Things to do & places to visit in Richmond, Virginia, United States

Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the American Civil War Museum, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighborhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.

Richmond city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 4:46.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (3.121 reviews)
- Huge, beautiful museum.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Art Museums

VMFA Arts is a top comprehensive US art museum with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. The Wall Street Journal recently stated that VMFA is now a "two day museum." See more..
5.0 Library of Virginia (87 reviews)
- Hope to Return
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Libraries

I had not been to the Library of Virginia and popped in just before closing time on a recent visit to Richmond. It looks extremely well organized with plenty of helpful staff. I hope to return, when I have more time, to do genealogical research. See more..
4.5 Maymont (2.069 reviews)
- Beautiful House
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Farms • Gardens

Maymont is a 100-acre American estate, an extraordinary gift given to the community by James and Sallie Dooley who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion, watching a river otter at play, or petting a goat, there is something for everyone to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (1.613 reviews)
- Elegant experience
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area. See more..
4.5 Hollywood Cemetery (1.425 reviews)
- Cool Cemetery with lots of famous and infamous buried here
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cemeteries

Came on a beautiful afternoon. Stopped at the office for a map of the grounds and tour drive. We drove thru the cemetery following the tour route and using the map we were able to find many famous folk buried there. Lots of hills and narrow roads - I would recommend driving and if you could find a guide that would be cool too. Free and a neat way to spend a couple of hours. See more..
4.5 White House of the Confederacy (1.262 reviews)
- Very good
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and staff, masks are required & the majority of the tour will take place outside the House. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the rooms on the first floor with a trained guide and take pictures. The walkthrough will conclude in the basement with a Q&A session. The White House of the Confederacy is located in downtown Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood, just a few blocks from Capitol Square. Guided tours of Jefferson Davis' executive mansion leave from the Museum lobby throughout the day and typically last around 45 minutes. The American Civil War Museum owns and maintains the White House of the Confederacy. You can visit their other Richmond location at Historic Tredegar. The Museum of the Confederacy is no longer open. It closed September 30, 2018 as we prepare to move the collection to its new home at the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar. The new museum building will open in the spring of 2019. See more..
4.5 Carytown (1.167 reviews)
- Unique/Eclectic Shops | Plenty of Restaurants | Close to Museum District
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Section of Richmond that is great for walking, shopping or touring museums and galleries. See more..
4.5 Virginia Capitol Building (1.077 reviews)
- Great Docent Tour
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

Inside the white, columned state capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson to resemble a first-century Roman temple in France, is the only sculpture of George Washington produced in his lifetime. See more..
4.5 Tredegar Iron Works (496 reviews)
- The Ironworks are Worth the Trip
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

I loved this museum. If you have any interest in the Civil War, you need to visit this site and take a look at the museum. The exhibits were fascinating - one was on banking and how the federal government financed the war and the other was about what the Confederacy wanted to achieve after independence. As a teacher, I found both fascinating and will be using some of the material from those exhibits in class. The curators at the museum really know their stuff. The American Civil War Museum has not only managed to preserve this historic site, but they have turned it into a fully functional education space. I mean, I was looking at objects that once belonged to Robert E. Lee. The Smithsonian would probably kill to have some of those artifacts. I only had two hours here, but I could have spent the whole day. I will be going back the next time I am in Richmond. See more..
4.5 Science Museum of Virginia (452 reviews)
- Very interactive!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums

"We're not your dad's Science Museum!" says Science Museum of Virginia Director/CWO (that's Chief Wonder Officer) Richard Conti. "Our newly re-imagined Museum is a place that is relevant to your life and fun!"Our mission: Inspiring Virginians to enrich their lives through science.Our Story: Since its founding by the Virginia General Assembly in 1970, the Science Museum of Virginia has become the premier center for hands-on science education in Virginia. The Museum has permanent exhibitions on health, energy and natural science and includes hundreds of interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts, live animals, a theater company and cutting edge technology. The 76-foot Dome Theater creates the ultimate "you are there" experience with the largest film screen in Virginia wrapped around you. The Museum also features visiting exhibitions, educational programming, overnight adventures, lectures, demonstrations and summer camps. The Museum receives guidance and generous support from community leaders and organizations. The Museum's Board of Trustees is appointed by the Governor and provides oversight and policy guidance. The Science Museum of Virginia Foundation raises funds to support the mission, operations and capital needs of the museum. The Museum is also the parent organization for the Danville Science Center. The Science Museum of Virginia is located in Richmond's Museum District, in historic Broad Street Station designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope, at 2500 West Broad Street. See more..
4.5 Virginia Holocaust Museum (415 reviews)
- The HolocaustTime Capsule
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

Founded to educate the community about the tragedies of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum strives to memorialize and document the atrocities of World War II. Through exhibits, programming, and outreach, the Museum uses the history of genocide to teach the dangers of prejudice and indifference. See more..
4.5 St. John's Episcopal Church (405 reviews)
- Well Worth a Visit for the History
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Historic St. John's Church - where Patrick Henry gave his 'give me liberty or give me death' speech. Tickets to our events and programs here: https://historicstjohns.ticketspice.com/2023-tour-tickets See more..
4.5 James River (394 reviews)
- Tubing
Bodies of Water

This river running right through downtown Richmond offers sightseeing rides on an antique paddlewheel steamer or on a raft with a trained guide, as well as wading, fishing, rafting, kayaking or simply relaxing on the river banks and gazing out at the city. See more..
4.5 Agecroft Hall & Gardens (270 reviews)
- Fascinating manor and grounds!
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • History Museums

Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a 16th century English manor house. It was was taken apart, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in Virginia in the 1920s. Today Agecroft Hall is open year round for guided tours, special events, educational programs, concerts, and is home of The Richmond Shakespeare Festival. See more..
4.5 Virginia Museum of History & Culture (266 reviews)
- Two Hours Is Not Enough Time - Count on Three Hours
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

A history museum and research library, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has been connecting people to America's past through the unparalleled story of Virginia for more than 180 years. T Visit today to view our award winning exhibitions that are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. We are the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof — all centuries, all regions, and all topics are covered. Although designated the Official State Historical Society, we are a privately funded non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to sustain its operations. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is located at 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220 in Richmond's Museum District. Currently Closed for Construction: Regular hours resume July 1. Galleries and museum shop open every day: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Library open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See more..
4.5 Richmond Raceway (245 reviews)
- Great race track
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks

Richmond Raceway is America’s Premier Short Track annually hosting two NASCAR race weekends, featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, on a ¾-mile D-shaped oval. Richmond Raceway is a regional leader for events including sports, live music and consumer trade shows. The Richmond Raceway Complex’s 1,000 plus acre multipurpose facility hosts more than 200 live events annually including concerts with top national recording artists at Virginia Credit Union LIVE! See more..
4.5 Belle Isle (181 reviews)
- Everyone’s favorite spot
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks

This is a park unlike any other in VA. You get to walk an excellent suspension bridge across the James River to get to the island that bisects the city of Richmond. There is so much to do: walk on the dry rocks, rock climb on the routes in the quarry, run the trails, swim/hang out along the water, even ride bikes on the bike/BMX obstacle course. GREAT for an outdoor date or family day. Parking IS difficult to find. See more..
4.5 Short Pump Mall (173 reviews)
- A Classical Mall With A Modern Touch
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

Easily the best mall within a 75 mile radius of Richmond (no joke - no better till Virginia Beach or Stafford County). The mall is an open-air walkable complex that seems like it would be frigid in winter but is amazing and unique in the other seasons, of which Virginia spends the overwhelming bulk of the year in. The architecture of this place is incredible as a mix of Southern and Roman/Classical and really gives this place a comfortable, relaxed, elegant feel. The stores are plentiful and high quality and the common areas numerous. I noticed the common areas are also not carbon copies of one another but have a lot of unique designs and placements to them as well and often are in the form of courtyards. One thing to beware of - parking can be brutal and it can often be extremely crowded! See more..
4.5 Virginia War Memorial (147 reviews)
- A part of history
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monuments & Statues

A really good memorial to visit. It is a small museum but it holds in it huge history. It’s a must visit for every tourist in Virginia. See more..
4.5 Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (142 reviews)
- A must see for a visit to Richmond.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

The remarkable life and achievements of this famous early 1900s African-American entrepreneur, first woman bank president in the U.S. and social activist are celebrated here with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia. See more..
4.5 The Valentine (141 reviews)
- Very Nice Visit
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

For more than a century, the Valentine has celebrated one of America's most historic cities with exhibitions, educational programs,city tours, extensive collections and archives, and the restoration of the 1812 Wickham House. Enjoy lunch in the Valentine Garden (Monday-Friday) and shop at the Museum Store (open daily). See more..
4.5 Virginia Capital Trail (126 reviews)
- One of best bike trails of its length in the world. Super well maintained, great signage.
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks

Super smooth (except for a very short stretch that had some root impact) on a racing road bike, road in rain and still had good traction, just go straight and don't brake or accelerate through wood bridges. Amazing historic sites along the way. Photo at Indian Fields Tavern from the porch seating, best burger ever and super bike friendly (place fill water bottles, park bike and sit when your grungy in bike gear:). 60 miles roundtrip to the tavern from Richmond lock trailhead. See more..
4.5 Blue Bee Cider (111 reviews)
- Phenomenal Rehearsal DInner
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Virginia's first urban cidery, Blue Bee Cider makes craft ciders in the heart of the Scott's Addition neighborhood of Richmond, Va. The name for Blue Bee Cider is derived from a common name for one of Virginia's native bees, osmia lignaria, or the blue orchard bee. These hardworking bees are solitary and wild, emerging early in the cool spring just in time to pollinate apple blossoms. We are pet and child friendly. We serve apple juice in addition to cider for those who choose not to consume alcohol. **Now offering tours! To book, visit our website.** See more..
4.5 Richmond National Battlefield Park (99 reviews)
- Richmond National Battlefield Park
Battlefields

Richmond National Battlefield Park encompasses several Civil War sites in and around the city of Richmond. I visited two sites, Chimborazo Park and Cold Harbor. Chimborazo Park includes the Medical Museum, which was closed at the time of my visit. Fortunately, there is a plague outside which gives a brief overview of the building's history. The park is medium-sized. I visited at mid-day on a Sunday. There were a fair amount of people in the park, but it wasn't crowded. I walked to the western end of the park, which gives a good view of the city below. The Powhatan stone is also located at the western end of Chimborazo Park. My second stop was Cold Harbor, which was out of the city. Cold Harbor is currently the only site with an open visitor center. I did a short driving tour. The tour is mostly wooded. Civil war earthworks are still visible along part of the road. See more..
4.5 Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium (84 reviews)
- Even If the Nature Center/Aquarium is Closed, There's Lots to Do Here
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

The Nature Center has been closed for a while now (pandemic-related, of course). Often, after getting there, folks make a bee-line for the large deck/platform that adjoins the Nature Center. There is a huge population of turtles, and people often bring bread from home to feed them. There is a large playground. And, lots of picnicking possibilities, including two picnic shelters. There's a small fishing dock on one of the lakes (you can fish in two of them). For us, with the closed Nature Center, the big draw is the walk around the three lakes. One trail (approximately 1.4 miles) will take you around the three lakes. This is a very nice county park, with lots to do there. See more..
4.5 Fan District (79 reviews)
- Wonderful neighboorhood
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles predominate along this 85-block-long Victorian historic district. See more..
4.5 The John Marshall House (69 reviews)
- Great experience!!
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

John Marshall is best known as the “Great Chief Justice” for his role in creating the modern Supreme Court. He served from 1801 until 1835 and his influential decisions, such as Marbury v. Madison, helped shape the principle of judicial review. With the largest collection of original Marshall family pieces, guided tours of his home offer an in-depth look at the formation of American government through the lens of the federal judiciary. Marshall built his home in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood in 1790 and lived there for forty-five years until his death. It is a Federal-style brick building that originally included several outbuildings, including his law office. See more..
4.0 Edgar Allan Poe Museum (536 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

Illustrations of the famous poem "The Raven" and numerous other artifacts surrounding the life of this great American author, the father of the psychological horror story, are housed in a series of buildings, including Richmond's oldest. See more..
4.0 American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar (433 reviews)
- A must see for Civil War buffs!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

Founded in 1837, the historic Tredegar Iron Works was one of the country’s largest industrial sites before the Civil War and the largest in the Confederate States. Our new building houses the Museum’s visitor services desk, museum store, and our flagship exhibit, A People's Contest. It features hundreds of original artifacts, dynamic theater experiences, and compelling imagery. There is also a self-guided tour of the historic ironworks site and conversion of the historic Foundry Building into multiple-use space for meetings, weddings, and other events. The mission of The ACWM is to be the preeminent center for the exploration of the American Civil War and its legacies from multiple perspectives: Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African Americans, soldiers and civilians. See more..
4.0 Canal Walk (324 reviews)
- If you like to walk and be outdoors, Canal Walk is perfect for you.
Historic Walking Areas

Perfect for folks who love to walk. My wife and I walked the entire day. She had never been to this part of Richmond before. By the end of the day, she was thrilled to have had the chance to walk everywhere, to experience everything that Canal Walk has to offer. Plenty of people out walking, taking their dog for a stroll, bike riding with family, going for a jog or run, folks taking pictures, having a picnic...Canal Walk is awesome. And on a day like we had, temperatures in the 70s, no humidity, a fresh breeze and deep blue skies, there was nothing better than to walk the Canal quite literally all day. Signage everywhere, so if you're into interpretive experiences, this is the place for you. Easy to find, it goes on forever. Put on your walking shoes and bring your camera so that you can capture all that Canal Walk has to offer. See more..