There’s a lot to love about Richmond, Virginia. We have regularly been making the journey between Washington, DC and Richmond for years because it’s an easy day trip, the kind of drive that doesn’t take a lot of advance planning. Plenty of otherwise quiet Saturday mornings have started with one of us saying, “What do you want to do today?” before the other suggests lunch or sightseeing in Richmond, and a couple of hours later we’re trying a new restaurant or checking out a museum. Because we enjoy a front row seat to our state’s capital city, we have almost taken Richmond’s renaissance for granted. No longer is it just the seat of government; it’s a city with a serious beer scene, impressive outdoor spaces, and museums and educational experiences that rival much larger metropolitan areas. The truth is out: there are lots of things to do in Richmond!
Richmond is just 100 miles from both Washington, DC and Virginia Beach, making it a great stopping point when traveling between the two cities and a worthy destination on its own. Whatever experience you want to have—foodie, culture, history, or outdoors—Richmond offers it. After many trips to experience what the city has to offer, here are our 20 things to do in Richmond, Virginia!
Things to See in Richmond
► Edgar Allan Poe Museum

More Information: PoeMuseum.com
► Floodwall River Walk
For a big city, there are lots of things to do in Richmond that involve the outdoors, and the floodwall river walk is yet another reason to lace up your sneakers and head outside. The trail is popular with joggers, and we saw a number of families making the most of their day with a walk as well. You’ll catch some great skyline views from the area, and you’ll find a nice landscaped space called Diversity Park that has a sister park in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
► Virginia Capitol Building

► White House of the Confederacy
It’s difficult to visit Richmond without recognizing its role as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. It’s also important to learn about this painful period in American history. As students of history, we believe more than ever that it is important to learn all we can about our past so we can grow and approach our future in an informed, educated way. That’s why a visit to the American Civil War Museum and the White House of the Confederacy may be worth considering when creating your list of things to do in Richmond. In addition to learning about the house and the people who lived there, you will also learn about the war and the daily life of citizens during the Civil War through stories from multiple perspectives. We appreciated the honesty with which the staff approaches a terrible time in the country’s history.
More Information: ACWM.org
► St. John’s Church

St. John’s Church played a critical role in the USA’s quest for independence, and of the things to do in Richmond it is one of the most interesting ways to learn about that time in our country’s history.
► Hollywood Cemetery
Of all the things to do in Richmond, a visit to a cemetery might not be high on your list—but it’s one of our favorite spots to visit when we’re in town! In addition to some really great views of the James River (we’re partial to the view from Presidents Circle), many famous leaders including presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are buried here. There are some impressive gravestones, and on a nice day it’s a good place for a peaceful walk. Don’t miss the famous Iron Dog monument, which watches over the gravesite of a young girl who died in the 1860s. During peak tourist season, tours of the cemetery are available daily; the cemetery’s app is another good tool to use if you are an independent traveler. If you are interested in history and a few good stories, that is a fun way to make the most of your visit.
► Polegreen Church

► Arthur Ashe Statue
For tennis fans like us, there is a great reason to visit Richmond: it is home to the Arthur Ashe Monument. Born in Richmond, Arthur Ashe remains one of the all-time great tennis players and is the only black man to win three Grand Slam titles (at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the US Open). His incredible career as well as his dedication to education, humanitarian causes, and civil rights is celebrated with his monument, which was erected in 1996. With a decent amount of free street parking in the neighborhood, it’s one of the faster and easier things to do in Richmond.
► Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

More Information: LewisGinter.org
► Byrd Theater
The Byrd Theater opened in 1928, and today it is one of the most amazing architectural spots in Richmond. Designed in the same style as European opera houses, the theater is an impressive structure that has retained all of its elegance over the years. Today you can still watch movies there; showtimes and selections are limited, but the experience can’t be replicated. Settle into your seat, admire the gold leaf and deep crimson décor that surrounds you, and enjoy one of the most iconic things to do in Richmond!
More Information: ByrdTheatre.com
► Belle Isle

► Richmond National Battlefield Park
Visiting a battlefield is one of the more interesting things to do in Richmond on a nice day, and the Richmond National Battlefield Park is a great choice. Our favorite is the Cold Harbor Battlefield, which includes features that still look as they did during the battle in 1864; you will see trenches and battle lines that still exist to this day. It’s a great place for a hike, and there’s a good chance you will see wildlife in some of the areas with older growth or in the open meadows. Combined, the three trails offer about three-and-a-half miles of walking, although a shorter walk is easy to do if you select just one or two of the trails. If the weather isn’t nice enough for a hike, museums including the Chimborazo Medical Museum and Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works offer exhibits and films.
There are a few more interesting Civil War Battlefields not far from Richmond, check out our post to learn more and plan your visit.
More Information: NPS.gov
Our Post: 7 American Civil War Battlefields Near Washington, DC
► Science Museum of Virginia

More Information: SMV.org
► Virginia War Memorial
Virginia has sent many men and women to battle, and while you’ll see many Revolutionary War and Civil War sites while in Richmond, the Virginia War Memorial is a great way to learn about those who served our country. Spend a few moments outside at the Shrine of Memory, where the names of 12,000 soldiers are engraved on two walls that lead up to a large statue designed to reflect the sorrow and pride Virginians feel toward those who serve and defend. Inside, a collection of exhibits and presentations provide a great education about the role the military plays in Virginia’s history. Of the things to do in Richmond, we found this one to be among the most thought-provoking, and memories of our visit will stay with us for a long time.
Things to Eat and Drink in Richmond
► Blue Bee Cider
Virginia’s first urban cidery is one of our favorite things to do in Richmond, and Blue Bee Cider is a perfect place to try some great varieties. Blue Bee doesn’t add sugar or water to their ciders; raw juice is fermented without unnecessary additions, and each variety is heavily influenced by the types of apples used each year. We loved the off-dry Aragon 1904, which is delightfully crisp and refreshing. If you are new to ciders, opt for the full tasting, which is conducted in the same way a wine tasting is offered; you’ll get to try a small pour of nine different ciders. If you know your ciders (or have a favorite or two!) flights, glasses, and bottles are available for purchase.
More Information: BlueBeeCider.com
► Black Heath Meadery

More Information: BlackHeathMeadery.com
► Buz and Ned’s BBQ
When you’re making your list of things to do in Richmond, you’re going to want to include a meal or two, and Buz and Ned’s BBQ is a classic choice for lunch or dinner. With recipes that draw on some of the best of the most famous types of barbeque from the USA, you’ll find some delicious Southern staples on their menu. We especially love the pulled pork, which is tender and full of flavor. The same can be said for the ribs, which practically fall off the bone. We can never pass up a side of hush puppies, delicious fried cornmeal bites, and the seasonal Cajun-fried corn is a great choice in the summer. Buz and Ned’s have a few locations in the city, so make sure to include a meal on your Richmond itinerary!
More Information: BuzandNeds.com
► Legend Brewing Company

More Information: LegendBrewing.com
► The Fancy Biscuit
When we arrived in Richmond early in the morning during a recent visit, we had an incredible breakfast at the Fancy Biscuit. Order at the counter, find a seat, and prepare for some delicious Southern cooking! We especially loved the B&G, two biscuits smothered in maple sausage gravy; it was filling enough that we had to postpone our lunch plans! The fried green tomatoes are also delicious, and we were glad to save a little room for them. The Fancy Biscuit is popular—arrive before 9:00 AM for a good chance at a quiet, relaxing meal before the brunch crowds arrive.
More Information: FancyBiscuitRVA.com
► James River Cellars Winery
If you’re looking for a glass of wine during your trip to Richmond, James River Cellars Winery is a wonderful stop. Their extensive tasting menu will provide you with a pour of 12-14 wines during your visit, and their proximity to Richmond makes this a popular destination for wine lovers. Try the Chardonel, which is a fun wine that tastes like summer melons and smells like white flowers; red wine drinkers will enjoy the Cabernet franc, which tastes of juicy blackberries. The winery has a nice outdoor area where you can enjoy a glass of your favorite wine. For a few more Virginia wine stops not far from Richmond, check out our post on some of our favorite wineries in the state.
More Information: JamesRiverCellars.com
Our Post: Make Mine Virginia Wine: Wineries to Visit in the Old Dominion
Where to Stay in Richmond
► Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel opened in 1895, and for years it was famous for housing alligators donated by enthusiastic guests. The alligators lived outside in the fountain (although some stories tell of alligators who ventured into the hotel itself), and although the last of them passed away in the 1940s they are still memorialized there. Whether you make The Jefferson Hotel your home base or simply visit for photos or brunch, it’s a gorgeous building and a great place to see in Richmond, Virginia.
Are you ready to book a room for your own trip to Richmond, Virginia? Here are some hotel deals to consider.
Map of Things to Do in Richmond
Planning a few things to do in Richmond? This map covers everything we have shared—use it to figure out how you will make the most of your time!

Enjoy Richmond, Virginia!
With so many things to do in Richmond, you can easily fill up a day, a weekend, or a whole week in Virginia’s capital city. From a full day outdoors to hours exploring museums, there’s something for everyone as well as great food and drink options to keep you fueled. Leave a comment below and be sure to let us know which of the things to do in Richmond make your list—and let us know if we left your favorite out! Most of all, enjoy your time in Richmond!
Also, we wanted to send a huge shout out to our new friend Kelly, a Richmond local who shared some of her favorite spots with us when we met her on a day trip in Quito, Ecuador. We visited several of them and enjoyed them so much they are included on this list!
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* From time to time, our travels are directly impacted by a service or company. This post includes our candid review of our experience in Richmond, Virginia. We selected these locations based on our own research and travel needs; we were not offered and did not receive compensation of any kind from any party in exchange for our review. Learn more about our travel philosophy here.