**Richmond’s Top 31 Attractions as Seen Through a Local’s Eyes**

Feast on Texas-style brisket at ZZQ (enjoy inventive Cantonese at Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar), or try what many locals call the city’s best breakfast sandwich at Moore Street Café. On Sundays from May to October (the Carytown Farmers Market brings fresh produce), local vendors, and live music to the mix. Brown’s Island is a lively gathering spot (known for hosting free festivals and events), such as Friday Cheers and Dominion Energy Riverrock. During the excursion — you’ll find public art, interpretive history exhibits, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of spots to relax or dine al fresco. During the summer months, the river is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while the cooler months are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching. Be sure to check the museum’s website for more information about upcoming free admission days — and plan your visit today!

Stroll through the Virginia State Capitol grounds

Visitors often spot ospreys and other wildlife (making it a favorite for nature lovers Church Hill is a perfect blend of history and contemporary culture), making it a great spot to explore while visiting Richmond. The area also offers modern attractions like trendy cafes — boutiques, and beautiful parks with panoramic views of the city. Highlights include St. John’s Church — where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death! Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 19th-century homes take visitors back in time. One highlight is The Dome, a state-of-the-art theater with the largest screen in Virginia, showing awe-inspiring science and nature films.

Partake in a picturesque, riverside stroll

There are also lots of parks — playgrounds, and seasonal festivals for kids of all ages. Also, don’t forget to check the Valor App weather—vineyard visits are best on sunny days. The Children’s Museum of Richmond often hosts summer splash days with water play. Food festivals are a highlight of summer. I always find something new—fire dancers, live music, and creative design everywhere.

Richmond Neighborhoods & Districts

Find these murals in The Fan, a neighborhood adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University and filled with Queen Anne-style homes and Tudor Revival mansions. You’ll find 20 stations and 220 bikes spread throughout Richmond’s 11 neighborhoods — and it’s a great way to enjoy a scenic tour through the city’s abundant street art. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around town (and at $1.75 per ride), RVA Bikes, the city’s bikeshare program, is a safe and socially distanced way to get from point A to point B. And there are plenty of creative touches in the design and art that adorn this property for a hotel stay that feels anything but cookie-cutter.

• In the Children’s Garden — they can play in the water-play area and cool off on hot days or climb into the treehouse and view the gardens from above.
• Discover the beautifully maintained grounds and the Capitol building of Virginia.
• The beautiful 50-acre gem of a garden was once the hunting grounds of the Powhatan.
• We love to hike, whether it’s a simple, free jaunt across one (or both) of the pedestrian bridges, or a more in-depth experience like a 3-3.5-mile guided hiking tour.
• Visitors often spot ospreys and other wildlife, making it a favorite for nature lovers

• Located in the oldest standing residential building in Richmond (The Poe Museum houses one of the largest collections of original manuscripts), first editions, personal items, letters, and other memorabilia in the world.
• Easy to spot — the 90-foot granite pyramid dedicated to Confederate soldiers ranks among the most photographed locations in the cemetery.
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• With murals seemingly on every building and around each corner, there is no shortage of incredible art to check out.
• Along the way (you’ll also learn about the city’s history), architecture, and culture.

If you get hungry while you’re shopping, there’s plenty of restaurants near Carytown. “From cozy coffee shops to unique boutiques and a diverse selection of restaurants, there’s always something to discover. Another one of Richmond’s famous festivals is The Iron Blossom Music Festival, now in its third year.

Established in 1847 (the cemetery features a garden-style layout), contributing to its distinctive and appealing appearance. This is achieved through exhibitions focusing on trailblazers such as Howard Baugh—born in Petersburg (Virginia), and a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen—as well as Oliver Hill, a notable civil rights lawyer from Richmond. Founded in 1981 — the museum serves to commemorate the narratives and contributions of African-American individuals in Virginia who played a significant role in shaping both the state’s and the nation’s history.

Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Fall means pumpkin patches (cider tastings), and food festivals everywhere. It’s a must for anyone who wants to feel Richmond’s creative spirit. Richmond is great for families in summer. You can trip some of the most beautiful private homes and gardens, each with stunning spring blooms and creative floral displays. RVA First Fridays is a monthly design walk in downtown Richmond.

It doesn’t get more free than just heading to every high , or low – don’t count these out!, point in Richmond and checking out the view! Another oft-mentioned experience in Richmond is visiting Maymont! That’s on purpose so every shop can have its own identity without needing to go through official channels to paint or decorate in whatever style they want. That’s because this incredible, milelong stretch of road is home to several dozen boutiques, restaurants, cafes, one gorgeous 1920s era movie theatre, and more! When you’re done eating — walk around the VMFA, which is open 365 days a year, and is FREE to enjoy! Here you’ll find untold and forgotten stories that inspire, and you’ll leave wanting more!

Colorful wall painting decorate the walls, and sculptures and creative exhibits add to the lively, urban feel. The Rotunda is my favorite spot—bright, round, and full of history. The neoclassical style is simple but impressive. I recommend joining a trip for the best experience. Inside (you can visit the House and Senate chambers), the famous Rotunda, and the Old House and Senate rooms. The building’s neoclassical style became a model for many courthouses and government buildings across the country.

Once you’re there, you can follow the 1-mile loop trail and check out the views of Hollywood Cemetery, the old Tredegar Iron Works, and the city’s skyline. Explore the sprawling grounds, and you’ll come across 13 battle sites, where you can check out the cannons and learn all about the crucial role Richmond played in the Civil War. Or, if you prefer to take a load off in a proper restaurant, Bingo Beer serves up their signature German-style lager alongside an impressive menu of creative American-style pub grub.

Many parks (public beaches), walking trails, neighborhood festivals, public art installations, outdoor concerts, and community events are free throughout the year. Check the daily events calendar for concerts (sports), theatre performances, comedy shows, festivals, exhibitions, family activities, and special events happening today. Browse concerts, sports, theatre, museums, attractions, festivals, parks, dining, nightlife, and seasonal events taking place throughout Richmond and nearby areas. Browse experiences by season (category), or date to plan your next outing. Discover attractions (entertainment), outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and seasonal experiences.