Richmond is a safe and vibrant historic city with charming neighborhoods, excellent walkability, a growing food scene, robust employment opportunities, a diverse population, and year-round recreation. Here are some fun things to do here.
Click here to see a complete checklist of Mexico border crossing requirements
Take a Visit to Maymont
A tour of this historically rich capital isn’t complete without a stop at Maymont, Richmond’s most popular outdoor park and garden. The grounds cover an impressive 100 acres of land featuring a Japanese garden, Italian garden, and an elaborate mansion built during the Gilded Age. Also, among the newer attractions is the Robins Nature Center which is home to hundreds of animals. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a socially distanced stroll or picnic, no matter the time of the year.
The Canal Walk
The Canal Walk pays homage to Richmond’s industrial past. It’s a great way to get to explore the city on foot. You can take a scenic stroll along its length, including the James River canal and the Kanawha and Haxall Canals, and get to learn more about the city.
Cross the Footbridge to Belle Isle
Richmond is a city defined by the James River. There are a number of footbridges that deliver stunning views of the river while giving you access to the beautiful Belle Isle island. Belle Island was formerly a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War, but now it’s a great place to hike, bike, or just pass an afternoon on the flat rocks overlooking the Hollywood Rapids. Consider exploring the Capital Trail while here you are there.
Head to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, also known as the VMFA, is home to provoking and magnificent sculptures, manicured gardens, and impressive architecture from the past. You’ll also want to explore the museum’s indoor collection. Simply put, VMFA is the crown jewel of Richmond’s cultural offerings.
Take a Tour of the Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is popularly known as the final resting place of U.S. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler. Also buried here are numerous Confederate soldiers and Virginia notables. The Hollywood Cemetery offers excellent views of the James River and is also a renowned arboretum, with many specimen trees.
Kayak the Rapids of the James River
The James River, which flows right by Downtown Richmond and out to the Atlantic Ocean, has a collection of riverfront trails, rapids, meadows, and forests. You will get a chance to kayak through Class IV white water rapids. Besides that, you get to enjoy a stroll in fun walking paths and revitalized riverfront, offering some of the best urban hiking in the mid-Atlantic.
The eclectic River City also has lots to offer, including modern art galleries, boutique thrift shops, coffee shops, and so much more. Take the time to explore any of these attractions during your stay at Richmond.
