The 25 Best Things to Do in Richmond, VA

Picture this: You're paddling through churning Class IV rapids, the skyline of Virginia's capital rising above the treeline. Surprised? You should be. This is Richmond, where the James River isn't just a scenic backdrop—it's the city's wild, beating heart.

But don't let the rapids fool you. Richmond is a city of layers, where history and hipsters coexist in perfect harmony. From the cobblestone streets of Church Hill to the colorful murals of the Arts District, RVA (as the locals call it) is a city that rewards the curious.

Whether you're a history buff tracing the footsteps of Patrick Henry, a foodie diving fork-first into the city's booming culinary scene, or an outdoor enthusiast looking for your next adrenaline fix, Richmond's got you covered. So grab your walking shoes (and maybe a life jacket)—we're diving into the 25 best things to do in this surprising Southern gem.

Raft the James River Rapids

Hold onto your hats (and paddles)! Richmond might be the only city in America where you can go from boardroom to Class IV rapids in under 10 minutes. The James River Park System offers a wild ride right through the heart of downtown, with options for every level of adventurer.

Newbies can start with a leisurely float, while adrenaline junkies can tackle the gnarly Hollywood Rapids. As you navigate the churning waters, you'll catch glimpses of the city skyline between the splashes. It's an urban adventure like no other, and a perspective on Richmond you won't get anywhere else.

Key Information:

• Location: Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• Hours: Daylight hours, best conditions typically March-October
• Price: Varies by outfitter, roughly $50-$100 per person

Why Visit: Where else can you experience world-class whitewater in the shadow of skyscrapers?

Insider Tip: For the best rapids, aim for a water level between 5-9 feet. Check the river levels before you go.

Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Art lovers, rejoice! The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a cultural powerhouse that punches well above its weight. With a collection spanning 5,000 years of world history, you'll find everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary installations.

The best part? This world-class museum is always free. That's right, you can gaze at Fabergé eggs, lose yourself in Impressionist masterpieces, and ponder modern sculptures without spending a dime. The VMFA's light-filled galleries and outdoor sculpture garden make for a perfect afternoon of cultural immersion.

Key Information:

• Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
• Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM (Thu and Fri until 9 PM)
• Admission: Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)

Why Visit: World-class art in a stunning setting, all for free.

Insider Tip: Don't miss Happy Hour at Amuse, the museum's restaurant, for great deals and a beautiful view of the sculpture garden.

Step Back in Time at St. John's Church

"Give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry's famous words still echo through the halls of St. John's Church, where the fiery orator delivered his revolutionary speech in 1775. This unassuming white clapboard church packs a serious historical punch.

Perched atop Church Hill (yep, that's where the neighborhood gets its name), St. John's offers guided tours that bring Colonial history to life. But the real treat comes on Sunday afternoons in the summer, when costumed reenactors perform Henry's speech. It's like a front-row seat to the American Revolution.

Key Information:

• Location: 2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 1 PM - 4 PM
• Admission: $8 for adults, reenactments $15

Why Visit: Experience a pivotal moment in American history where it actually happened.

Insider Tip: After the reenactment, take a stroll through Church Hill for some of the best views of the city skyline.

Indulge Your Taste Buds in Scott's Addition

Once an industrial wasteland, Scott's Addition has transformed into Richmond's hippest 'hood and a paradise for craft beer lovers. This former manufacturing district now boasts the highest concentration of breweries in Virginia, along with cideries, meaderies, and even a blue-ribbon-winning moonshine distillery.

Start your boozy adventure at Ardent Craft Ales, then hop (pun intended) over to The Veil Brewing Co. for some of the most inventive suds in town. Not a beer fan? No worries. Buskey Cider and Black Heath Meadery have you covered. And when hunger strikes, food trucks are always nearby to satisfy your cravings.

Key Information:

• Location: Roughly bounded by W Broad St, Boulevard, I-195, and the train tracks
• Hours: Vary by establishment, but generally afternoon to late evening
• Price: Beers typically $5-$8, tasting flights available

Why Visit: Experience Richmond's booming craft beverage scene in one walkable neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Visit on a Saturday for the best food truck selection and lively atmosphere.

Travel Through Time at the American Civil War Museum

The Civil War isn't just history in Richmond—it's part of the city's DNA. The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar offers a nuanced look at this complex period, telling the story from multiple perspectives: Union, Confederate, and African American.

Set in the ruins of the Tredegar Iron Works, which supplied much of the Confederacy's cannons, the museum's location is a artifact in itself. Interactive exhibits bring the 19th century to life, while thought-provoking displays challenge visitors to consider the war's legacy in modern America.

Key Information:

• Location: 500 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219
• Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
• Admission: $16 for adults

Why Visit: Gain a deeper understanding of the Civil War's impact on American history and culture.

Insider Tip: Don't miss the "In the Cause of Liberty" film for a powerful introduction to the museum's themes.

Stroll Through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Green thumbs and nature lovers, prepare to be wowed. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50-acre oasis of floral beauty, featuring more than a dozen themed gardens, a classical domed conservatory, and a children's garden complete with a treehouse.

In spring, tulips and daffodils paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Summer brings lush tropical plants and water lilies. Fall dazzles with chrysanthemums and autumn foliage. And winter? That's when the garden transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the annual Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.

Key Information:

• Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
• Hours: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM (until 9 PM for GardenFest of Lights)
• Admission: $14 for adults

Why Visit: Experience one of the top botanical gardens in the U.S., with beauty in every season.

Insider Tip: The Garden Café offers farm-to-table meals with ingredients grown on-site. It's the perfect spot for a scenic lunch.

Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

With over 400 years of history under its belt, Richmond has its fair share of ghost stories. From Civil War soldiers to jilted lovers, the city's spectral residents are nearly as famous as its living ones. A ghost tour is the perfect way to explore Richmond's darker side while learning about its history.

Several companies offer guided walks through the city's most haunted spots. You might hear tales of the vampire on Church Hill, the ghostly bride of the Jefferson Hotel, or the restless spirits of Hollywood Cemetery. Whether you're a true believer or just in it for the storytelling, these tours offer a uniquely spine-tingling perspective on RVA.

Key Information:

• Location: Various starting points, often in Shockoe Bottom or Church Hill
• Hours: Typically evenings, especially on weekends
• Price: Around $20 per person

Why Visit: Combine history, folklore, and a dash of spooky fun for a memorable night out.

Insider Tip: Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes—you'll be walking on uneven, sometimes dark streets.

Bike the Virginia Capital Trail

Fancy a two-wheeled adventure? The Virginia Capital Trail offers 52 miles of paved path connecting Richmond to Williamsburg, following the scenic Route 5 corridor. Don't worry—you don't have to tackle the whole thing (unless you want to, you overachiever, you).

Start at the Richmond trailhead in Great Shiplock Park and pedal east along the James River. You'll pass through lush forests, rolling farmland, and historic plantations. It's a beautiful ride any time of year, but especially stunning when the fall colors are in full swing.

Key Information:

• Location: Trailhead at 2803 Dock St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Price: Free

Why Visit: Experience Virginia's natural beauty and history at your own pace.

Insider Tip: Rent a bike from Kickstand at the trailhead, or join a guided tour for a deeper dive into the area's history.

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Maymont

Maymont is like Central Park with a Southern accent—a 100-acre Victorian estate turned public park that offers a little bit of everything. Start with a tour of the opulent Maymont Mansion, then lose yourself in the meticulously manicured gardens.

But wait, there's more! Maymont also features a nature center, a petting zoo, and even a small zoo with native Virginia wildlife. Keep an eye out for the black bears, bald eagles, and otters. It's the perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic.

Key Information:

• Location: 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Hours: Grounds open daily 10 AM - 7 PM, buildings have varying hours
• Admission: Grounds are free, $5 for mansion tours

Why Visit: Experience a slice of Gilded Age luxury alongside native wildlife and stunning gardens.

Insider Tip: The Japanese Garden is a hidden gem within Maymont—perfect for a moment of zen.

Discover Street Art in the Arts District

Richmond's Arts District is like an open-air gallery, with vibrant murals transforming bland walls into stunning works of art. The Richmond Mural Project has brought artists from around the world to leave their mark on the city, resulting in over 100 murals scattered throughout RVA.

Take a self-guided tour through the Arts District and beyond. You'll find everything from realistic portraits to abstract designs, each telling its own story. It's a colorful testament to Richmond's thriving creative scene—and great for your Instagram feed, too.

Key Information:

• Location: Centered around Broad St between Belvidere St and 4th St
• Hours: Always visible
• Price: Free

Why Visit: Experience world-class street art in an ever-changing outdoor gallery.

Insider Tip: Download the Richmond Mural Project map for a self-guided tour of the best murals.

Step into the Past at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

Quoth the raven, "Visit more!" While Edgar Allan Poe wasn't born in Richmond, he considered it his home—and the city has embraced the macabre master as one of its own. The Poe Museum, housed in the oldest standing house in Richmond, offers a deep dive into the life and works of America's original gothic bad boy.

From first editions of Poe's works to his childhood bed and even a lock of his hair (creepy, right?), the museum is a treasure trove for literary lovers. The enchanted garden out back, inspired by Poe's poems, is a tranquil spot for contemplation—or for penning your own tale of mystery and imagination.

Key Information:

• Location: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM, Sun 11 AM - 5 PM
• Admission: $9 for adults

Why Visit: Delve into the mind of one of America's most influential writers in a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Insider Tip: Visit on the last Friday of the month for "Unhappy Hour," featuring live music, performances, and Poe-inspired cocktails.

Catch a Show at the Historic Byrd Theatre

Step back in time at the Byrd Theatre, a movie palace that's been dazzling audiences since 1928. With its marble columns, crimson curtains, and crystal chandelier, watching a film here feels like being transported to Hollywood's Golden Age.

The Byrd shows second-run movies at bargain prices, making it a favorite for budget-conscious film buffs. But the real star of the show is the theater itself, with its ornate architecture and the mighty Wurlitzer organ that still rises from the orchestra pit for Saturday night performances.

Key Information:

• Location: 2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
• Hours: Showtimes vary, check website
• Admission: $4 for most shows

Why Visit: Experience cinema as it was meant to be—in a grand, historic setting.

Insider Tip: Arrive early on Saturday nights to catch the pre-show organ concert.

Shop and Dine in Carytown

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Carytown is Richmond's coolest shopping district, a nine-block stretch of Cary Street packed with over 300 locally-owned businesses. This is where RVA's hipsters, fashionistas, and foodies come to play.

Vintage clothing stores sit next to trendy boutiques, while used book shops neighbor gourmet food markets. When hunger strikes, you've got options ranging from authentic French crepes to mouthwatering Texas-style BBQ. And don't forget to stop by For the Love of Chocolate for some sweet treats—trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Key Information:

• Location: W Cary St between Thompson St and Boulevard
• Hours: Vary by business, generally 10 AM - 9 PM
• Price: Varies

Why Visit: Experience Richmond's vibrant local shopping and dining scene in one walkable stretch.

Insider Tip: Visit on the second Sunday of the month for the Carytown Craft & Antique Market, where local artisans showcase their wares.

Picnic on Belle Isle

Craving an urban oasis? Belle Isle is your answer. This 54-acre island park in the middle of the James River offers a perfect escape from city life, all within view of the downtown skyline.

Once a Civil War prison camp, Belle Isle is now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike the wooded trails, sunbathe on the rocky beach, or watch kayakers navigate the rapids. History buffs will appreciate the interpretive signs detailing the island's past, while thrill-seekers can try their hand at rock climbing on the granite outcroppings.

Key Information:

• Location: Access via pedestrian bridge from Tredegar St
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Enjoy a slice of wilderness in the heart of the city.

Insider Tip: Bring a picnic and stake out a spot on the rocks for a scenic lunch with river views.

Tour the Virginia State Capitol

Get your politics fix at the Virginia State Capitol, a stately building designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. This isn't just any government building—it's a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest working capitols in the country.

Free guided tours take you through the halls of power, including the Old House and Senate chambers. You'll learn about the building's architecture, the legislative process, and some of the key figures in Virginia's political history. Don't miss the life-sized statue of George Washington in the rotunda—legend has it that he struck his famous pose right here in Richmond.

Key Information:

• Location: 1000 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23218
• Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 5 PM, Sun 1 PM - 5 PM
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Witness democracy in action in a building steeped in history.

Insider Tip: Visit during the General Assembly session (January to March) to see legislators in action.

Reflect at the Virginia Holocaust Museum

The Virginia Holocaust Museum offers a sobering but important look at one of history's darkest chapters. Through powerful exhibits and personal stories, the museum honors the victims of the Holocaust and educates visitors about the dangers of prejudice and indifference.

The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages, making it an educational experience for families and school groups. While the subject matter is heavy, the museum's message of hope and resilience shines through, encouraging visitors to stand up against hatred and intolerance.

Key Information:

• Location: 2000 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM, Sat-Sun 11 AM - 5 PM
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Insider Tip: The museum offers guided tours with Holocaust survivors on select days—an incredibly moving experience if you can schedule it.

Explore Hollywood Cemetery

Don't let the name fool you—this isn't a tribute to Tinseltown, but rather one of the most beautiful and historically significant cemeteries in the country. Perched on a hill overlooking the James River, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of two U.S. Presidents, numerous Confederate generals, and countless Richmond notables.

Take a guided tour or wander the winding paths on your own, admiring the ornate tombstones and mausoleums. Keep an eye out for the famous iron dog statue, said to stand eternal watch over a little girl's grave. The views of the James River from President's Circle are some of the best in the city.

Key Information:

• Location: 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Hours: Daily 8 AM - 6 PM
• Admission: Free (guided tours available for a fee)

Why Visit: Experience a peaceful blend of history, art, and nature in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Insider Tip: Visit in October for "Halloween Hangouts," when costumed interpreters bring the cemetery's famous residents to life.

Savor Seafood at Rappahannock Oyster Co.

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You can't visit Virginia without sampling some of its famous Chesapeake Bay oysters, and there's no better place to do it than Rappahannock Oyster Co. This sleek restaurant in downtown Richmond serves up some of the freshest bivalves you'll ever taste, along with an array of other seafood delights.

Start with a platter of raw oysters—the menu usually features several varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile. Then move on to cooked specialties like wood-grilled fish or the legendary crab cakes. Pair your meal with a local craft beer or a crisp white wine for the full experience.

Key Information:

• Location: 320 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
• Hours: Tue-Thu 11:30 AM - 10 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM - 11 PM, Sun 11 AM - 9 PM
• Price: $$-$$$

Why Visit: Taste the best of Virginia's seafood in a stylish, contemporary setting.

Insider Tip: Happy hour (3-6 PM weekdays) offers great deals on oysters and drinks.

Get Inspired at the Institute for Contemporary Art

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University is Richmond's newest art museum, and it's making waves in the art world. This striking building, all angles and reflective surfaces, houses rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art from around the globe.

But the ICA isn't just about looking at art—it's about engaging with it. The museum hosts regular talks, workshops, and performances, encouraging visitors to think critically about the art they're seeing. And the best part? Admission is always free, making world-class contemporary art accessible to everyone.

Key Information:

• Location: 601 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
• Hours: Wed-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM (until 8 PM on Fridays)
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Experience thought-provoking contemporary art in a stunning architectural setting.

Insider Tip: Check the ICA's website for their event calendar—their opening parties for new exhibitions are not to be missed.

Take a Food Tour

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Richmond's food scene has exploded in recent years, earning the city accolades from national food magazines and drawing culinary tourists from around the country. What better way to sample the best of RVA's eats than with a guided food tour?

Real Richmond Food Tours offers a variety of themed walks that combine history, architecture, and of course, plenty of delicious food. You might sample craft beer in Scott's Addition, explore the flavors of Carytown, or dive into the international cuisines of the West End. Come hungry—you'll be doing a lot of eating!

Key Information:

• Location: Various starting points around the city
• Hours: Tours typically run on weekends
• Price: Around $60 per person

Why Visit: Sample a wide variety of Richmond's best eats while learning about the city's history and culture.

Insider Tip: Vegetarian? No problem. Let them know in advance, and they'll arrange meat-free alternatives at each stop.

Relax at Libby Hill Park

For the best view in Richmond, head to Libby Hill Park in the historic Church Hill neighborhood. This small but scenic park offers panoramic views of the James River and the downtown skyline—a vista so impressive that it supposedly inspired the naming of Richmond after Richmond-upon-Thames in England.

Bring a blanket and a book, or pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy hillside. The park is especially beautiful at sunset, when the city lights start to twinkle and the sky turns a brilliant array of colors. It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, and once you see the view, you'll understand why.

Key Information:

• Location: 2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Enjoy the best view of Richmond's skyline and the James River.

Insider Tip: Visit during the East End Festival in September for live music, food trucks, and an unbeatable atmosphere.

Experience History at Agecroft Hall

How's this for quirky: Agecroft Hall is a 15th-century English Tudor manor house... in Richmond, Virginia. Originally built in Lancashire, England, the house was dismantled, shipped across the Atlantic, and rebuilt in Richmond's Windsor Farms neighborhood in the 1920s.

Today, Agecroft Hall operates as a house museum, offering a glimpse into the lives of English gentry in both Tudor times and the American Gilded Age. The gardens are a particular highlight, designed in the style of a 17th-century English garden complete with Elizabethan-style knot garden and fragrant herbs.

Key Information:

• Location: 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, VA 23221
• Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 12:30 PM - 5 PM
• Admission: $10 for adults

Why Visit: Step back in time and across the Atlantic in this unique Tudor house museum.

Insider Tip: Visit in the summer for the Richmond Shakespeare Festival, performed in Agecroft's courtyard.

Paddle the Pony Pasture Rapids

For a more laid-back river experience than the downtown rapids, head to Pony Pasture. This section of the James River Park System offers gentle rapids perfect for tubing or beginner kayaking, along with scenic hiking trails and quiet spots for fishing or sunbathing.

On hot summer days, locals flock to Pony Pasture to cool off in the river. Rent a tube or kayak from a local outfitter, or bring your own. Even if you don't get in the water, the rocky outcroppings make for great picnic spots with a view.

Key Information:

• Location: 7200 Riverside Dr, Richmond, VA 23225
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Enjoy a relaxing day on the river in a beautiful natural setting.

Insider Tip: Water shoes are a must—the rocks can be slippery!

Browse the South of the James Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning, Forest Hill Park transforms into a bustling marketplace as the South of the James Farmers Market takes over. This isn't your average farmers market—it's more like a weekly festival, with live music, food trucks, and dozens of vendors selling everything from farm-fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Start your morning with a freshly baked pastry and locally roasted coffee, then peruse the stalls for seasonal fruits and veggies, artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, and much more. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or picnic supplies for your Richmond adventures.

Key Information:

• Location: 4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
• Hours: Saturdays 8 AM - 12 PM (May-December)
• Admission: Free

Why Visit: Experience Richmond's local food scene and community spirit in one lively morning.

Insider Tip: Bring cash—not all vendors accept cards.

Structuring Your Richmond Trip: A 3-Day Itinerary

So you've got three days to explore Richmond? Lucky you! Here's how to make the most of your time in RVA:

Day 1: Downtown and Capitol District

Start your Richmond adventure in the heart of the city. Begin with a tour of the Virginia State Capitol, then stroll down to St. John's Church for a dose of Revolutionary history. Grab lunch at Rappahannock Oyster Co., then spend your afternoon exploring the exhibits at the American Civil War Museum.

As evening falls, head to Libby Hill Park for sunset views over the city. Cap off your night with dinner and drinks in the buzzing Scott's Addition neighborhood.

Day 2: Museum Day and River Fun

Kick off your day with a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. After getting your art fix, head to Carytown for lunch and some boutique shopping. In the afternoon, make your way to Belle Isle for a picnic and some urban hiking.

If you're feeling adventurous, book a rafting trip on the James River rapids. Otherwise, relax on the rocks and watch the kayakers go by. For dinner, try one of the trendy restaurants in the Arts District, then take an evening ghost tour for some spooky fun.

Day 3: Gardens and Culture

Start your final day with a peaceful morning at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. After lunch, explore the exhibits at the Institute for Contemporary Art, then take a stroll through Hollywood Cemetery.

Spend your last evening in Richmond exploring the restaurants and shops of Church Hill, one of the city's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. If it's a Friday, don't miss the First Fridays Art Walk for a final taste of Richmond's creative spirit.

Remember, this itinerary is just a suggestion—feel free to mix and match based on your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art lover, Richmond has plenty to keep you entertained. So get out there and start exploring—who knows what hidden gems you'll discover in this surprising Southern city!