Virginia USA Travel Guide
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Start your day in the city center. Visit the Virginia State Capitol plus tour the surrounding Capitol Square, viewing monuments like the Virginia Liberties Memorial.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Enjoy a casual lunch at a spot in Shockoe Slip or downtown. Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM): Decide between two different experiences: Immerse yourself in art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), taking advantage of its free general admission, or explore the literary world at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in historic Shockoe Bottom. Late Afternoon (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Stroll through The Fan District, admiring its unique Victorian architecture.
Explore Richmond's history, art, and nature over a relaxing weekend.
Morning: Virginia The State capitol building, walking tour of Shockoe Bottom, and the Canal Walk. Afternoon: Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
Morning: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), dedicating ample time to its extensive collections. Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Maymont estate, including its gardens, mansion (if open), and nature center.
Morning: Church Hill, St. John's Church, and the iconic view from Libby Hill Park. Afternoon: Scott's Addition, sampling local craft beers and ciders. Late Afternoon: James River Park System, perhaps a walk on Belle Isle or relaxing at Pony Pasture Rapids. Depart from Richmond.
A couple-week stay signifies a truly immersive experience. This timeframe provides flexibility for multiple day trips, dives into specific interests, and a more relaxed pacing.
Tailor your Richmond adventure to your specific passions.
Explore the Virginia State Capitol, St. John's Church, and Hollywood Cemetery for Revolutionary and Civil War history.
Spend time in Carytown for diverse dining and unique cafes. Dedicate an afternoon to Scott's Addition, discovering its breweries, cideries, and distilleries, often with food trucks.
Experience whitewater rafting or going paddling a kayak on the James River. Take a long walk or mountain bike on the comprehensive ways through the James River Park System.
Immerse yourself in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and the VCU Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA).
Explore Maymont, with its Children's Farm, nature preserve, and vast gardens. Visit the Children's Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia for interactive learning.
Visit heritage churches like St. John'the The cathedral of for reflection. Discover peaceful contemplation in Maymont's serene Japanese Garden.
Richmond caters to every budget.
Accommodation: Budget motels or hostels. Transportation: GRTC public transit and the Pulse line. Do a lot of walking. Activities: Focus on free attractions like VMFA (general admission), Maymont grounds, Hollywood Cemetery, and the James River Park System. Food: Pack picnics, purchase groceries, seek out street food, look for happy hour deals, and dine at budget-friendly casual eateries.
Accommodation: Comfortable mid-range hotels or charming Bed & Breakfasts. Transportation: Mix public transport with occasional ride-sharing services or taxis for convenience. Activities: Balance free attractions with some excursions with a price or museum admissions. Food: Dine at a mix of mid-range restaurants and popular local favorites, with occasional splurges.
Accommodation: The Jefferson Hotel or Quirk Hotel for a premium experience. Transportation: Utilize private car services or frequent taxis/ride-shares. Food: Enjoy fine dining experiences at acclaimed restaurants. Activities: Book personalized guided excursions, exclusive experiences, and indulge in upscale shopping.
Time your visit for Richmond's seasonal highlights.
Enjoy river rafting or kayaking in the James River. Explore outdoor patios at restaurants and breweries.
Enjoy cozy dinners at Richmond's many restaurants. Explore indoor museums and arts organizations.
Plan your trip around specific festivals or occasions that interest you. The Dominion Energy Riverrock during The month of may (outdoor sports festival), Broad Appétit in June (food festival), and the Richmond Folk Festival in October (cultural and music festival) attract many visitors.
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer temperate weather, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Fall brings comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Summers can be steamy and hot, having temperatures often reaching the 90s°F (30s°C). Schedule outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
Winters are generally mild but can have freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Dress in layers.
