25 Best Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia

© Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Virginia’s storied history at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Owned and operated by the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, the museum was established in 1831 as a private and entirely non-profit institution. While the museum has several incredible exhibits to explore, the featured gallery entitled “The Story of Virginia” and beautifully encapsulates the 16,000-year history of Virginia through over 500 artifacts, letters, diaries, and maps. As a whole, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is home to over 19 million objects and artifacts, so make sure to leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy the museum’s galleries.

428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Phone: 804-340-1800

© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art and the study of arts in order to enrich the lives of the community. The museum is home to a distinguished permanent collection of more than 33,000 works of art from a range of cultures around the world, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern and Contemporary American art, as well as French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

The museum offers a variety of educational programs and community outreach projects for students and adults of all ages, as well as guided tours, private tours, and group tours through the museum. There are two dining facilities at the museum – the fine dining Amuse Restaurant and the casual, light-filled Best Café that overlooks the reflecting pool and the Robins Sculpture Garden. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top Richmond attractions.

200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-340-1400

© Maymont

Maymont is a beautifully preserved estate and garden that is open to the public to enjoy. Donated by James and Sallie Dooley, the estate, which stands as an expression of Gilded Age luxury and opulence, features the magnificent Maymont Mansion, elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens, a nature and wildlife center, and a children’s farm. Begin with a visit to Robin’s Nature & Visitor Center where you will find a wealth of information about the history of the estate, the gardens, and the other delights to experience.

Then take a stroll through the manicured gardens, which are home to beautiful Italian, Japanese, and Specialty Gardens, as well as a gorgeous arboretum. Explore the local wildlife at the Nature Center or at the unique Children’s Farm where you can pet a goat or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-358-7166

More vacation ideas: Weekend Vacations from Washington, DC

© Courtesy of Hellen Sergeyeva - Fotolia.com

Spanning more than 50 acres, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is open to the public year-round and offers an array of spectacular flora, specialty and themed gardens, and a classic conservatory. Themed gardens include Asian Valley, Cochrane Rose Garden, Cherry Tree Walk, and a Children’s Garden, where visitors can learn all about the garden’s collections, enjoy the world-class botanical displays, and take in the striking surrounding natural beauty. If you are wondering what to do in Richmond with kids, this is a great place to visit.

Savor delicious cuisine at one of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s two restaurants — the Garden Cafe or the Robins Tea House – both of which boast beautiful settings and fresh, seasonal menus. Take a memento of the gardens home with you from the gift shop, which stocks a range of items, from gardening books and home décor trinkets to seeds and gardening tools.

1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-262-9887

© Courtesy of Lucy Clark - Fotolia.com

Located in Richmond, the Virginia State Capitol is the seat of the state government of Virginia and home to the General Assembly, the oldest continuously operating legislature in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol was constructed in the Monumental Classical style, which paved the way for the design of countless government buildings after that. It was completed in 1788 and has since been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

There are several exhibitions and displays at the Capitol, as well as a 20-minute visually interactive film about the Virginia’s central role in American history called Keepers of the Flame. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the buildings of the Capitol.

1000 Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-698-1788

More weekend destinations: Things to Do in Virginia Beach.

© Virginia Holocaust Museum

Dedicated to preserving the sobering history of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum welcomes visitors year-round to learn about one of the most horrific moments in history. The goal? To honor those who fought to survive, and to serve as a reminder of what should never happen again. Founded in 1997, the museum has become of the most visited museums in Virginia thanks to a core exhibit that features over 300 artifacts and stories of local Holocaust survivors. Hear stories that will tell the chilling realities of this tragic time in our world’s history and watch films about what life was like in concentration camps.

2000 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, Phone: 804-257-5400

© Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to inspiring the community to take an interest in science and use it to enrich their lives. The museum features a wealth of outstanding experiential exhibits, dynamic displays, interactive technologies, and hands-on programs that challenges visitors to open their minds to new ideas. The Science Museum of Virginia is one of the best things to do in Richmond, VA with kids.

Permanent exhibitions include displays that focus on space, electricity, health, and the earth; they are laid out in vast gallery spaces. The museum is home to The Dome, a 76-foot amphitheater housing Virginia’s largest movie screen that screens a range of space and science-related films.

2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-864-1400

© Agecroft Hall

Overlooking the James River in Richmond, Agecroft Hall is a beautiful replica of the original Elizabethan manor house that rested on the banks of the River Irwell in Lancashire, England. Standing as a tribute to our rich history, Agecroft Hall was built in a combination of Tudor and 20th century styles, incorporating many features and decorative elements of the original house in England. Its interior features opulent furnishings, period paintings, and ornate wood panelings.

The manor house is surrounded by magnificent Elizabethan-style gardens, including an intricate knot garden, aromatic rose gardens, and stately boxwoods. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including Life on the Manor, and Fauna and Flora.

4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-353-4241

© Real Richmond Food Tours

Experience the best of Richmond’s cuisine with a Real Richmond Food Tour. Hailed by top gourmands and aficionados, Richmond’s burgeoning food scene encompasses the spirit of the city, and Real Richmond’s two-and-a-half-hour walking tour takes you into its very heart.

Tours include visits to several popular eateries with tastings and samplings of their best fare. Tour goers will also get an introduction to the history and culture of the city and a look at some of the most beautiful architecture.

Some of the featured tours include Both Sides of Broad: The Art & Soul of Richmond, Fan of the Food: Eateries & Art, Carytown/Museum District: Butchers, Bakers & Beyond, and Shockoe Slip: Capital of Cuisine. Private and custom-designed tours can also be arranged.

More VA destinations: Things to Do in Roanoke, Virginia.

© Poe Museum

The Poe Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of a famous literary master, Edgar Allan Poe, and it is also home to the world’s finest collection of his works. Known as “America's Shakespeare,” Edgar Allan Poe was a master of a variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories and fiction to lyric poetry and horror stories.

The museum’s collection includes first editions, manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia from his life and provides a closer look at his life in early nineteenth century, Richmond. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or pre-arranged private guided tours.

1914-16 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-648-5523

© Historic Tredegar

One of the three locations for the American Civil War Museum, Historic Tredegar is located near Brown's Island and Belle Isle on downtown Richmond's riverfront. It also shares a site with the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. The Historic Tredegar is a private museum associated with the American Civil War Museum based on the location of the Tredegar Iron Works, once the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States.

During the American Civil War, the works played a vital role in the production of iron and artillery for the Confederate States of America and today stands as a National Historic Landmark.

500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-649-1861

© Courtesy of thithawat - Fotolia.com

The greater Church Hill area is a historic, compact collection of neighborhoods with well-preserved 1800s architecture, gas-lit cobblestone streets, famous landmarks, and wonderful parks. It is where Richmond was born in 1773, on the banks of the James River, today just a walking distance from the city’s vibrant downtown. It is great area to explore on foot, with fantastic views of the city’s skyline, great restaurants, a sense of history, and cool, green spaces in which to relax and unwind. There is much to do and see in Church Hill. Walk along the James River, follow the Capital Trail, check out Shockoe Bottom, and eat in some great restaurants while watching people passing by.

© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

Richmonds National Battlefield Park embodies the complex involvement Richmond had in the Civil War. The park is home to a number of different battlefields, miles of elaborate original fortifications, a critical industrial complex, and the Confederacy's largest hospital. The vast park covers more than 80 square miles with 13 separate battle sites and four modern visitor’s centers in the City of Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield counties.

Visitors can explore the park by walking, driving, and taking guided tours to special events and museum exhibits. The establishment also hosts a variety of talks, tours, living history demonstrations, and special events, which are presented year-round throughout the park by experienced staff. Committed to education, the park also runs some hands-on educational activities and trips for students and learners.

470 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, Phone: 804-226-1981

© L'Opossum

Located in Oregon Hill with contemporary-retro 1970s décor, original paintings, and an eclectic ambiance, L'Opossum is an offbeat eatery owned by Chef David Shannon that offers diners a unique menu of French fare with a Southern spin. If the quirky décor doesn’t catch your attention, the elaborate menu will; it boasts dishes like the Melange of Manikintowne Mesclun, Polyamorous Hippie Three-Way (toasted poppadums with quinoa tabbouleh, hummus and babaganoush), and Skillet-Seared Foie Gras Springs a Leak.

Just as delightful desserts and a range of libations are also on offer, and the tongue-in-cheek eatery is open for dinner Tuesday through to Saturday.

626 China Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-918-6028

© The John Marshall House

The John Marshall House is famous for being the home of “the greatest man never to be President” for forty-five years. Known as the “Great Chief Justice,” John Marshall is best remembered for turning the Supreme Court into an influential and respected branch of the United States Government.

The house, which has been meticulously restored, is now open to the public and features a vast collection of furnishings and memorabilia, aiming to showcase the life and times of this great man. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the house, take a stroll through the beautifully maintained garden, explore the modern museum shop, or even try their hand at the game of quoits, which was John Marshall’s favorite game.

818 East Marshall St., Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-648-1889

© Garnett's Cafe

Garnett's Café is a classic neighborhood sandwich shop situated in the heart of the Fan District that serves homemade sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked desserts. Sandwiches and salads are made to order with fresh ingredients. The restaurant features a range of regional and national craft beers by the pint or pitcher, as well as a nice selection of French and Virginia wines.

Open for lunch and dinner, this cozy little eatery features a long counter for stay-in diners and offers picnic baskets for takeaway meals that can be enjoyed in the park across the street.

2001 Park Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-367-7909

More ideas: Richmond Restaurants for Romance.

© Wilton House Museum

Wilton House Museum serves as both an excellent example of Georgian architecture and as a representation of life in Virginia since the 18th century and the ways in which it continues to shape life in America today. Built in 1753 for the illustrious Randolph family, the house was the centerpiece of a 2,000-acre plantation with a rich history; it played host to the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The estate has since been immaculately restored and is now the headquarters of the Virginia Dames and the site for a variety of educational exhibits, community and public programs, and annual events. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays and National holidays.

215 S. Wilton Rd, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-282-5936

© Courtesy of bunyippa - Fotolia.com

Virginia House is a beautifully preserved English manor house owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society. Relocated to Richmond in 1925, the original house was designed by Alexander and Virginia Weddell in the form of a sixteenth century English manor house with modern amenities. It rests atop a hill overlooking the James River. The house features an exquisite collection of English and Spanish antiques, fine china and silver, Oriental carpets, and silk drapes and is surrounded by close to eight acres of manicured gardens and landscapes designed by Charles Gilette.

Guided solo and group tours of the estate can be arranged, and individual rooms in the manor house can be rented for special occasions such as weddings.

4301 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, Virginia

© Virginia War Memorial

The Virginia War Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell during some of history’s major wars. The Shrine of Memory has the names of close to 12,000 soldiers who died during the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War engraved on its walls, while the Memory Statue is located at the southern end of the Shrine. Designed by Leo Friedlander this majestic monument stands 23 feet tall.

The Torch of Liberty lies at the base of the statue and represents everlasting patriotism while a memorial of flying flags representing the divisions in combat flies at the south end of the memorial. Guided tours of the Virginia War Memorial can be arranged, and admission is free of charge.

621 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-786-2060

© Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Learn more about Maggie L. Walker, one of America’s pioneer civil rights activists who grew in recognition and acclaim during the Jim Crow era. The commander of a fraternal organization named the Order of St Luke, Maggi Lena Walker is credited for helping the IOSL grow to more than 100,000 members across 24 states, and for leading them in a manner that boosted racial pride, created advancements for women, and helped uplift the economy. The historic site preserves the family home of Maggie Walker, where she and her family lived from 1905 until her passing in 1934. By 1978, the home became a national historic site and is today regularly visited. Visitors can see Ms. Walker’s belongings, the original furnishings of the home, and learn many stories from her legacy.

600 N 2nd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Phone: 804-771-2017

© Westwind/stock.adobe.com

Pay a visit to one of the world’s popular motorsports facilities at the Richmond Raceway. Regarded as “America’s Premier Short Track”, the Richmond International Raceway is home to NASCAR races like the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, as well as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Apart from watching exciting races, the raceway is also open to tours from Monday to Friday on non-race weeks. Tours will take fans through the special locations in the raceway including a walk on the track itself, pits, and other such areas that fans wouldn’t normally be able to see. Tours depart from the administrative office every hour, but the raceway encourages visitors to book their tours ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

600 E Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 2322, Phone: 804-228-7500

© The Valentine

For more than a century The Valentine has been working hard to preserve, interpret, and collect items from Richmond’s glorious 400-year history. Nestled in the very heart of the city’s historic downtown district, The Valentine welcomes locals and tourists alike to peruse its many exhibits and soak in unique and diverse stories from Richmond’s illustrious past. Visits to The Valentine aren’t limited by just the galleries as they also host several popular tours. Discover the city on foot while you hear about precious moments of time through the Richmond History Tours, stop by the 1812 Wickham House to see preserved piece of the 1800s, or take a guided tour of The Valentine’s in-house exhibits and collections.

1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-1527, Phone: 804-649-0711

© BeeRu/stock.adobe.com

A gorgeous addition to the James River Park System is the Pony Pasture Rapids Park. Popular amongst locals and visitors alike, the park is a beloved urban paradise in the city and a great place to enjoy a beach-like atmosphere without actually having to drive to the beach. Soak up some sun while resting on one of the park’s many granite boulders, splash around in the river to cool off, or slide around amongst the rapids when the tide rises. On land, visitors can also utilize more than a mile’s worth of multi-use paths and trails great for walking, running, or biking. It’s not uncommon to see artists creating gorgeous paintings or snapping great photographs either.

7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Phone: 804-646-8911

© Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Come to the Black History Museum to hear incredible stories from black history, see beautiful works of art by black artists, and to learn more about the distinct, beautiful, and timeless culture for African Americans. The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia has spectacular learning opportunities and multi-dimensional means of sharing key moments in history. While there are many great exhibits, some of the highlights of the museum include the Black History Timeline, the Civil Rights gallery, the Jim Cros, Massive Resistance, Desegregation, and the Richmond 34 galleries.

122 West Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220; Phone: 804-780-9093

© Children’s Museum of Richmond

One of the best ways for kids to learn is through play, and at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, there is no shortage of undeniably fun activities that are designed to teach kids critical skills, language development, and even social skills. At the museum, children, and even their caregivers, can participate in great learning opportunities and activities. Some of the exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Richmond include the Little Farm, the Hospital and Ambulance Gallery, and the Living Tree House. The museum also hosts annual events that are great for locals and visitors alike such as the Legendary Santa event and the Snow Ambassador Scholarship. This non-profit organization even hosts annual tuition raffles for families in need.

2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Phone: 804-474-7062