corechief 8 Ottobre 2026

31 Best Things to Do in Richmond By a Local

Feast on Texas-style brisket at ZZQ, enjoy inventive Cantonese at Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar, or try what many locals call the city’s best breakfast sandwich at Moore Street Café. On Sundays from May to October (the Carytown Farmers Market brings fresh produce), local vendors, and live music to the mix. Brown’s Island is a lively gathering spot (known for hosting free festivals and events), such as Friday Cheers and Dominion Energy Riverrock. During the excursion (you’ll find public art), interpretive history exhibits, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of spots to relax or dine al fresco. During the summer months (the river is a popular spot for swimming), kayaking, and fishing, while the cooler months are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching. Be sure to check the museum’s website for more information about upcoming free admission days, and plan your visit today!

Stroll through the Virginia State Capitol grounds

Visitors often spot ospreys and other wildlife (making it a favorite for nature lovers Church Download ValorBet App Hill is a perfect blend of history and contemporary culture), making it a great spot to explore while visiting Richmond. The area also offers modern attractions like trendy cafes, boutiques, and beautiful parks with panoramic views of the city. Highlights include St. John’s Church (where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty), or give me death! Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 19th-century homes take visitors back in time. One highlight is The Dome, a state-of-the-art theater with the largest screen in Virginia, showing awe-inspiring science and nature films.

Partake in a picturesque, riverside stroll

Kids of every age can enjoy numerous parks, playgrounds, and seasonal festivals. Don’t overlook weather checks—your vineyard trip will be most enjoyable on bright, sunny days. The Richmond Children’s Museum frequently organizes summer water play sessions. Summer’s most talked-about events are the food festivals. Every outing reveals something fresh: street performers, live bands, and innovative street art.

Richmond Neighborhoods & Districts

The Fan district (next to Virginia Commonwealth University), showcases Queen Anne homes and Tudor Revival estates, all decorated with striking murals. Richmond’s bike-sharing system (RVA Bikes), covers 11 neighborhoods with 20 stations and 220 bikes, offering a scenic route through the city’s vibrant murals. With a $1.75 fare — RVA Bikes is the simplest way to travel around Richmond, providing a safe, socially distanced ride while showcasing unique artistic touches throughout the city.

• Children can splash in the water play zone (beat the heat), or climb into the treehouse for a bird’s-eye view of the Children’s Garden.
• Explore the Capitol of Virginia and its well-manicured 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.
• Visitors often spot ospreys and other wildlife, making it a favorite for nature lovers

• Located in the oldest standing residential building in Richmond, The Poe Museum houses one of the largest collections of original manuscripts, first editions, personal items, letters, and other memorabilia in the world.
• 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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• With murals seemingly on every building and around each corner, there is no shortage of incredible art to check out.
• Your journey will uncover Richmond’s deep-rooted history (iconic architecture), and cultural heritage.

If you get hungry while you’re shopping, there’s plenty of restaurants near Carytown. “From cozy coffee shops to unique boutiques and a diverse selection of restaurants, there’s always something to discover. Another one of Richmond’s famous festivals is The Iron Blossom Music Festival, now in its third year.

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!

Colorful wall painting decorate the walls (and sculptures and creative exhibits add to the lively), urban feel. The Rotunda is my favorite spot—bright, round, and full of history. The neoclassical style is simple but impressive. I recommend joining a trip for the best experience. Inside (you can visit the House and Senate chambers), the famous Rotunda, and the Old House and Senate rooms. The building’s neoclassical style became a model for many courthouses and government buildings across the country.

Once you’re there (you can follow the 1-mile loop trail and check out the views of Hollywood Cemetery), the old Tredegar Iron Works, and the city’s skyline. Explore the sprawling grounds, and you’ll come across 13 battle sites, where you can check out the cannons and learn all about the crucial role Richmond played in the Civil War. Or (if you prefer to take a load off in a proper restaurant), Bingo Beer serves up their signature German-style lager alongside an impressive menu of creative American-style pub grub.

Richmond offers countless free activities — from parks and beaches to festivals, concerts, and community gatherings. Today’s lineup includes concerts, sports, theatre, comedy, festivals, exhibitions, family fun, and special events—check the daily calendar. Richmond and its surrounding areas feature a diverse lineup of concerts (sports), theatre, museums, festivals, parks, dining, nightlife, and seasonal happenings. Organize your next adventure by filtering events by season, type, or date. Explore Richmond’s attractions, entertainment, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and seasonal highlights.