What To Do

Source: Vga.virginia.gov

Virginia State Capitol

 1000 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23218

Time: about 1–1½ hours.
Cost: Capitol visits are free.

If you want to see where some of Virginia’s biggest decisions have been made, the State Capital is worth a stop. It is a gorgeous neo-classical building designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1788. Jefferson drew inspiration from ancient roman architecture so the building has a very clean and stately look. The best part is that this building is still home to Virginia’s General assembly so you are literally walking through a place where state government still happens today!

Beyond the capital grounds there are monuments and memorials that reflect chapters of the state’s complex history.

Source: Historic St. John’s Church

Historic St. John’s Church

 2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223

Time: about 45–60 minutes, longer if exploring Church Hill.

Historic St. John’s Church is one of those Richmond spots where you can actually stand in the middle of a moment that changed American history. In March 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met here, and Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other prominent Virginians were also among the delegates.

The church itself is small, but that’s part of what makes the experience interesting. Rather than simply walking through on your own, consider taking a Liberty or Death Tour, where an interpreter brings the story of the convention to life. On select dates, the church also hosts dramatic reenactments of the historic meeting.

What makes St. John’s especially worth a stop is its location in Church Hill, one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. After visiting the church, take some time to walk around the neighborhood and check out the historic streets, architecture, and local spots nearby. It’s an easy way to turn a quick history stop into a little Richmond adventure.

Source: American Civil War Museum

American Civil War Museum

480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219

Time: roughly 2 hours.
Current hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

This one earns the third spot not just because of the museum itself, but because of the history surrounding it. The museum is located at the historic Tredegar Iron Works, which was one of the most important industrial sites during the Civil War. The iron works produced more than half of the cannons used by the Confederate army and also manufactured armor for the CSS Virginia.

Inside the museum, you’ll get more than just a timeline of battles. Exhibits explore why the war happened, what life was like for soldiers and civilians, emancipation, race, Reconstruction, and the different perspectives surrounding the conflict.

The location is another bonus. The museum sits right along the James River, making it easy to turn your visit into a bigger afternoon downtown. Afterward, walk along the canal, explore Brown’s Island, or hang out along the riverfront.

Source: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 2322

If you’re deciding what to do for a art-focused day in Richmond, start with this :

VMFA is an easy choice for any Richmond visitor. Its collection spans more than 6,000 years of art, from Impressionism and African and Asian art to contemporary pieces and an impressive Fabergé collection. General admission is free, so you can take your time exploring the galleries before heading outside to the Robins Sculpture Garden. If you visit Wednesday through Friday, the museum stays open until 9 p.m., making it a great option for an evening activity.

Source: Venture Richmond

Richmond VA Murals

All over the city

If traditional museums aren’t really your thing, Richmond’s street art is a fun way to experience the city. With 100+ murals throughout neighborhoods like Downtown, the Arts District, the Fan, and Carytown, you can easily create your own walking or biking tour.

Keep an eye out for pieces from the Richmond Mural Project and Mending Walls RVA. Since the murals are scattered throughout actual neighborhoods, you’ll get to see local restaurants, historic buildings, and some of Richmond’s coolest streets along the way. It’s a great option if you’d rather be outside exploring than spending a few hours inside a museum.

Source: Gallery5

Gallery 5

200 W. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23220

If you want something a little less traditional than a typical museum, Gallery5 is a great stop. Located in historic Jackson Ward, Gallery5 combines rotating art exhibitions with live music, performances, and community events. The gallery is housed inside Steamer Company No. 5, a historic 1883 firehouse that adds plenty of character to the experience.

Gallery5 is especially fun during First Fridays, when a new exhibition opens alongside live performances and other events, and admission is free. It’s a great place to discover local artists while also getting a taste of Richmond’s creative, slightly unconventional side.

Source: JamesRiverPark.org

Belle Isle Park

1 Belle Isle, via the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge

If you’re looking for what to do outdoors in Richmond, these parks and gardens are easy places to start is Belle Isle. This island in the middle of the James River combines wooded trails, river views, and historic ruins, including remnants of a granite quarry and old industrial sites. Belle Isle also has a darker history, It was once the site of a Civil War POW camp for Union soldiers.

Today, you can spend a few hours walking the trails, exploring the historic areas, biking, or simply relaxing by the river. The pedestrian bridge from Historic Tredegar is part of the experience, and its location makes it easy to pair Belle Isle with other downtown riverfront attractions. Just remember that the park is open from sunrise to sunset, and the James River rapids are not safe for swimming.

Source: Maymont.org

Maymont Park

1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Maymont is one of those Richmond spots where you can get a little bit of everything. This 100-acre historic estate was once home to James and Sallie Dooley, who built their impressive mansion here in 1893. Today, you can explore the historic mansion, Italian and Japanese gardens, wildlife exhibits, and beautiful grounds overlooking the James River.

I’d plan to spend at least a couple of hours here rather than just stopping by the mansion. Wander through the gardens, check out the animals, and explore the estate before taking a break on the grounds. Admission to the grounds is free, which makes Maymont an especially easy addition to a Richmond itinerary.

Source: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228

If you want a break from Richmond’s museums and historic buildings, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful way to spend a few hours outside. The 82-acre garden features more than a dozen themed gardens, a large Conservatory, lakes, walking paths, and the year-round Butterflies Bloom exhibit. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The garden also has some interesting Richmond history behind it. The property was once the home of Grace Arents, the niece of Lewis Ginter, who left the land to the city with the hope that it would become a public park and botanical garden. Today, you can explore the gardens while still getting a little taste of Richmond’s history.