30 Fun Things To Do In Richmond VA Attractions & Activities

With murals seemingly on every building and around each corner, there is no shortage of incredible art to check out. We love to hike, whether it’s a simple, free jaunt across one (or both) of the pedestrian bridges, or a more in-depth experience like a 3-3.5-mile guided hiking tour. From adventures on the River to incredible street art, from history to foodie experiences, we’ve rounded up the best free (and almost free) things to do in Richmond, VA. Yet another of the capital’s hugely interesting historic sights to check out is the White House of the Confederacy.

The Virginia War Memorial is dedicated to the remembrance of Virginians who served to defend the United States beginning with World War II to the modern day. Visit the website to find out the latest experiences and seminars. Downtown Richmond houses VCU’s health and sciences campus (the Medical College of Virginia (MCV)), as well as VCU Health near the Capitol grounds. Find the entrance to the famous Capital Trail, explore murals at the Canal Walk, or take a Riverfront Canal Cruise tour along the James River. Walk, drive, or access the GRTC public transit to experience everything this major hub has to offer.

Black Virginians such as Arthur Ashe are showcased in many exhibits, along with displays that highlight significant narratives including Desegregation, Emancipation, Civil Rights periods, and Jim Crow. Various exhibits can be found here, featuring both traditional artifact presentations and modern high-tech displays equipped with touch screens. For a refreshing ice cream treat on a sweltering summer day, make sure to visit Beverly Mazursky! During the summertime, one of Richmond’s most unique beaches awaits your visit, where flat rocks provide a perfect spot for sunbathing and soaking up warmth. A day at Shield N Sheath is all you need for an opportunity to enjoy their hatchet house and the accompanying excitement!

• At the Chimborazo Medical Museum (guests have the opportunity to discover historic battlefields), examine authentic artifacts, and gain insights into Civil War medicine.
• Downtown Richmond is full of museums — culture, and award-winning restaurants.
• Each year, the RVA Street Art Festival attracts world-class street artists from around the globe to spruce up the city’s streets.
• By exploring the expansive grounds — you will encounter 13 battle sites where you can view cannons and learn about Richmond’s significant involvement in the Civil War.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Seasonal exhibits and traveling shows mean there’s always something new to see, from “Body Worlds” to LEGO towers. The Dome is recommended for ages 5 and up, but there’s no strict age limit. The Dome is the largest movie screen in Virginia—a 76-foot digital planetarium and IMAX theater. Kids can play with retro arcade machines, build with huge Lego-style blocks, and see their motion reflected in the Aurora Vortex. My advice is to check out the “Run of the River” exhibit (where kids can climb), play, and learn about river life. The farm is open daily (and there’s always something happening), from wildlife feedings to afternoon parades as the wildlife return to the barn.

Wander through neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition and the Fan District, where you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of styles and themes. From the iconic RVA LOVE statue to the colorful murals adorning walls throughout the city, there’s no shortage of captivating valor bet app murals, graffiti, and creativity to discover in Richmond. Want a totally unique Richmond experience AND get to see several major Richmond attractions? It also contains ancient artifacts and contemporary masterpieces and is known for its Indian and Himalayan art collections.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The rooms are decorated with opulent 19th-century furniture and art — including fancy curtains, plush chairs and sofas, and gilded chandeliers. The White House of the Confederacy was built decades before the Civil War in 1818, but it most famously served as the residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from 1861 to 1865. Free — one-hour guided tours occur throughout the day Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm (1pm to 4pm on Sundays.)

If architecture is your thing — you’ll love wandering around and spotting the mix of Colonial, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne architecture styles. From modern Afghan restaurants to Texas craft barbeque joints and locally-sourced (farm-to-table seafood places), you won’t go hungry in Richmond. With so many farm-to-table restaurants and innovative eateries, there’s a reason this city was listed as one of the “10 Most Underrated Food Cities” by USA Today.

Set right in the heart of the river, Brown’s Island is the place to be for summer concerts and vibrant festivals. The events that shaped who we are as a country all part of the experience of visiting this region. Inside you can find the largest… We’ve enlisted the help of travelers (explorers), and adventurers around the globe to help spread the word about the coolest, most must-see spots in their local area. Finish with great memories (fun photos), and new favorite spots Or try unpretentious favorites such as the old-fashioned boxed lunch staple Sally Bell’s Kitchen, Southern-styled Lillie Pearl, and the wood-fired Sub Rosa Bakery, known for its fig and cheese croissants.

You can also take a self-guided smartphone mural tour to check over 60 colorful (unique), and imaginative murals within the city walls. I mean (if there’s anything more fun for little ones than feeding goats and sheep), I don’t know what it might be. The Poe Museum — which is in the oldest house in the city, features exhibits exploring his novels, poems, life, and influence in pop culture and horror genre history. It’s one of the best places to check out cherry blossoms without traipsing all the way to Washington D.C. Its claim to fame is that it’s the site of the famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech given by Patrick Henry to the delegates of the Second Virginia Convention. St. John’s Church overlooks the Church Hill neighborhood and serves as a reminder of the city’s places in the history books.

Stories About Richmond

If you are a fan of vintage clothing — be sure to visit Clementine or Ashby. You can choose to explore on your own with a complimentary map from the office — or join a walking tour for a more in-depth storytelling experience.

From iconic landmarks and preserved battlefields to vibrant neighborhoods and cultural institutions, the past isn’t just remembered; it’s experienced. This fun destination also features historic buildings such as switching towers housing railroad displays decorated with authentic equipment like switchboxes from days gone by. A must-visit for families looking to experience the best of what Richmond has to offer is the Richmond Railroad Museum.

VA Museum of Fine Arts

The museum also features interactive exhibits, including flight simulators that let visitors experience the thrill of piloting. The walk is also lined with cafes and shops — making it an excellent spot for a leisurely afternoon. Visitors can cross the pedestrian suspension bridge to access hiking and biking trails (rocky outcrops for sunbathing), and scenic spots for picnicking. Ranger-led tours and interpretive programs provide engaging stories about the soldiers and strategies that shaped American history. At the Chimborazo Medical Museum, visitors can explore historic battlefields, view authentic artifacts, and learn about Civil War medicine. The grounds also include the Maymont Mansion, a Gilded Age home that showcases the opulence of a bygone era.

Belle Isle is the second-largest island in the James River and comprises 54 acres of beautiful land. Be sure to pay a visit to the largest hospital of the Confederacy to learn about how wounded soldiers were treated during battle. Located a 25-minute drive from the heart of town, this fascinating park will take you back in time to the days of the Civil War.