Things To Do In RVA
I lived in Richmond, VA for just under three years. I’ll admit when I moved there it was only for a job. I had been there once before for about six hours and was not too excited about the move. I thought it was a small city with not much to offer. I was so wrong. It didn’t take long after moving there to find out just how amazing this town is. Unfortunately I had to move again for work, but if it was up to me, I probably would have stayed in RVA.
I wrote this guide so if anyone is driving through or gets the opportunity to stay for a weekend, they don’t have the experience of my first misleading trip there. There is so much to do, see, shop, and eat in Virginia’s Capital. This is mainly a list of my favorites places. Enjoy
Carytown
If you are only in RVA for a few hours I highly recommend Carytown. I always put in “For the Love of Chocolate” into my GPS for the best free lot on the street. There is also a lot behind F.L.C. if the front lot is full. They have a lot of street parking on Carry st as well as the residential streets around it. Carytown is a vibrant town in West Richmond. It has so many cute stores and restaurants. I would spend every Friday sipping boba from Kokee Tea and looking at all the cute little shops. There is so much to do! Catch a show at the Historic Bird Theatre. Buy some new or used books in Shelf Life Books. Or get some fantastic Thai food at Thai Kitchen Too.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
My favorite place in RVA is the VMFA. I still go back every time I visit. It is located just outside of Carytown. I have walked from Carytown a few times but there is street parking or a garage. I hate paying for parking so I always walk. General Admission is free but they often have special exhibits that are $15-20. There is a cute cafe downstairs and a sculpture garden that is perfect for picnics. If you go on a Saturday you are sure to find locals reading under the shade of the big trees in the sculpture garden. I used to be one of them.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Next to VMFA is the History and Culture museum. I was unable to go during my time there because of the remodeling they were doing. It is open now and I have heard great things about it. Admission is $12 for Adults and $8 for children. They also offer memberships if you are local or plan to go often. There is street parking or you can use the parking garage for VMFA
Poe Museum
Located in the Richmond neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom, the Poe Museum is the perfect spot for any Poe or Poetry fan. Or anyone interested in the peculiar life of Edgar Allen Poe. This was one of the first places I visited in RVA. Not only is their regular tour enjoyable but they also frequently have special events. I highly recommend checking their social media before visiting to see if there is anything special happening. They are closed on Mondays and admission is $10. They have a small lot that is free for customers. Cheap and easy addition to any weekend trip.
The American Civil War Museum – Tredegar
If you are a history buff or just curious what the capital of the confederacy has to say about the Civil war, The Tredegar located right on the James River is a great choice. Tickets are $18 for adults. The only thing to watch out for is parking! They have a lot next to them that is only available Mon – Thursday. On Fri – Sun they are open but the lot is not available. They do have street parking but it is limited. There are actually three different Civil War museums in RVA but this location, in my opinion, is the best if you only have time for one. I was more interested in an overall history lesson. I did not care for The White House of the Confederacy. But they do have that you can tour as well as The Battlefield in Appomattox. I’ve heard that one has some cool details about Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, as it is only a mile and a half from the actual surrender site. You can visit all three museums for a $40 bundle. They also have military, teacher, student, and child discounts.
Agecroft Hall & Garden
If you want a taste of the 16th century without traveling to New England or Europe, Agecroft is a delightful gem from the past. Originally built in the 1300s, changed in the 1500s and updated in the 1800s before being shipped from England to Richmond in 1920, this building is a must see. The Garden is also very beautiful. Tickets are $12 and Garden tickets are $6. They do offer some discounts. What makes them truly special is they are home to the Richmond Shakespeare Festival every Summer. If you are going to visit Richmond in May-June, you should check them out.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
If you are a fan of art and the VFMA didn’t fully satisfy you, the ICA is a great place to see local and contemporary art. The ICA has brand new exhibits all the time. They are often immersive and spectacular. Due to their often changing exhibits, double check they are open when you are planning to visit. They close for weeks, sometimes months at a time when they are changing out the exhibits.
Some Museums I did not get the opportunity to visit but plan to in the future include: The Black History Museum, Valentine Museum, Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Holocaust Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Richmond. I lived there ‘20-22 so a lot of places were still closed due to covid or were doing renovations. But I plan to visit again soon.
Jefferson Hotel
If you are looking for a luxurious hotel or dining experience, The Jefferson is iconic. Located in Downtown Richmond, this historical hotel is a must see. It has a very New England feel to it. If you are not in need of somewhere to stay, I still recommend going in and seeing the interior. High Tea at The Jefferson is probably my favorite thing I ever did during my time in RVA. High Tea is every Friday and Saturday. They also have Holiday themed teas that are incredible! Such as a Halloween Tea Oct 20th and Christmas Tea Nov-Dec. But keep in mind tickets open 90 days in advance and Holiday Teas go quickly. I was unable to get a Christmas Tea the two years I lived there. But the pictures are incredible. Maybe one day I’ll be successful in getting a ticket. If you are going on a regular day tickets are not so difficult. I would recommend booking at least two weeks out. I was able to get tickets a week out in March one year, so it really depends. Their Teas are about $40-50 depending on what tea you get. Great for Birthdays, Anniversaries, or celebrating life. “Happy, Merry, Congratulations.” As one patron put it when I walked in with a tiara for my Birthday.
Hollywood Cemetery
I know visiting a cemetery is not on everyone’s Must See vacation lists. However, this cemetery also offers fantastic views of the City and the James River. It is most famous for the ornate graves of President James Monroe and John Tyler. Not only that but the cemetery is a registered arboretum. It has many of the trees that have been there since before it became a cemetery. Beautiful tulip poplars and white oaks that bloom in the spring. I often went there to read or take a relaxing walk. I found it to be such a peaceful place. It is free to enter and there is parking in different spots along the path. It is still a fully functioning cemetery. Please be respectful if you do go.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
If you are looking for beautiful grounds to walk and relax in but do not want to go to a cemetery (valid), Lewis Ginter is incredible. No matter the time of year there is something beautiful to see. I recommended getting a membership for the Gardens. I would go at least three times a month when I lived in RVA. They have sprawling green hills that are perfect for picnics, benches throughout, and a little stone structure in the rose garden that will make you feel like you are in a storybook. I miss it so much. There is a whole section dedicated to children with a pretty cool “tree house” structure. Tickets are typically $20 for adults and $10 for kids, but it can change so check their website. They have three huge free lots, so you do not have to worry about parking.
Maymont
Another beautiful garden is Maymont. This park is by donation. Though if you can not afford to give anything, you are not required to. They have three beautiful parts to the park. There is an Italian Garden that is truly magnificent in the Spring and Summer. However if you go in the fall or winter there will be few plants. The column hall and stairs are quite beautiful on their own. Then there is a Japanese Garden down the stairs from the Italian garden. There is a stream and a bridge along with large wooden stepping stones you can hop across the river on. Then there is the Maymont House, the nature center, the farm, and the wildlife trail. The wildlife trail had buffalo when I went there last. All this is open and free to the public. They have a small parking lot next to the main gate. It fills up quickly on the weekends and there is limited street parking so get there early or go on a weekday.
The National
Catch a show at the National! RVA is becoming a hot spot for music. Every year more and more artists are making Richmond a stop on their tours. Check to see who is in town when you will be. Because it is still up and coming in the music scene, tickets might be cheaper to see them in RVA than in your hometown.
There truly is so much to do in RVA. If you live here, or are just passing through, I hope I was able to turn you on to something new.
Thanks for reading!
