Things to do in Richmond, Virginia
- Richmond is one of the few cities in the U.S. that features a Class IV whitewater rafting rapid located directly within its downtown metropolitan area.
- The city was the site of Patrick Henry's famous 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' speech, delivered at St. John's Church in 1775.
- Richmond was once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States, a history now commemorated through the Richmond Slave Trail.
- During the American Civil War, Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy, making it a primary tactical target throughout the conflict.
- The city is home to a unique underground tunnel system and a rich legacy of diverse architecture ranging from Federal-style townhouses to industrial era tobacco warehouses.
About Richmond, Virginia
Richmond serves as the capital of Virginia and stands as a central nexus of American history, defined by its position along the James River and its evolving role as a hub for arts and industry. Visitors can explore the neoclassical architecture of the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, or wander through the expansive gardens at Maymont. The city bridges historical significance and contemporary culture, housing world-class institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Its riverfront geography continues to shape its identity, providing urban green space alongside deep-rooted colonial and Civil War history.
Highlights of Richmond, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore an extensive collection that ranges from Fabergé eggs to contemporary installations in one of the largest art museums in the South.
Parks
Walk through 100 acres of meticulously maintained Victorian gardens and animal habitats overlooking the James River.
Historical places
Visit the site where Virginia’s government has convened since 1788 and admire the iconic Jeffersonian architecture.
Parks
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Richmond skyline from the hill where English explorers first viewed the river in 1607.
Museums
Discover the world's largest collection of Edgar Allan Poe's manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings.
Museums
Engage with interactive exhibits housed inside a historic former train station.
Museums
Experience hands-on learning environments specifically designed for young children.
Venues
Attend live performances in a venue renowned for its restored 1920s atmospheric interior design.
Top things to do in Richmond, Virginia
The 149 highest-rated places in Richmond, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Kings Dominion is a 400-acre amusement park located in Doswell, Virginia, featuring over 60 rides, shows, and attraction...
2
Parks
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate in Richmond, Virginia, bequeathed by James and Sallie Dooley in 1925. The centerpi...
3
Museums
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a world-renowned institution housing an encyclopedic art collection spanning...
4
Museums
The Science Museum of Virginia is housed in the historic Broad Street Station, a neoclassical structure designed by John...
5
Venues
The Altria Theater is a historic venue in Richmond, Virginia, originally opened in 1927 as the Mosque. It features a dis...
6
Parks
Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia, encompassing over 7,900 acres in Chesterfield County. It fe...
7
Parks
Rockwood Park is a sprawling 172-acre municipal facility in Chesterfield County featuring extensive outdoor recreational...
8
Museums
The Poe Museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia within the historic Old S...
9
Museums
The Children's Museum of Richmond features hands-on, interactive learning stations designed specifically for children up...
10
Parks
Deep Run Park & Recreation Center is a 165-acre Henrico County public facility featuring extensive athletic fields, play...
11
Parks
Dorey Park is the largest park in Henrico County, spanning over 400 acres of open space and woodland. The facility serve...
12
Parks
Bryan Park is a 262-acre municipal park in Richmond, Virginia, that serves as a site of historical significance regardin...
13
Parks
Libby Hill Park is one of Richmond’s three original parks established in 1851. It is situated on a bluff in the historic...
14
Venues
The Diamond is a multi-purpose stadium in Richmond, Virginia, primarily serving as the home field for the Richmond Flyin...
15
Parks
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center is defined by its 50,000-gallon aquarium exhibit showcasing fish native to the Chesapea...
16
Venues
The Dominion Energy Center is a major performing arts complex located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. The facility is an...
17
Parks
Forest Hill Park is a 105-acre municipal park located in the Forest Hill neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. The site on...
18
Historical places
The Virginia State Capitol is a working government building designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau, m...
19
Parks
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont serves as the primary educational facility for the 100-acre Maymont estate, focusing...
20
Parks
Short Pump Park is a 20-acre recreational facility located in Henrico County, Virginia. It features two fenced dog parks...
21
Museums
The Virginia Holocaust Museum is housed in a restored 1919 tobacco warehouse in Richmond's historic Shockoe Bottom distr...
22
Museums
The American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar serves as the primary site for the American Civil War Museum system, ho...
23
Parks
Midlothian Mines Park preserves the site of Virginia's first commercial coal mining operation, which dates back to the e...
24
Historical places
The Virginia War Memorial is a state-operated memorial and educational facility dedicated to honoring Virginians who die...
25
Parks
Jefferson Park is a hilltop urban park located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond. It is widely recogn...
26
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Richmond is a specialized indoor trampoline park located in the Carmia Way commercial corridor. The facility fe...
27
Parks
Echo Lake Park is a 36-acre Henrico County facility centered around a multi-acre lake accessible via a paved perimeter t...
28
Parks
Great Shiplock Park serves as the eastern terminus of the James River Park System in Richmond, Virginia, providing direc...
29
Parks
Monroe Park is the oldest public park in Richmond, Virginia, established in 1851. Located adjacent to the Virginia Commo...
30
Museums
The White House of the Confederacy served as the executive residence for Jefferson Davis and his family during the Ameri...
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Richmond, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Richmond, Virginia
April to June or September to October, when the moderate climate allows for comfortable outdoor exploration of the riverfront parks and walking tours.
3 days, which provides enough time to balance historical site visits with cultural institutions and outdoor recreation along the James River.
The city is primarily car-dependent, though the GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system offers efficient service along the main Broad Street corridor.
Stay in The Fan District for its historic residential charm and proximity to museums, or choose downtown for immediate access to major venues and government buildings.
Mid-range; the city offers a variety of affordable historical sites and public parks paired with standard urban costs for lodging and dining.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 149 curated attractions in and around Richmond, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kings Dominion is the highest-rated place to visit in Richmond, Virginia right now.
The largest category is temples, with 36 places to explore.
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