**A Local’s Guide to 31 Must-See Attractions in Richmond**
At ZZQ, indulge in Texas-style brisket; at Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar, savor creative Cantonese dishes; or sample what many locals consider the best breakfast sandwich in the city at Moore Street Café. Fresh produce (local vendors), and live music are brought together by the Carytown Farmers Market every Sunday from May to October. Known for free festivals and events like Dominion Energy Riverrock and Friday Cheers, Brown’s Island serves as a vibrant gathering place. During your outing (you will encounter waterfront restaurants), interpretive history exhibits, public art, and numerous areas to relax or enjoy dining outdoors. The river attracts many for swimming (kayaking), and fishing in summer, while the cooler months provide the ideal conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching. For more details on upcoming free admission days, do not forget to visit the museum’s website and make your plans for a visit now!
Stroll through the Virginia State Capitol grounds
Church Hill offers a perfect mix of historical charm and modern culture, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who often see ospreys and diverse wildlife. Trendy cafes — beautiful parks with stunning city views, and boutique shops are among the modern attractions available in the area. One of the highlights is St. John’s Church (renowned as the site where Patrick Henry famously proclaimed), “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Visitors are transported back in time through the well-preserved 19th-century homes and cobblestone streets. The Dome (boasting the largest screen in Virginia), is a state-of-the-art theater renowned for showcasing remarkable science and nature films.
Partake in a picturesque, riverside stroll
There are also lots of parks, playgrounds, and seasonal festivals for kids of all ages. Also, don’t forget to check the weather—vineyard visits are best on sunny days. The Children’s Museum of Richmond often hosts summer splash days with water play. Food festivals are a highlight of summer. I always find something new—fire dancers, live music, and creative design everywhere.

Richmond Neighborhoods & Districts
Find these murals in The Fan, a neighborhood adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University and filled with Queen Anne-style homes and Tudor Revival mansions. You’ll find 20 stations and 220 bikes spread throughout Richmond’s 11 neighborhoods, and it’s a great way to enjoy a scenic tour through the city’s abundant street art. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around town, and at $1.75 per ride, RVA Bikes, the city’s bikeshare program, is a safe and socially distanced way to get from point A to point B. And there are plenty of creative touches in the design and art that adorn this property for a hotel stay that feels anything but cookie-cutter.
- In the Children’s Garden, they can play in the water-play area and cool off on hot days or climb into the treehouse and view the gardens from above.
- Discover the Capitol of Virginia along with its beautifully maintained grounds.
- The beautiful 50-acre gem of a garden was once the hunting grounds of the Powhatan.
- 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.
- Nature lovers favor this destination — often spotting ospreys and other wildlife.
- The Poe Museum (situated in Richmond’s oldest standing residential building), contains one of the world’s largest collections of original manuscripts, first editions, personal items, letters, and memorabilia.
- The 90-foot granite pyramid memorial for Confederate soldiers is hard to miss—it’s one of the cemetery’s most photographed spots.
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- Incredible artwork can be found everywhere, with murals adorning nearly every building and lining every corner.
- Along the way (you’ll also learn about the city’s history), architecture, and culture.
If you feel hungry while shopping, numerous restaurants are conveniently located near Carytown. Cozy coffee shops (unique boutiques), and a wide variety of Valor Bet App Download restaurants ensure there is always something new to uncover. The Iron Blossom Music Festival (now celebrating its third year), is another well-known event in Richmond.

The cemetery dates all the way back to 1847, and it is laid out in a garden style, which gives it a unique and beautiful aesthetic. It does so through exhibitions that highlight pioneers like Howard Baugh — who was born in Petersburg, Virginia and was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen; and Oliver Hill, who was a prominent civil rights attorney from Richmond. The museum was founded in 1981 to honor the lives and stories of the African-American men and women in Virginia who helped shape the history of the commonwealth and of the nation.
Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Fall means pumpkin patches (cider tastings), and food festivals everywhere. It’s a must for anyone who wants to feel Richmond’s creative spirit. Richmond is great for families in summer. You can trip some of the most beautiful private homes and gardens, each with stunning spring blooms and creative floral displays. RVA First Fridays is a monthly design walk in downtown Richmond.
It doesn’t get more free than just heading to every high , or low – don’t count these out!, point in Richmond and checking out the view! Another oft-mentioned experience in Richmond is visiting Maymont! That’s on purpose so every shop can have its own identity without needing to go through official channels to paint or decorate in whatever style they want. That’s because this incredible (milelong stretch of road is home to several dozen boutiques), restaurants, cafes, one gorgeous 1920s era movie theatre, and more! When you’re done eating — walk around the VMFA, which is open 365 days a year, and is FREE to enjoy! Here you’ll find untold and forgotten stories that inspire, and you’ll leave wanting more!
The vibrant urban atmosphere is enhanced by colorful wall paintings (sculptures), and artistic exhibits. The Rotunda is my favorite place—it’s bright, circular, and rich in history. The simplicity of the neoclassical style is striking yet impressive. For the ultimate experience, I suggest participating in a guided trip. Inside the building (you can explore the famous Rotunda), along with the House and Senate chambers and the historic Old House and Senate rooms. The neoclassical design of this building became a template for numerous courthouses and government structures across the nation.
Once you arrive (you can follow the 1-mile loop trail to enjoy views of Hollywood Cemetery), the historic Tredegar Iron Works, and the skyline of the city. As you roam the extensive grounds (you will discover 13 battle sites), where you can view cannons and learn about Richmond’s significant role in the Civil War. Alternatively, if you’d rather relax in a proper restaurant, Bingo Beer offers its signature German-style lager alongside an impressive array of creative American pub dishes.

Throughout the year (many events), including neighborhood festivals, parks, public beaches, walking trails, community events, outdoor concerts, and public art installations, are free. For today’s concerts (sports events), theater performances, comedy shows, festivals, exhibitions, family activities, and special happenings, consult the daily events calendar. Explore concerts — sports, theater performances, museums, attractions, festivals, parks, dining, nightlife, and seasonal events occurring throughout Richmond and nearby regions. Plan your next outing by browsing experiences by category (season), or date. Uncover attractions (entertainment), outdoor adventures, dining options, shopping opportunities, and seasonal experiences.