Blue Ridge day trips and history stops in Richmond
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Richmond? If you like the idea of kayaking along the James, getting artsy in converted warehouses, and are daring enough to try eating through historic neighborhoods, Richmond is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from river rapids to rooftop bars and give you a full taste of Richmond's quirky Southern creative energy.
Laura, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Laura arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea she’d still be here decades later—now basically an honorary ambassador for the state. She’s tracked down over 800 of Virginia’s iconic LOVE signs, a feat that probably deserves its own license plate. When she’s not at the beach or debating which El Azteca location does the best Nacho Fajitas, she’s editing Snappy Scout’s Virginia guides, helping readers discover the local quirks and hidden gems she’s been living (and loving) for years.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Richmond?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Float the James River pretending you're an outdoorsy person, or picnic in the Maymont Japanese gardens
when the gals come to town for the weekend
Carytown brunch crawl followed by vintage shopping and rosé, head to the Broadberry for a show
dude hangout
Brewery hopping on the Ale Trail until someone suggests kickball, cheer on the Flying Squirrels or your NASCAR driver
rainy dreary day
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts hiding from your feelings, take the kids to the Children's Museum of Richmond
artsy
Murals everywhere because Richmond loves a good spray painted wall
something inside and free
VMFA admission where you can pretend to understand modern art or learn a bit of history at the Virginia Holocaust Museum
outdoorsy
Belle Isle's trails and rocky beaches for urban wilderness vibes
fitness oriented
Capital Trail biking 52 miles because brunch calories don't count
if you're a shopaholic
Carytown's mile stretch of boutiques draining your entire paycheck
with your dog
Bryan Park off leash area where pups run absolutely feral
family oriented
Children's Museum or Maymont because kids need to touch everything
on a budget
Canal Walk strolling while pretending you planned this free date
My Favorite Local Spot in Richmond
Bottom's Up Pizza - Parking on the cobblestones streets are hard to find, but there are a couple spots at the back door of the restaurant that are usually open.
Go for lunch and get the $5 lunch special, you won't go away hungry.
— Laura Gray
Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Richmond Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Richmond guide for the bigger picture.