Meal Suggestion: Fiola Mare for an elegant dinner.

Collect your hire car from a downtown location and drive to Baltimore (1 hour) to explore both Civil War and War of 1812 sites. Visit Fort McHenry National Monument, famous for inspiring "The Star-Spangled Banner." Stop at the Baltimore Civil War Museum at President Street Station and Loudon Park National Cemetery. Enjoy lunch at Thames Street Oyster House in the historic Fells Point district. For additional exploration, consider visiting the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, where the iconic flag was sewn, or the USS Constellation, a historic Civil War-era ship docked in the Inner Harbor. Relax at Federal Hill Park for panoramic views of the city.

Highlights: Fort McHenry, Baltimore Civil War Museum, Loudon Park National Cemetery, Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, USS Constellation, Federal Hill Park.
Meal Suggestion: Thames Street Oyster House for fresh seafood. For dinner, consider Charleston

Restaurant for upscale dining or Bertha’s Mussels for a casual local experience.

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Gettysburg, where an expert guide will lead you through the town’s historic streets, sharing stories of the battle and its impact on the local community. The tour provides a unique perspective beyond the battlefield. For those interested, consider visiting key battlefield sites like Devil’s Den and Pickett’s Charge, or explore the Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

Highlights: Guided Gettysburg Walking Tour, Devil’s Den, Pickett’s Charge, Eisenhower Historic Site.

Meal Suggestion: Tommy’s Pizza for a relaxed meal.

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Gettysburg, where an expert guide will lead you through the town’s historic streets, sharing stories of the battle and its impact on the local community. The tour provides a unique perspective beyond the battlefield. For those interested, consider visiting key battlefield sites like Devil’s Den and Pickett’s Charge, or explore the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Enjoy lunch at Tommy’s Pizza, a local favourite for casual dining.

Highlights: Guided Gettysburg Walking Tour, Devil’s Den, Pickett’s Charge, Eisenhower Historic Site.

Meal Suggestion: Tommy’s Pizza for a relaxed meal.

Drive to Antietam National Battlefield (1.5 hours) to walk the Dunker Church and Burnside’s Bridge trails. Stop at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, located on the battlefield, to learn about Civil War medical practices and their evolution during the war. Continue to Harpers Ferry (30 minutes) to visit the historic town and John Brown's Fort, the site of the famous 1859 raid that was a precursor to the Civil War. Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, which offers scenic views of the river. Enjoy lunch at Almost Heaven Pub and Grill.

Highlights: Antietam Battlefield, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, John Brown's Fort, St. Peter’s Church.
Meal Suggestion: Almost Heaven Pub and Grill for craft beers and hearty meals.

Drive to Manassas (1.5 hours) to explore the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. Visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park and the Henry Hill Visitor Center for insights into the battles. En route to Chancellorsville, consider a stop at Brandy Station Battlefield near Culpeper, the site of the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War. Continue to Chancellorsville Battlefield (1 hour), where General Lee achieved his greatest victory, including Stonewall Jackson’s famous flank attack. Walk the trails and visit the visitor center to learn about this pivotal battle.

Highlights: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Henry Hill Visitor Center, Brandy Station Battlefield, Chancellorsville Battlefield.
Meal Suggestion: Carmello’s for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine; Malones of Manassas for upscale American fare.

Drive to Richmond (2 hours), the former capital of the Confederacy. Begin your day with a leisurely morning to explore at your own pace. Visit the American Civil War Museum and the historic Tredegar Iron Works to delve deeper into Richmond’s Civil War legacy. Walk along Monument Avenue, lined with historic statues, and visit the White House of the Confederacy. For those interested in additional exploration, consider a visit to the nearby Cold Harbor Battlefield in Mechanicsville, a key site in the Overland Campaign known for its well-preserved trenches and haunting history. End the day with a peaceful walk through Hollywood Cemetery, where Confederate President Jefferson Davis and numerous Civil War generals are buried.

Highlights: American Civil War Museum, Tredegar Iron Works, Monument Avenue, White House of the Confederacy, Cold Harbor Battlefield, Hollywood Cemetery.

Meal Suggestion: Lemaire for refined Southern dining.

Take a day trip to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (1.5 hours), where General Lee surrendered, effectively ending the Civil War. Explore the restored village, including the McLean House, where the formal surrender was signed. Visit the Museum of the Confederacy at Appomattox to gain deeper insights into the final days of the Civil War. For those interested, consider stopping at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park on the way, a key site marking one of Lee’s last battles. Return to Richmond for the evening.

Highlights: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, McLean House, Museum of the Confederacy, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park.

Meal Suggestion: The Babcock House for a traditional Southern lunch.

Drive to Fredericksburg (1 hour) to visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield, including the historic Sunken Road and Marye’s Heights. Start at the visitor center to gain an overview of the battle and its significance. Take a walking tour of the battlefield to explore these pivotal sites. Visit Chatham Manor, overlooking the Rappahannock River, which served as a Union headquarters and a hospital during the battle. For those with time, consider exploring additional sites within the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park to deepen your understanding of the region's history.

Highlights: Fredericksburg Battlefield, Sunken Road, Marye’s Heights, Chatham Manor, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Meal Suggestion: Foode for a farm-to-table dining experience.

Start your day in Richmond and drive to Newport News (1.5 hours) to explore the pivotal sites of the Battle of Hampton Roads. Begin at the Mariners' Museum and Park, home to the USS Monitor Center, where you’ll discover artifacts and stories from the historic clash of the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Stop for lunch at Second Street American Bistro in Newport News.

In the afternoon, visit Fort Monroe in Hampton, a historic site tied to both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Walk the grounds, visit the Casemate Museum, and learn about the site’s significance in American history.

Continue to Norfolk (30 minutes) and spend your evening exploring the USS Wisconsin, a historic battleship docked at the Nauticus Maritime Center. Take a stroll along the Elizabeth River Trail for scenic views before enjoying dinner at Freemason Abbey, a beloved local spot housed in a renovated church.

Highlights: Mariners' Museum and Park, USS Monitor Center, Fort Monroe, USS Wisconsin, Elizabeth River Trail.

Meal Suggestion: Second Street American Bistro for lunch; Freemason Abbey for dinner.

Drive to Fayetteville en route to Charleston, which makes an ideal break in your journey. Check out the Airborne & Special Operations Museum to explore exhibits on the history of the U.S. Army’s elite units, and maybe grab some lunch at Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar.
Continue your drive to Charleston (2.5 hours) and check into your accommodations. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Consider a sunset stroll through the Charleston Historic District or a casual visit to the Charleston City Market.

Highlights: Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Charleston Historic District, Charleston City Market.

Meal Suggestion: Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar for lunch; Husk for an elevated Southern dining experience.

Begin your day with Charleston's Old South Carriage Historic Tour, which takes you through the cobblestone streets of the Historic District while your guide shares fascinating stories of Charleston’s Civil War history. After the tour, visit Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and enjoy the scenic boat ride to the fort.
In the afternoon, explore Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, known for its beautiful grounds and historical significance. For a more relaxing option, take a stroll along the Battery and White Point Garden, with views of historic mansions and Charleston Harbor.

Highlights: Charleston’s Old South Carriage Tour, Fort Sumter, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Battery and White Point Garden.

Meal Suggestion: Fleet Landing for fresh seafood and waterfront dining.
Stroll

Begin your journey from Charleston to Atlanta (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, explore Atlanta’s rich history, including a visit to the Atlanta History Center, which offers insightful exhibits on the Civil War and Southern culture. For those interested in Civil Rights history, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park provides a moving exploration of his life and legacy.

Highlights: Atlanta History Center, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Meal Suggestion: Mary Mac’s Tea Room for Southern comfort food.

Spend your day further exploring Atlanta’s Civil War and historical landmarks. Begin with a visit to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (approximately 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta) to walk the trails and learn about the pivotal 1864 battle. Return to the city and visit the Atlanta History Center, featuring the Cyclorama, a panoramic depiction of the Battle of Atlanta, and extensive Civil War exhibits. Stop by Oakland Cemetery, where Confederate soldiers and other notable figures are buried, for a reflective experience.
If time permits, head to Stone Mountain Park, known for its Confederate Memorial Carving and scenic trails.

Highlights: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Atlanta History Center, Oakland Cemetery, Stone Mountain Park.

Meal Suggestion: South City Kitchen for contemporary Southern dining.

Spend your final morning enjoying free time in Atlanta. Take a leisurely stroll through Piedmont Park or visit any missed attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola or the Georgia Aquarium. After lunch, return your rental car at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and prepare for your onward or return flight.

Highlights: Piedmont Park, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium.
Meal Suggestion: A light farewell lunch at Ponce City Market.