Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Richmond, Virginia (VA)
Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the Museum of the Confederacy, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighborhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.
Restaurants in Richmond
1. Executive Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
This historic home, an excellent example of Federal style architecture, has been the residence of Virginia's governors since 1813, making it the longest occupied governor's living quarters in the U.S.
Reviewed By jmpjmp13 - Wheaton, United States
Capitol Square is outstanding well protected in on damage from the recent unrest which is unjustified. The guard at the gate for the executive mansion was spontaneously helpful and answered a lot of questions and gave information.
2. Dabbs House Museum
3. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
The remarkable life and achievements of this famous early 1900s African-American entrepreneur, first woman bank president in the U.S. and social activist are celebrated here with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia.
Reviewed By PhyllisASears
I'm so glad I made this part of my visit to Richmond. You can get a real sense of a person by visiting their home. The rangers fill in her life story while you're looking at the artifacts of her real life. A must see for a visit to Richmond. #womenshistory
4. Virginia Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,060 reviews
Inside the white, columned state capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson to resemble a first-century Roman temple in France, is the only sculpture of George Washington produced in his lifetime.
Reviewed By ReviewerHS - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This free tour was really interesting and you’re allowed to have a wander round afterwards too! The air con is quite vicious upstairs so be sure to take a jacket or something. Food in cafe very reasonable and my sandwich was great. More of a sit down lunch place for employees though.
5. Tuckahoe Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Tuckahoe Plantation, circa 1733, the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson is situated on the James River just ten miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Tuckahoe was made a National Historic Landmark in 1969 for it's connection to Jefferson, important examples of early American architecture and the completeness of the plantation setting with over ten restored outbuildings on site. Rambling gardens and vistas make Tuckahoe a beautiful step back in history.
Reviewed By 300rachelp - Las Vegas, United States
Went to see this hidden gem of Virginia. Was not disappointed at all. We went and didn't call for a tour but the owners found us wondering and offered to give us a private tour because we had traveled from so far (Las Vegas) . We were so grateful and loved the home/plantation it was like taking a walk back into time when looking at all the hidden gems in this property. The brick kitchen little house was so interesting too! It was used by the slaves and it still had the smell of wood in the air...you could just feel the history of the entire property. Loved it and a special thanks to the owners and caregivers for allowing us to visit even when they were not open. Thank you!
6. St. John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, St. John’s Church is open on Saturdays only, starting March 6, 2021. Check our social platforms for updates. Historic St. John's Church - where Patrick Henry gave his 'give me liberty or give me death' speech.
Reviewed By geoffreys1
I stopped here on a visit to the Richmond Area and took the guided tour. I learned so much about Patrick Henry and sooo much more about the events leading up to the American revolution. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend stopping here!
7. The John Marshall House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
John Marshall is best known as the “Great Chief Justice” for his role in creating the modern Supreme Court. He served from 1801 until 1835 and his influential decisions, such as Marbury v. Madison, helped shape the principle of judicial review. With the largest collection of original Marshall family pieces, guided tours of his home offer an in-depth look at the formation of American government through the lens of the federal judiciary. Marshall built his home in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood in 1790 and lived there for forty-five years until his death. It is a Federal-style brick building that originally included several outbuildings, including his law office.
Reviewed By uebelher - Wrightstown, United States
I was so impressed with the quality of the tour guide at this house. I’m a lawyer so I generally know about John Marshall. But I was amazed at how much more I learned. Our guide Ethan was a wealth of knowledge and had a detailed answer for every question we had for him. It was a highlight of my Richmond trip.
8. Meadow Farm Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By RobertP120 - Chesterfield, United States
Meadow Farm Museum is a circa 1860 living history farm site and museum. The site consists of a farm house, a blacksmith forge, and an orientation center. The staff presents programs and exhibits on the culture of the rural South. Costumed interpreters provide insight into the lives of the Sheppard family, owners of the farm. On selected weekends, they demonstrate activities in the farmhouse, barn, doctor’s office, blacksmith forge, kitchen, fields, and pastures. There are sheep, chickens, a turkey, hogs, cows, horses, and goats on the farm. I visited the museum on a weekday. There were two school bus loads of children touring the farm and feeding the farm animals. I was fortunate enough to get a one-on-one tour of the farm house with Ken, one of the docents. Ken was obviously well-versed on the history of the house but also on the customs of the period. We engaged in very pleasant conversation as we moved from room to room. It was a wonderful experience! My thanks to him for making my visit memorable. Meadow Farm Museum is a part of Crump Park. The park has playgrounds, picnic shelters, trails, large open fields, and a fishing pond. Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. The farmhouse, outbuildings, and orientation center are open from March-November on Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm and from December to February on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm. It is closed the first two weeks of January. There is plenty of automobile and bus parking. Come out, bring the family, and have a wonderful time.
9. Confederate War Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By jehenson81 - Washington DC, United States
This chapel sits on the grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts which itself is on the grounds of the old Confederate Soldiers Home. This chapel was built as part of the Soldiers home. Their are seven stained glass windows that were paid for by the families of Co federate soldiers and another one that was made to commemorate a particular unit. The chapel is gorgeous with lots of hand carved wood and the windows are all original. There is a little information sheet when you walk in as well as a gentleman to answer questions you might have. It was a fast visit but some wonderful.
10. African Burial Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By edwardjJ7296BT
This is a sacred place that should be preserved and appreciated. I'm grateful to have gotten to learn about this via the Elegba Folklore Society of Richmond. More people need to understand the significance of this part of RVR history.
