Richmond, VA is packed with hidden gems that offer unique experiences off the beaten path. Even some of the more popular spots have cool, lesser-known things to do that are worth checking out.
The Jefferson Hotel
Since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel has been Richmond's grandest hotel and one of America's finest.
The hotel is also home to one of the best dining experiences in RVA - Lemaire Restaurant.
During the holidays, the hotel transforms with thousands of twinkling lights, featuring a breathtaking 30-foot Christmas tree and the annual 10-foot tall, 15-foot wide Jefferson Gingerbread display.
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BookRVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond
If you have just one day to explore RVA, this tour is perfect for seeing the city's best sights. Experience the city in 100% electric, open-air limos!
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BookJames River Park Pipeline Walkway
The Pipeline Rapids Walkway is one of the coolest walking trails I've come across. It runs along an active pipeline that carries stormwater to a holding tank outside Richmond.
🥾 One entrance is on the riverside of the floodwall, west of 14th Street, while the other is on the eastern edge of Brown's Island. From the parking lot, walk to a metal ladder and descend to the catwalk atop the pipeline for stunning views of the Pipeline Rapids.
See MoreAgecroft Hall & Gardens
Agecroft Hall, originally from 16th-century Lancashire, England, was purchased by Richmond businessman T.C. Williams Jr. in the 1920s after it began to deteriorate due to nearby coal mining. He dismantled the structure and had it shipped across the Atlantic to Richmond, where it has stood since the late 1920s.
If you're visiting in the summer, don't miss The Richmond Shakespeare Festival held there!
See MoreThe Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours
Carytown boasts the highest concentration of top-notch restaurants in RVA. Joining the tour offers a unique way to explore this area. You'll sample delicious food and snacks from up to six unique spots, learn about Carytown's history, and discover how many of these restaurants started. Most importantly, you'll have a blast!
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BookIronclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.
RVA has many great coffee shops, but Ironclad Coffee Roasters in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood is my favorite. It's in a former 19th-century firehouse, complete with historic artifacts like the old fire company’s wooden ladder and more.
See MoreThe Byrd Theatre
The Byrd Theatre, a 1,200-seat cinema named after Richmond founder William Byrd, was built in 1928 and is one of the nation's finest cinema treasures.
It was the first theater in Virginia to be built with a sound system and has maintained its original design and function for nearly 100 years.
Today, the Byrd Theatre screens second-run films and hosts amazing film festivals and various community events.
See MoreVirginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the best museums in RVA, and a top free activity in the city, is the VMFA. This top U.S. art museum features over 5,000 years of art from around the world.
📌 Every Wednesday from 6–8 pm, enjoy in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians.
💰 Free to the public
See MoreThe Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
If you're looking for a waterfront restaurant with stunning sunset views and a great happy hour in RVA, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is the place to be!
See MoreJefferson Park
Jefferson Park is another great spot to catch a beautiful sunset in RVA. In July, the blooming Myrtle trees with big pink flowers make the skyline view even more stunning!
💰 Free to the public
See MoreHollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of two U.S. Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, and the only Confederate President, Jefferson Davis.
In spring, it's one of the best spots in RVA to see cherry and magnolia blossoms. In fall, it's a beautiful place to enjoy the foliage and RVA skyline views.
💰 Free to the public
See MoreCanal Walk Murals
Downtown Richmond has over 150 murals, and my favorites are along the Canal Walk.
The whole walk is beautiful and features art from several different artists like Ham Glass and Chris Milk Hulburt.
📌I suggest starting at 201 Haxall Point and taking it from there.
💰 Free to the public
See MoreNorth Bank Trail Head
RVA is known for its top-notch trails and adventure recreation. The James River Park, a 600-acre park, offers over 22 miles of trails for biking and hiking.
My favorite is the 🥾North Bank Trail, a 2.7-mile, moderately easy trail with some of the best skyline views along the way.
💰 Free to the public
See MoreChimborazo Park
Chimborazo Park, created in 1874, was once the site of Chimborazo Hospital, one of the world's largest military hospitals. It features a mini Statue of Liberty and is one of the best spots in RVA to watch the sunset.
💰 Free to the public
See MoreLewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Voted the #4 garden in the US by USA Today and #1 for Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, this garden is a must-visit in Richmond.
Though popular, it has hidden gems in every season:
🌷 beautiful daffodil and tulip displays in April
🌹 stunning rose gardens in May
🎻 the Flowers After 5 concerts every Thursday where you can enjoy the sunset with a drink.
🦋 Butterflies LIVE! exhibit (it is on pause for 2024 and 2025, they're expanding the Conservatory for a permanent butterfly house)
💰Entry is $20 for adults
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