Location: Richmond
Top Things to do in Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Virginia Capital Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By CyclingUngaros - Raleigh, United States
We had a great ride on the Virginia Capital Trail! Traffic along the way are good to give bikes the right-of-way. There are two restaurants close to half-way that are accommodating to cyclists.
2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,589 reviews
With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area.
Reviewed By Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States
...and magic is in the garden during the holiday light festival. The garden is ablaze with lights during the holiday event. This is truly an event all ages can enjoy, For the children: a special garden, a lighted maze, hot chocolate, a fireplace for making s'mores, a train exhibit (look for the visiting alien space ship.) and pigs that fly. The youngsters were having a blast! The paths winding through the garden lead to lovely views whether lights reflected in the waterways or looking down on the decorations from elevated viewing spots (think a tree house of sorts for exploration) or lighted sculptures. Birds, balloons, space exploration, and, yes, even flying pigs bring the "magic in the air" theme to life. Don't forget to visit the library - home to the train exhibit, theme trees and on my visit, a holiday bell/carol program. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Good photo opportunities abound. There is a cafe (as well as the tea house restaurant) and hot drinks and snacks in the children:s garden - and an impressive gift shop. Trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly. Lights are on from 5 to 10 pm.There is a fee; ample parking. The garden was voted the #2 holiday light display of its kind in the nation and rightly so. A magnificent display. Highly recommended - this is a holiday event the whole family will enjoy and likely will want to make a yearly tradition. Don't miss it!
3. Carytown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,153 reviews
Section of Richmond that is great for walking, shopping or touring museums and galleries.
Reviewed By 278kentm
great shopping,many small shops--great food, very good variety of types of restaurants--th Byrd theater is being restored and it is beautiful!! $4.00 admission!!! I frequently visit Carytown!!
4. Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
A history museum and research library, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has been connecting people to America's past through the unparalleled story of Virginia for more than 180 years. T Visit today to view our award winning exhibitions that are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. We are the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof — all centuries, all regions, and all topics are covered. Although designated the Official State Historical Society, we are a privately funded non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to sustain its operations. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is located at 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220 in Richmond's Museum District. Currently Closed for Construction: Regular hours resume July 1. Galleries and museum shop open every day: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Library open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By ActiveLife4Me - Richmond, United States
This is a fabulous museum! I learn something new each time I visit. It has helped me gain a better understanding of Virginia’s past and all of the people who have lived here and the cultures they represent. The museum is privately funded and on the cutting edge of technology. This was the first museum in the area to post exhibits for adults online during the pandemic. The Banner lectures connect people with authors of new books with fascinating true stories. (These are better than fiction, because you can’t make this stuff up.) The gift shop offers an interesting assortment of books and gifts for all ages. Researchers find a treasure trove at this museum. The museum is taking advantage of the challenges brought by the pandemic to remodel, so it’s closed now. I’ll be excited to visit it again when it re-opens.
5. James River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
This river running right through downtown Richmond offers sightseeing rides on an antique paddlewheel steamer or on a raft with a trained guide, as well as wading, fishing, rafting, kayaking or simply relaxing on the river banks and gazing out at the city.
Reviewed By homeisjustastop
We drove downtown and parked at a nice parking garage that was just a short walk from the entrance to the trail. Absolutely beautiful areas to sit by the river, in the sun or shade. The river was enjoyed by a few in our group. The walk down the trail has awesome views and made for a perfect day. Parts of the trail have no rails and you are walking on a concrete covered pipeline. Everyone we met was courteous to stop as you squeeze past each other.(not very wide). The only other issue is to get down to the trail, at least at that end of the trail, you have to climb down a wire rung ladder, which could make it difficult for older folks or really young children.
6. 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.
7. Tredegar Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderer28655283519 - Takoma Park, United States
This provides a wonderful peek at the role of the Tredegar facility in the history of Richmond and the nation. The staff are knowledgeable, and for the most part know about the many ways Richmond is embracing the James River as it sits on its banks.
8. Maymont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,022 reviews
Maymont is a 100-acre American estate, an extraordinary gift given to the community by James and Sallie Dooley who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion, watching river otters at play, or petting a goat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed By S9815TAcherylb
Maymont is a beautiful Gilded Age mansion that is very well kept up the architecture is absolutely beautiful along with all the paintings and the grounds it has a nice museum downstairs in the basement that tells some of the history of the mansion in the living quarters of the servants beautifully kept up would highly recommend this is a place where you could spend just a few hours or the entire day exploring the Hundred Acres
9. Richmond National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By hoef972 - Manhattan, United States
Richmond was a series of battles fought over several months. To see the entire battlefield will require at least a full day. So plan accordingly. Start off by visiting the visitor center set in the old Tredegar Iron Works and take in the short film telling of the battles. As you set out to see the battlefields, keep in mind that some of the areas have been developed. Respect private lands. In connection to Richmond I would highly recommend visiting Petersburg Battlefield.
10. Monument Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
Reviewed By fearlessfrog48 - Richmond, United States
What can I say about Monument Avenue. Blocks and blocks of stately homes. Every Medwedew blocks there is a Monument dedicated to a famous Civil War Generals and in one case a prominent CSN Navy Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury. There is also a recent addition dedicated to a famous Richmonder and tennis great, Arthur Ashe. Monument Avenue is to me a place of history that can never be duplicated. It reminds us of who we were at one time, and who we are now as a nation, and the sacrifices that were made by individuals to bring us together as one people and one nation. You can draw tor own conclusions but don’t pass up this amazing tree lined avenue.
