Richmond Travel Guide 2025

As Virginia’s state capital, Richmond has much to offer visitors and business travelers. Whether you are interested in history, the arts, or outdoor pursuits, you can find it here between meetings or as a vacation destination. Along with a city vibe, diverse landscapes surround the area, creating even more fun and surprises to add to your to-do list.

For our AAA members heading to Richmond, we can help you make the most of your trip and identify some surprises you might overlook without detailed planning. Below, we offer a guide to Richmond to get you started. Continue reading to find out more, including some of the best accommodations, top-notch restaurants, and sites not to miss.

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Richmond is widely spread across this region of Virginia and includes everything from a busy downtown to vast farmlands as you go further out. Here are the best ways to get around while here.

The main mode of transportation in Richmond is by car. If you drive in or rent one while here, keep in mind that the traffic is heavy most days, and finding parking spots can be challenging. You also have the choice of leaving the driving to someone else. If so, choose between taxis and rideshares, such as Uber or Lyft. Some of the hotels, especially those located in the downtown area, offer area transportation but usually only within a 2–3 mile range.

Richmond offers bus services (GRTC) throughout the region, along with an express service that will take you to all the main spots, including through downtown and out to major shopping areas.

Richmond is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes running throughout the downtown area as well as into the surrounding counties. Rent one to ride, or even try an electronic one to get around. For longer stays, consider checking out the RVA Bikeshare, which has stations located throughout the area. You will just need to register for a pass based on the duration of your stay.

Depending on where you are staying or visiting, walking might be the best way to get around. For example, for those staying in the downtown area, you can easily walk to fine restaurants, quaint cafés, museums, and shops.

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Richmond is a popular destination year-round for different reasons. If you are in the planning stages, however, it helps to know the best times to be here based on your particular activities and preferences.

Overall, spring through early summer (April-June) is considered the best time of year to visit. During this time, you will see the city and its various gardens begin to blossom, welcoming in warmer weather. Temperatures reach into the 70s and 80s, with events springing up as a result, along with higher prices for accommodations. College commencements also occur during this time, so expect crowds.

Autumn also offers up a good time to visit Richmond, with temperatures starting to cool slightly and fall colors framing the city and surrounding countryside. Enjoy this time of year with its fun events, like the Richmond Folk Festival in October.

Summers here can get plenty crowded and temperatures and humidity rise, making it uncomfortable for some travelers. This is also the rainiest time of year. Still, several popular festivals and events occur during this time of year, including the Richmond Shakespeare Festival and the Richmond Jazz Festival.

Finally, if quiet is what you seek, winter (Jan-March) may be the right time to visit Richmond. Temperatures often reach into the 50s during the day but can drop to the 20s at nighttime.

Courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism

With so many historical sites in and around Richmond, from the American Civil War Museum to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, you could spend your entire time here wrapped up in them. However, for more ideas on what to do while in Richmond, we provide a short list below.

Head to the charming district of Carytown, located in the bustling heart of the city. The district stretches for nine blocks and is full of hip shops, quaint boutiques, top-notch restaurants, as well as familiar stops like Starbucks.

Spend a few hours enjoying the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where you will find both ancient and contemporary art exhibits. Highlights here include Faberge, the Mellon Collection of French Art, and intriguing Roman, Greek and Egyptian artworks. You can also see works by such admired artists as Goya, Degas, Renoir, and Monet, and explore the leading collection of South Asian art. When finished inside, be sure to head outdoors to spend some time in the museum’s sculpture garden.

Whether you are a literature lover or not, The Poe Museum is a fascinating stop while in Richmond. Situated in the Old Stone House, this small museum showcases various items relating to Edgar Allan Poe’s life, including first editions of his work. While Poe never actually resided here, he did live and work in the area for a big portion of his life.

In addition to historical and cultural sites, Richmond offers Kings Dominion, an amusement park enjoyable to both adults and children of all ages. North of the city center, this 400-acre theme and water park offers thrilling rides, attractions, and games to keep you busy for a day or at least several hours. If you are up for it, climb aboard the wooden Grizzley roller coaster and enjoy the thrill through a dense forest.

Within the capital city of Richmond, you will find a colorful oasis to roam through during your visit here. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sits on approximately 50 acres and offers a Central Garden full of displays, a domed Conservatory, and other specialty gardens including the Cochrane Rose Garden, Asian Valley, and more. The Conservatory itself has a lot to offer, such as orchids, palm trees, succulents, agaves, cacti, and various tropical plants. April is one of the best months to visit here but the garden offers up something for every season, including a number of events.

Discover more of Virginia’s unique history by visiting the Virginia Museum of History & Culture during your trip to Richmond. Within the museum, you will find historic artifacts, historical maps and photographs, artworks, and various storytelling exhibits. The museum also offers a library that can be used by the public to research historical records and provides for genealogical research as well.

Become familiar with the new yet already impressive craft brewery scene near the heart of the city. Scott’s Addition is the area where you will find various breweries, cideries, and meaderies to keep you intrigued for hours. Discover brewing’s history, sample the various results, and enjoy meeting new people along the way. You can even join a craft brewery crawl and get the best of the neighborhood.

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As a capital city, you can count on Richmond to offer a variety of accommodations for any type of traveler. Below, we provide you with several hotels that will add to your stay here and maybe even keep you coming back.

Immerse yourself in history with a stay at The Jefferson Hotel. This classic Beaux-Arts hotel has its beginnings back in 1985, and its architecture is sure to amaze. From the Tiffany stained-glass rotunda to the grand staircase, you will feel like you’ve traveled back in time, but with the luxurious additions of today. The hotel is also home to fine dining with its highly-rated Lemaire restaurant.

The Richmond Marriott Downtown occupies a location that is conducive to those in town for business or career reasons but can also be a prime spot to base yourself during a vacation stay. Nearby, you will find the convention center, State Capitol, and more, so you’re never far away from where you need to be if here on business. Its modern style, various amenities, and free local shuttle make it a good choice for any traveler’s stay in the city.

Stay near the state Capitol in the landmark boutique hotel known as The Commonwealth. While built in 1912, this hotel underwent a renovation that modernized the interior and incorporated the works of local artists throughout. Guests can dine in the restaurant onsite or walk to several ones nearby.

The Graduate by Hilton is an ode to local heroes, including tennis great Arthur Ashe, as well as to the higher education campuses located in and around Richmond. Enjoy inspiring artwork throughout the hotel and leather-infused furniture, along with a rooftop deck, pool, and restaurant to enjoy.

For those wishing to stay close to good shopping, the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa is a perfect option. Situated near Short Pump, which is called by many a shopping mecca in Richmond, you can spend time exploring the various shops and restaurants available. For those returning to the hotel from a day of shopping, perhaps enjoy the hot tub or schedule a massage at the onsite spa.

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Travelers to Richmond can find numerous fine dining and quaint restaurants to enjoy. Below, we list five of the best.

Head to the famous and historic Jefferson Hotel and enjoy its highly-rated bistro, Lemaire. While the restaurant classifies its menu as American, you can often catch a glimpse of Europe in its dishes. Think of it as an upscale farm-to-table restaurant, supporting local producers and farmers on one hand, and creating unique and delicious meals that both surprise and please. Make your way here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

The L’Opossum, as its name implies, is somewhat of a quirky find, offering unique dishes such as escargot and ham biscuits and caviar-topped eggs. What better way to shake up your trip to historic Richmond than with a dose of Southern charm tinged with European extravagances?

Situated in what used to be a corner store in a neighborhood seeped in German heritage, Metzger Bar and Butchery offers a range of menu items to entice residents and travelers alike. From schnitzel to house-made sausages to fresh seafood or seasonal salads and soups, dining here will undoubtedly be a delicious experience.

For those seeking seafood, Alewife offers a changing menu inspired by the seasons. Situated in a historic storefront building, this restaurant offers unique takes on Mid-Atlantic seafood that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Within Shagbark, you can gain a sense of how the surrounding community is able to come together to create delicious meals that range from pasta dishes to oysters and more. Sporting a more rustic décor inspired by Shagbark Hickory Trees, this restaurant showcases some of the best the area has to offer.

Whether you are traveling to Richmond for a quick weekend adventure, on a business trip, or looking for a getaway that combines history and culture, you’ll want to capture the scenery and offerings in photos to take back home. Below we offer up several popular photo spots to help.

1. Belle Isle

Discover natural beauty close to downtown Richmond by exploring Belle Isle, situated along the James River. Here, you will find numerous photo spots, including in the wooded areas, near the rock-climbing wall, and throughout the natural habitats full of wildlife.

2. Main Street Station

Getty / Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson

Head to historic Main Street Station, which dates back to 1901, and admire the architecture of the Clock Tower and more. The views from here are also picture-worthy.

3. Agecroft Hall and Gardens

A visit to Agecroft Hall and Gardens (4605 Sulgrave Rd.) is a must while in Richmond. Built during the 14th century in England, the house was eventually bought and dismantled for shipping to America. Richmond would be its new home. Upon being reassembled, including with the original leaded glass windows and wood façade, the house was filled with Jacobean and Elizabethan furnishings, art, and tapestries. Visit the extensive library for a few of your photos as well, and then wander into the beautiful surrounding gardens.

4. Capitol Square

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Richmond is the capital city of Virginia, and the Capitol Square provides ample opportunities for great photos. The Capitol itself was designed by Thomas Jefferson back in 1785 and resembles the classic design of a Roman temple. In addition to the Capitol building, you can venture into public spaces to see fountains, artwork, statues, and more.

5. Riverfront Canal Walk

For colorful backgrounds and fun subjects to capture in your photos, head to the Riverfront Canal Walk. Here, you will find plenty of restaurants, artworks, murals, and historical exhibits and statues.

6. Arts District

Another colorful and exciting spot to explore is the Arts District. Discover historic architecture, inspiring artwork, and more. Roam around on your own or join a tour, such as the Arts District Food Tour.

7. Hollywood Cemetery

Make your way to the historic Hollywood Cemetery and find the graves of former presidents and other historical figures throughout its lush grounds. Designed as a 19th century garden cemetery, you will also find strolling pathways, manicured lawns, and captivating views of the river.

For those looking for day trips while staying in Richmond, you have a lot of choices, including the following.

1. Jefferson Vineyards, Charlottesville, VA

Head into what is considered wine country in Virginia and make your destination Jefferson Vineyards in Charlottesville. According to history, it was Thomas Jefferson who planted seeds for one of the first vineyards in America, and that tradition now continues here. Rustic yet inviting, you can enjoy the lush area while sipping on a petit Verdot, chardonnay, or other specialty while here.

2. Washington, D.C.

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If you are up for a slightly longer journey, Washington, D.C. is just two hours away. While there is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital, you will have to plan how to spend your limited time here, then maybe come back again one day for a longer stay. For the day trip, however, select the highlights you most wish to see, such as the Smithsonian Museum or various monuments. To get here, you can drive, ride a bus, or take one of two Amtrak trains from Richmond.

3. Colonial Williamsburg

For even more history, immerse yourself in Colonial Williamsburg for a day. Located less than an hour from Richmond, this destination is considered to be the largest living history museum in the world. Learn about life during colonial times and enjoy interacting with those who play the various roles.

4. Virginia Beach

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If you are seeking a break from the city streets, head to Virginia Beach and enjoy its beaches, boardwalks, shops, and dining options for the day. You can visit here any time of year, but summer will offer more opportunities to enjoy various entertainment options and events.

Courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism

For those visiting Richmond on a budget, there are several steps you can take to make sure you enjoy your time here without missing out on all the city and surrounding area has to offer. Here are a few tips to help you plan.

1. Travel during low season, when accommodations are considerably less pricey. Avoid such times as college commencement when crowds are in town and accommodations fill up quickly.

2. Take advantage of all your AAA Membership has to offer, including various vehicle discounts, tickets, and hotels.

3. Look for sites with free admission. In Richmond, these sites include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), the Virginia State Capitol, various green spaces, parks, and historical sites throughout the area.

4. Avoid having all your meals at restaurants and instead buy picnic supplies at local markets, including the year-round RVA Big Market (baked goods, etc.) and the Carytown Farmers’ Market, which is active summer through fall.

5. Plan self-guided tours. For example, research the many murals to be found in Richmond or consider ordering an interactive guide to help you plan your day.

6. Bring your own outdoor gear. Richmond offers outdoor lovers several venues to enjoy. For example, there are outdoor rock walls where you can use your own climbing gear, as well as a gorgeous river ideal for kayaking or paddle boarding.

Once you have gathered inspiration for your dream Richmond trip on TripCanvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.