Day Trips from Richmond, VA
While Richmond itself is packed with history, culture, and Southern charm, one of its greatest advantages is the number of incredible destinations within easy reach. After exploring the region from the mountains to the coast when I moved to the South, I’ve uncovered some rewarding day trips that showcase Virginia’s diverse landscapes and heritage, and I can assure you they’re worth your time.
1. Annapolis - 2 hours 50 minutes from Richmond, VA
I thought Annapolis was an absolute gem with red-brick streets, gleaming colonial facades, and sailboats bobbing in the harbor gave it a timeless coastal charm, while the spirited blend of naval tradition and Chesapeake soul gave it an irresistible edge!
I started my trip basing myself at the elegant 4-star historic boutique Maryland Inn for three days, losing myself in the city’s maritime heartbeat. I walked down the quaint streets lined with 18th-century row houses, toured the stately Maryland State House, and strolled through the cobbled alleyways. The United States Naval Academy’s grand Beaux-Arts buildings and parade grounds left me awestruck, while the serenity of Quiet Waters Park gave me a peaceful counterbalance.
Along bustling Main Street and Dock Street, I popped into eclectic shops and waterfront taverns, savoring Chesapeake flavors — creamy crab dip at Middleton Tavern, buttery crab cakes at O’Leary’s, and a steaming bowl of Maryland crab soup at Chick & Ruth’s Delly. Watching the sun set behind the forest of masts at Ego Alley while sipping a local craft brew was pure Annapolis magic and my personal highlight.
2. Kerr Lake (aka Buggs Island Lake) - 1 hour 45 min Day Trip from Richmond
I thought that Kerr Lake was one of the best day trips from Richmond, VA (1 hour 45 min) when I moved there. Why? Stretching across the Virginia–North Carolina border, it’s one of those places where you feel like time slows down, and the lake itself becomes the whole world.
I thought Kerr Lake was an absolute hidden treasure, a vast sweep of shimmering blue water framed by rolling green hills and pine-scented forests, it carries both a peaceful stillness and a sense of boundless adventure.
The lake sprawls for 50,000 acres, so there’s no shortage of space to spread out. With over 800 miles of wooded shoreline, it was easy to find a quiet spot and then enjoy swimming and fishing for a day.
On land, I wandered through Occoneechee State Park with its wildflower-dotted trails.
My day trip highlight was when we stopped in Clarksville (Virginia’s only lakeside town) where quaint shops and lakefront eateries gave the trip a welcoming, small-town charm.
3. Culpeper - 1 hour 45 min from Richmond
Culpeper is a place we visited recently and it was one of my favorite day trips from Richmond because just under a two-hour drive north through rolling Virginia countryside, it felt like stepping into a slower-paced, history-rich town where modern foodie culture meets small-town charm.
I recommend that you park near the depot visitor center and go down brick-lined streets filled with boutiques, antique shops, and colorful murals. Grab a coffee at Raven’s Nest, stop by the Museum of Culpeper History for dinosaur fossils and Civil War artifacts, then take a 1--minute drive (6.3 mi) to Brandy Station Battlefield, site of the largest cavalry battle of the war.
Treat yourself at It’s About Thyme (European-style dishes with hearty portions) or Flavor on Main (modern Southern fare with craft cocktails). If you’re more of a beer person, Far Gohn Brewing Company downtown is a relaxed spot for craft brews.
I learned that the Culpeper Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (designated in 1987) and is on the Virginia Landmarks Register, a special place to visit that completely won me over.
My highlight was relaxing in a charming town that was also very walkable on a day trip.
4. George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
I thought this forest was absolutely captivating this month with its rolling Blue Ridge ridgelines, tumbling mountain streams, ferny hollows, and rocky overlooks that made it feel both serene and untamed!
Just about 2.5 hours west of Richmond, I followed I-64 into the mountains and based my adventure on a single full day of exploring the northern stretches of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. My highlights included hiking the short but steep 1 mile trail up to Humpback Rocks (800 feet in elevation) for panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, strolling along a quiet section of the Appalachian Trail, stopping at cascading Crabtree Falls for an hour, and winding down with a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway before heading back east.
5. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was otherworldly with its vast cypress swamps, moss-draped trees, mirrorlike waterways, and the haunting quiet that made it feel both mysterious and awe-inspiring!
Just under 2 hours southeast of Richmond, I drove down I-95 and US-58 into the Tidewater region, where the landscape flattened into wide marshes and forested wetlands. I spent the day paddling across the glassy expanse of Lake Drummond, walking the boardwalk trails through stands of bald cypress and tupelo, and scanning the skies for ospreys and herons. The solitude was incredible, with the calls of frogs and red-winged blackbirds echoing through the swamp as I explored.
I really appreciated the historical significance of this place, recognized as a site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, due to its historical significance as a refuge for escaped enslaved people.
6. Greensboro
To me, Greensboro was a wonderful mix of history, art, and nature, with leafy parks, a lively downtown, and museums that made it feel both welcoming and full of character!
Just a little over 3 hours southwest of Richmond, I cruised down I-85 and based myself right in downtown Greensboro for an easy overnight stay at 4-star Grandover Resort & Spa. My highlights included strolling through the Greensboro Science Center (part aquarium, part zoo, part museum), exploring the moving exhibits at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, wandering the trails and gardens of the Bog Garden and Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, and enjoying a laid-back dinner at one of the local breweries. The city felt relaxed yet vibrant, with just enough Southern charm to make it a perfect weekend escape.
Conclusion
Each trip left a different impression, a quiet lake at dusk, a trail cut through history, a plate of food that tasted like home. From the forests to the harbor towns, the road out of Richmond is an invitation to slow down, open up, and let Virginia unfold one stop at a time on your day trip from Richmond.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
