Places to Explore…

Richmond, known as The River City, lives up to its name in outdoor activity options. From after-work urban whitewater rafting and stand-up paddle-boarding on the James River to biking, swimming, and bouldering on islands in the center of the city, Richmond has an active outdoor community. For enthusiasts, each year the nation’s premier sports and outdoor festival, Dominion Riverrock, is hosted in Richmond.

Thanks to its status as a capitol city, the city also offers a tremendous offering of thoughtfully designed and well-maintained museums and public spaces. From Maymont, a 100-acre Victorian estate and public park with arboretum and formal gardens, to the Canal Walk, a historical path enjoyed by foot, bike, or boat covering four centuries of history via medallions, statues, sculptures, and other exhibits that tell the story of this city, you can wander, wonder, and learn throughout the city. The 1.25-mile bike-friendly Canal Walk connects the Virginia Capital Trail and Low Line gardens on the East to Brown’s Island and Belle Isle on the West.

Art & Modern Design

Dwell.com discusses Richmond’s “under-the-radar modernism” and explains how “the juxtaposition of modern and traditional makes Richmond such a visually dynamic city.” Check out the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University, the new, modern architectural beacon welcoming visitors to the city. It anchors monthly First Friday art events along Broad St., featuring restaurant and artist events, gallery openings, and more.

For an outstanding look at art throughout the ages, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features world-class temporary exhibits as well as an impressive permanent collection.

The Richmond Mural Project is a yearly event which brings world-renown artistic talent to the city and has helped to establish Richmond as a landmark destination for internationally recognized murals in addition to iconic street art.

Leisure & Learning

Jetsetter named Richmond one of the seven The Best Places to Travel in April (and the only one in the domestic US).

To add more playtime to your day, within a few blocks from our HQ, the neighborhood offers (bar)arcades like The Circuit and Bingo Beer Co., a boutique bowling alley, and even a shuffleboard social club.

The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design elevates awareness of the transformative power of architecture and design through events, exhibitions, and installations in its historical space. The stunning Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic and offers year-round events and activities in the 50-acre preserve. For more traditional museum vibes, the Science Museum of Virginia is home to not only a variety of interactive exhibits for all ages, but also The Grand Kugel, a 29-ton granite ball you can spin with the slightest touch. The Valentine Museum showcases Richmond history and hosts live music during the summer in their garden events series. The Poe Museum and its dark, quirky vibe is devoted to Edgar Allan Poe and his formative years in Richmond. In the summer, unwind and enjoy live music during their monthly “Unhappy Hour” events.

Historical Interest

There’s plenty to see and explore within Richmond. Visit out St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech, then walk to the Virginia Holocaust Museum, the former confederate hospital which is now the Chimborazo Medical Museum, or follow the Canal Walk to the American Civil War Museum and historic Tredegar Iron Works.

Skip the walk and discover historic Church Hill, various city highlights, or the riverfront areas on two wheels with Richmond Rides.

Interested in a short road trip? The historic trifecta of Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, and Charlottesville, Virginia are each less than 1.5 hours away.

In the News:

If the info above hasn’t provided enough ideas of how to stay busy in the city, here are a few other features to check out:

The Travel Channel - “Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia” covers a number of our favorites
Sherman’s Travel - ‘Smart Luxury’ guide for places to stay, eat, and things to do while in the city

All photos on this page are courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism.