Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is one of the best places to visit in the southeastern United States.
The stunning city offers rich culture, history, incredible food, scenic gardens, and craft beer.
From experiencing the magical work of mystery and macabre writer Edgar Allan Poe to marveling at the scenic lakes of Byrd Park, there are many things to do in Richmond.
Must-Do Things in Richmond, VA
The food in Carytown is to die for, and the nightlife will give you an experience of a lifetime.
If you plan a trip to Virginia, here are some of our favorite activities in Richmond that you should also try.
1. Sunbath and Play at Byrd Park
Are you looking for an outdoor venue to have fun and play in the sun?
The Byrd Park in Richmond is the right place to take your summer fun, hold special events, catch a boat ride and play tennis.
The Fountain Lake’s cool water feels good on your skin, and you can wind the day sunbathing on the shores or hitch a boat ride around the lake.
The park’s green lawns are perfect for testing your tennis-playing skills as the kids enjoy snacks and roll in the grass.
In the nearby Swanlake, you can see waterfowl swimming and diving in the vast water body.
The Byrd Park tour ends at Blanton Avenue, lined with historical statutes, monuments, and a dog park.
You can also catch the city’s annual Festival of the Arts in the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater or Ha’Penny Stage.
2. Explore Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
If art is your thing, you will be amazed by all the excellent collections in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
From Whistler to Cassatt, American Painters in France, Egyptian mummies, famous paintings, and Asian manuscripts to the Art Nouveau collection, the museum tour will deliver a fabulous art exploration.
The tour may take two to four hours, depending on how much you want to see. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is open 365 days a year, and volunteers are always eager to guide you.
The experts there also give detailed lectures, so bring a pen and a notebook for a free art lesson.
3. Get Your Adrenaline Rushing at the Kingdom Dominion Theme Park
A day spent with family and friends at an amusement park is always a welcome idea when visiting a new city.
Kingdom Dominion is a two-in-one park consisting of an amusement and water park.
It is a 20-mile drive from Richmond city center and about 75 miles from Washington, DC.
Here are fun things to do at the Kingdom Dominion Theme Park:
- Scream your heart out as you spin around the 13 world-class rollercoasters
- Be part of seasonal musical celebrations, including the Great Pumpkin Fest, and Haloween Haunt
- Experience the festive season with lots of holiday lights, happy meals, and comfortable lodging facilities.
4. Educate Yourself on Virginia History at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Gift your history-loving self with a profound history lesson through a guided tour of the Virginia Museum of History and culture.
Get the real stories behind critical historical figures and dates. The museum is one of the most-visited cultural centers in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In addition, it features candid cultural exhibits, detailed videos, and a vast collection of artifacts.
The place is kid-friendly, so bring your kids for fun family activities such as dressing up like historical figures and musical performances.
You can leave the place with souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
There are tons of gifts at the local gift shop that you can buy as a reminder of the museum tour.
5. Meet the Author Behind the Tales of Terror at the Poe Museum
A literary work enthusiast will tell you that the name Edgar Allan Poe ignites a feeling of terror and mystery, thanks to the author’s best-selling terror-charged short stories and poems.
If you are a Poe fanatic, you can learn everything about the popular word master, from his famous works and images to his social life.
Poe was a Richmond native. A century ago, his biggest fan and collector, James Howard Witty, joined hands with fellow Poe enthusiasts to create the writer’s monument.
Over the years, the group reorganized and created the Poe Museum inside the Southern Literary Messenger building.
Today, the Poe Museum consists of:
- the Old Stone House
- Poe’s childhood house
- the Poe Shrine
- and the Enchanted Graden
6. Explore Nature and Craftsmanship at the Maymont Estate
Are you looking for a family-friendly public park to take your children and get in touch with mother nature?
The Maymont Estate and Public Park will provide exactly that.
The estate is a top-rated tourist attraction in Richmond, consisting of:
- a Victorian-style mansion
- Japanese and Italian gardens
- an Arboretum
- wildlife exhibits
- a carriage collection
- and a children’s farm
Treat your eyes to the marvelous color of the blooming flowers as you stroll down the well-maintained gardens.
With over 100 acres to explore, you will have a fun-filled nature exploration day as you interact with native flora and fauna.
Bring your diving gear to swim with the aquatic life at the James River Experience, cameras to capture the beautiful sceneries, and kindness to feed the Maymont goats.
7. Stroll, Shop, and Dine in the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
How about you spend your day strolling along spectacular gardens, shopping local merchandise, and eating savory dishes?
You can do that in the famous Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction outside Richmond city center.
The 50-acre property comprises a dome-shaped conservatory, beautiful gardens, a library, and a food cafe.
It is among the most frequented places in the south-Atlantic region, so make your reservations early.
Tickets are available online for the famous Dominion Energy Garden Fest of Lights, holiday events, and private parties.
8. Shop, Explore Art, and Enjoy the Nightlife at Carytown
One of Richmond’s unconventional and intriguing neighborhoods, Carytown is a bubbly area with plenty of fun activities.
This is a must-visit place on your Richmond trip.
There’s something for everyone, from craft beer tasting to shopping sprees in colorful boutiques and gift shops.
Try delicious treats at the Carytown Cupcakes or European-style pastries at Jean Jacques.
Still, you can enjoy a satisfying meal at the nearby New York Deli, Can Can Brasserie, or The Broken Tulip.
The nightlife at Carytown is lively; you can watch a movie at the Byrd Theatre and meet new people at the Jasper bar.
9. Visit the Gravesite of Iconic American Figures at Holywood Cemetery
The Holywood Cemetery is a resting place for iconic stars and a meeting place for visitors who appreciate American history.
What to Expect? From the peculiar birdcage-shaped tomb of James Monroe, America’s fifth president, to the controversial Iron Dog monument, there is plenty of sights to look forward to on the 53-acre property.
Bring your friends to tour the gravesite, crematorium, funeral home, and museum. Pose for unforgettable pictures with President John Tyler’s monument.
Then, listen to guides tell the intricate details behind the Iron Dog monument said to guard over the grave of a little girl.
10. Take a Look at the Virginia State Capitol
Identified as one of the most magnificent state capitol buildings, the Virginia State Capitol is a majestic white building resembling a Roman temple.
It’s a design by the great Thomas Jefferson and contains a rich history of Virginia’s legislators and other prominent people.
Marvel over the life-size statute of the first president of the United States, Sir George Washington.
Other notable statues include:
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Henry Clay (a former Secretary of State)
Final Remarks
There are plenty of things to do in Richmond, VA, including sunbathing at Byrd Part, exploring the life of famed author Allan Poe and visiting the Virginia State Capitol.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Richmond and explore these top tourist attraction sites.
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