Stand at the corner of Broad and Boulevard in the Scott's Addition neighbourhood and you can count the doors of more than a dozen drink producers within a short walk of each other. That concentration, and the river running through the middle of the city, is what gives Richmond its particular shape as a place to spend a few days.
Richmond suits travellers who want their days built around water, live music and small independent producers rather than around a single headline attraction. The city rewards people willing to plan a little, especially on the river, where conditions and safety matter.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Richmond
1. The James River
The stretch of the James River running through Richmond is the city's best day out. Because Richmond sits at the fall line, the river has rapids right downtown, which makes it good for white water rafting. The rapids closest to downtown are class III and can become class IV in the right weather conditions, and they can be quite dangerous without an experienced guide.
Upstream there are many smaller rapids that can safely be run in a raft or an inner tube, at a lazy pace, stopping to repeat rapids or swim. To run the rapids this way you need two cars, one parked at the bottom exit point and one at the entry point. Always wear a life jacket, and be aware of weather conditions, as the river is prone to severe flash flooding during rainstorms.
2. Pony Pasture
Pony Pasture, part of the James River park, is an excellent place to begin a few hours on the rapids. The river here is quite clean and mostly surrounded by woods. Many people simply swim around between the smooth rocks without leaving the section, and there are excellent trails through the woods on both sides.
If you float downstream, pull out when you see a sign on the right side of the river with an arrow directing you to do so, otherwise you will have great difficulty on the larger rapids. Try the rope swing under one of the railroad bridges. Do not wade or swim outside areas known to be safe by locals, such as between the rocks at Pony Pasture.
3. Richmond National Battlefield Park
Richmond National Battlefield Park is one of the city's highlights and the natural pairing with a day spent downtown along the river. Give it a proper block of time rather than squeezing it between other stops.
It sits well with the other downtown sights, so plan it as the anchor of a half day rather than an add-on.
4. Tredegar Iron Works
Tredegar Iron Works on Tredegar Street downtown is one of the highlights of the city's sightseeing. It is on the same street as the riverfront, which makes it easy to combine with a walk along the James.
Pair it with the battlefield park and the downtown river sections, since all three sit in the same part of the city.
5. Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia, in the Museum District, is one of Richmond's highlights and a good choice for a slower indoor stretch of the day.
It sits in the Museum District, so build your afternoon around that neighbourhood rather than crossing the city for it.
6. Richmond Railroad Museum
The Richmond Railroad Museum in Southside is one of the city's highlights and worth a dedicated stop if you are heading to that side of the city.
Combine it with the rest of your Southside time rather than treating it as a quick detour.
7. Monroe Park
Monroe Park is named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. It is a straightforward green space to fold into a day of walking the city.
Use it as a pause between other stops rather than a destination in itself.
8. Live music
Richmond has a substantial music scene, largely thanks to the arts scene associated with and around Virginia Commonwealth University. Clubs offer a diverse selection of genres including rock, indie, metal, punk, hardcore, alternative, blues, jazz, jam, country and bluegrass.
Alongside international and national acts that come through town, there is a vibrant and often fiercely independent local music scene. Check what is on for the evening you are in the city rather than assuming you can walk into a show.
9. Craft alcohol tourism in Scott's Addition
Head to the Scott's Addition neighbourhood, at the corner of Broad and Boulevard, for twelve alcohol producers within walking distance of each other. The group is known as the Scott's Addition Beverage District.
The breweries are Ardent Craft Ales, Bingo Beer Co., Isley Brewing Company, Strangeways Brewing RVA - Scott's Addition, Three Notch'd RVA Collab House, Vasen Brewing Company and The Veil Brewing Company. The cideries are Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider and Courthouse Creek Cider. There is also a meadery, Black Heath Meadery, and Reservoir Distillery. Because everything is walkable, plan your route rather than your transport.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Pony Pasture for a few hours on the smaller rapids, swimming between the smooth rocks and walking the trails through the woods on either side. Wear a life jacket and keep an eye on the weather, since the river is prone to flash flooding during rainstorms.
Afternoon: Move downtown to Tredegar Iron Works on Tredegar Street, then continue to Richmond National Battlefield Park. If you would rather stay indoors, the Science Museum of Virginia in the Museum District is the alternative, with Monroe Park as a pause between stops.
Evening: Head to the Scott's Addition Beverage District at the corner of Broad and Boulevard, where the breweries, cideries, meadery and distillery are all within walking distance of each other. Finish with live music, checking in advance what is on.
Frequently asked questions
Is the James River safe to swim in?
Only in areas known to be safe by locals, such as between the rocks at Pony Pasture. The river has currents, sudden drop-offs and large, sometimes hidden rocks, and it is prone to severe flash flooding during rainstorms. Always wear a life jacket when rafting or tubing.
Do I need a guide to run the downtown rapids?
The rapids closest to downtown can be quite dangerous without an experienced guide. The smaller rapids just upstream can safely be run in a raft or inner tube, but you need two cars, one parked at the bottom exit point and one at the entry point.
Where can I find several breweries and cideries close together?
The Scott's Addition Beverage District, in the Scott's Addition neighbourhood at the corner of Broad and Boulevard, has twelve alcohol producers within walking distance of each other, including breweries, cideries, a meadery and a distillery.
What kind of live music does Richmond have?
Clubs offer rock, indie, metal, punk, hardcore, alternative, blues, jazz, jam, country and bluegrass, alongside international and national touring acts and a strong local scene connected to Virginia Commonwealth University.
Decide which side of the river you want to start on, check the weather and the listings, and you have enough to begin planning your trip to Richmond.