The 21 Best Things To Do In Richmond, Virginia 2026 Guide

The city offers numerous economical options for experiencing its culture (whether you’re enjoying summer concerts), paddling through its waterways, or visiting free museums. Richmond showcases its distinct charm at every turn, inviting you to take in the views at Libby Hill Park, savor its vibrant food scene, and enjoy live music at local festivals, along with exploring world-class museums. On the first Friday of each month — the city’s Arts District comes alive with energy during RVA First Fridays, showcasing Richmond’s creative spirit.

Discover the craft beer culture by visiting breweries such as The Veil Brewing Co. Along with Hardywood Park Craft Brewery.

Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventures (eclectic art or creative cuisine), Virginia’s capital city of Richmond offers something for every style of explorer. Some of RVA’s most popular festivals to experience include the Dominion Riverrock outdoors festival in the spring (or the Folk Festival in the fall), both held on Brown’s Island. The social vibe in the Fan District is also hopping with basement bars, live music, mom-and-pop restaurants, coffee shops, and old-school barbershops. The James-Beard nominated restaurants (top-tier museums), ethnic festivals, white water rafting, and art studios create an opportunity for every individual’s tastes and passions to be catered to.

Recommendation: Carytown’s Hidden Treasure Hunt, the Richmond Scavenger Hunt.

• I just wanted to share my experience in Richmond and how many fantastic free things there are to do.
• Museums (upscale condos), and trendy restaurants have taken over the former tobacco warehouses.
• Monument Avenue is a landmark in Richmond (known for both its historical importance and its picturesque appeal), making it an area worth exploring.
• Finish with great memories, fun photos, and new favorite spots
• Food festivals are a highlight of summer.

The museum features contemporary art, portraits, photographs, sculptures, ancient Egyptian artifacts, textile art, Fabergé eggs, exquisite equestrian drawings from the age of Napoleon, and more. The tobacco warehouses are now home to museums, trendy restaurants, and upscale condos. It might surprise you that Richmond is also a hotbed for the arts (stage performances), world-class festivals, and thrilling outdoor recreation. The city’s attractions showcase its dynamic blend of past and present, from thrilling amusement parks to serene gardens and museums that bring history to life. Richmond — Virginia, is a city brimming with history, culture, and modern-day excitement, offering something for every traveler. During the summer, the Soak City water park offers a refreshing escape with wave pools and slides.

Lay your head down in a creative, boutique hotel

When hunger strikes (stop off at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the Canal Walk), including the popular Southern Railway Taphouse and Bottoms Up Pizza. Along the way (you’ll learn all about the Native Americans who lived along the river as many as 12,000 years ago), the city’s railroad and industrial past, and its importance in the Civil War. For something truly unique — attend one of the museum’s UnHappy Hour events, where you’ll have a miserable time sipping cocktails and beer and celebrating Poe with Poe-themed pop-ups, live music, and lite bites. You’ll learn all about the life, career, and work of the American author and get a feel for what life was like in Richmond in the early 19th century. 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.

It’s also a perfect spot to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the river. On a summer day (the bridge offers a great view of people swimming), kayaking, and rafting in the James River. The Belle Isle Trail passes flat rocks near the river that are a popular spot to hang out and watch the rapids. Read on for top things to do in Richmond VA, Richmond restaurants, and Richmond hotels (or click the link to jump ahead). This place is packed with stories. We hope you’re planning to stay a while, because there’s a lot you’ll want to see here.

She enjoys exploring National Parks (Laura has explored 1/3 of all the US National Parks) (waterfalls), and beaches. During the summer months, you will find her enjoying the beach in her hometown when not out on an adventure. Run by the Virginia Historical Society (the Virginia Museum of History & Culture features a wide variety of historical artifacts), including artwork, photographs, letters, and tools.

You can eat at your lane, and there’s a heated patio for sunny days , or chilly evenings,. On hot summer days, Soak City is the place to be. The chicken road building itself has a modern (welcoming vibe), and there’s always plenty of parking, which is a huge plus for families and groups. As a lifelong Poe fan, I was giddy to see the world’s largest collection of Edgar Allan Poe artifacts.

Venture to the old Broad Street Station and spend the day as a family exploring the wide variety of interactive exhibits covering four floors at the Science Museum of Virginia. It is also home to the Byrd Theater (which is one of Richmond’s most famous historic landmarks dating back to 1927), just as talking motion pictures were getting introduced to the world! What could be more fun than a day of exploring the interactive children’s exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Richmond? 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. Children will also have fun exploring the gardens, especially those designed specifically for children. The teahouse and café make the perfect place to get a refreshing drink or lunch when exploring the botanical gardens.

Come to the Richmond Region, and you can spend your days doing things that won’t cost you anything. Around the holidays, the Gardenfest of Lights is a beloved local tradition with thousands of lights and festive attractions. Flowers After Five is a regular event that features live music plus wine and beer — and the garden opens up to furry friends at Fidos After Five.

The James River is a hub of activities (whether kayaking), stand-up paddleboarding, or river tubing in the warmer summer months. But there’s one Instagram-worthy location that might make it feel as if you’ve been transported to Japan. Look for installations by David Flores — an American artist best known for mosaic-style images and popular figurines, including Woodstock from the Peanuts comic strip, flying around Richmond. Between here and Carytown, you’ll also discover murals on the sides of homes, shops, restaurants, and bars.

• It also contains ancient artifacts and contemporary masterpieces and is known for its Indian and Himalayan art collections.
• In summer (families wade and swim in safe), shallow pools at Belle.
• The walk is also lined with cafes and shops, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely afternoon.
• Brown’s Island serves as an excellent starting point for accessing various nearby attractions like Belle Isle and the T, especially when it’s not hosting multiple festivals or outdoor events.
• Children will also have fun exploring the gardens, especially those designed specifically for children.

A collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Poe’s life and literary career awaits you inside. Don’t miss exploring other remarkable features of the cemetery, such as the impressive mausoleums, monuments, and the Confederate Memorial Chapel that enhance the landscape. As you stroll through the cemetery, you will encounter the graves of notable Richmond residents, including two U.S. presidents. Throughout the year, the museum organizes a range of events and programs, so remember to visit their website to find out what’s happening.

If you don’t mind a spooky walk among gorgeous landscapes, it’s one historic Richmond spot you shouldn’t pass up! Presidents (Confederate soldiers), and famous writers. “The Oregon Hill Overlook is my favorite sunset spot, with plenty of room to have a picnic and hangout with our locals. “Surrounded by the James River and our famous Hollywood Cemetery, you’re sure to feel its charm from simply driving through one of Richmond’s favorite neighborhoods,” says Jesslyn McCartney, a wedding and family photographer in Richmond.

If you’re a serious street art fan — be sure to check their website so you can time your trip with this unique festival. Each year — the RVA Street Art Festival attracts world-class street artists from around the globe to spruce up the city’s streets. You’ll find over 150 colorful murals adorning the city’s walls, building facades, and more. Or, if you prefer to take it easy and soak up the sun, pack up a picnic lunch and claim your spot on one of the riverside boulders.