5 Days of Fun in Richmond, Virginia.
Discover the history and charm of Virginia's capital city, Richmond.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Richmond offers a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures that make it a perfect tourist destination. The city is home to top-rated museums, historic sites, galleries, parks, and rivers that showcase its vibrant art scene, Civil War history, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Richmond has something for everyone.
Travel plan
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- Check into The Jefferson Hotel, a grand historic hotel renowned for its luxurious amenities and Southern charm.
- Visit the Virginia Capitol Building, where Thomas Jefferson himself designed the building's architecture.
- Take a stroll through the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, which was once the city's center of industry and now has been transformed into a bustling area filled with restaurants and shops.
- Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts an impressive collection of art spanning thousands of years and cultures.
- Dine at L'Opossum, a whimsical French-inspired restaurant with an eclectic atmosphere that serves up delectable dishes like escargot and foie gras.
- Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, which features the largest collection of Poe memorabilia in the world and offers a unique glimpse into the writer's life and works.
- Take a tour of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a stunning 50-acre garden that offers peaceful trails, serene lakes, and beautiful blooms.
- Visit the Science Museum of Virginia, where interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences bring science to life.
- Stop by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, a beloved local brewery that serves up delicious brews and hosts events like live music and food truck rallies.
- Enjoy a meal at ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque, a rustic joint that smokes up mouth-watering brisket and ribs.
- Spend the morning hiking or biking at Pocahontas State Park, a sprawling 7,700-acre park with over 64 miles of trails.
- Visit the Maymont Estate, a picturesque park that features stunning gardens, a petting zoo, and an 1893 mansion.
- Take a kayaking tour of the James River, where you can paddle through scenic rapids and see wildlife like bald eagles and river otters.
- Stop by Stone Brewing Richmond, a taphouse and brewery that offers outdoor seating with a view of the river.
- Dine at The Roosevelt, a cozy restaurant that offers a seasonal menu featuring Southern-inspired dishes like chicken and waffles.
- Take a walk through Carytown, a vibrant neighborhood filled with quirky shops, galleries, and cafes.
- Visit the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and learn about the state's rich history and culture.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the street art of Richmond, home to dozens of murals and graffiti installations.
- Check out the art galleries and studios in the Arts District, where you can meet local artists and see their latest work.
- Dine at Shagbark, a restaurant using locally-sourced ingredients to create southern-inspired dishes like fried chicken and peach cobbler.
- Go on a food tour visiting some of Richmond's most famous local eateries to taste the city's specialties along with the local history.
- Take a tour of the American Civil War Museum to learn about the conflict through the eyes of soldiers and civilians.
- Head to Church Hill, a historic and charming neighborhood with an array of 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets.
- Visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum to learn about the history and legacy of the Holocaust.
- Dine at Rappahannock Restaurant for dinner, a chic seafood eatery featuring fresh-caught oysters and dishes like pan roasted rockfish.
Length of stay
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Richmond by plane is to fly into Richmond International Airport (RIC). From there, you can take public transportation or rent a car to reach your final destination.
Car
Driving is a popular way to get to Richmond, especially if you're coming from nearby cities like Washington D.C. or Virginia Beach. Major highways like I-95 and I-64 connect Richmond to other cities in the region.
Train
Although there aren't any direct trains to Richmond, you can take the Amtrak train to nearby cities like Washington D.C. or Williamsburg and then take a bus or rental car to reach Richmond.
Boat
While there aren't any direct boat routes to Richmond, you can take a scenic cruise along the James River to reach the city. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is also a unique way to reach Richmond, as it crosses the James River and connects with nearby towns in Virginia.
Bus
Taking a bus to Richmond is a convenient and affordable option, with companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus offering routes to and from the city. The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Richmond, while the Megabus and BoltBus stations are located just outside the city center.