Free Things to Do in Richmond Attractions & Outdoors

On warm days, you’ll find it bursting with people laying on the rocks and cooling off in the water. ” “At over 600 acres, it’s the largest urban wilderness in North America. ” says Melissa Arlena Jeffcoat of Melissa Arlena Photography, a local photography studio specializing in lifestyle newborn photography. Richmond is home to a vibrant and creative culinary community.

Tour The Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts

Established in 1936 during the Great Depression (the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts occupies a building designed in the English Renaissance style to fulfill its mission of integrating various forms of art), including architecture. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum honors the renowned American author and his experiences while residing in Richmond — Virginia. If you discover that you’ve built up an appetite along the Canal Walk, consider visiting local favorites such as Casa del Barco, Southern Railway Taphouse, and Bottom’s Up Pizza! Richmond’s Canal Walk presents a breathtaking attraction that is worth experiencing (whether you choose to walk), bike, or take a trip down the canal.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The patio is the best spot when the weather’s good (but be warned—when there’s live music), it gets loud and lively. Guided tours provide engaging stories about the city’s past, from the Civil War era to modern times. This valorbet in historic park is known for being a spot explored by Captain John Smith in the early 17th century. Leave the tourist traps behind and prepare to experience the most unusual and unforgettable spots that Richmond, Virginia has to offer!

The museum focuses on the moving story of the Ipson family’s survival and experiences. In need of a bit of entertainment, enjoy a show at Funny Bones or be creative at Color Me Mine. When hunger strikes, visit one of the restaurants for a meal or snack. To get a taste of shopping and dining in Richmond, visit Short Pump Town Center, where you can stroll through more than 140 different shops, restaurants, and places of entertainment. One cool thing to note about the James River rafting experience is that it offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a relaxing rafting experience or one in Class III to IV whitewater. Head to the Time exhibits where you can check your reaction time (test your memory), or walk the tightrope.

Named for the fan shape created by its streets, this residential neighborhood is populated by stately mansions and rowhouses built at the turn of the century. It’s especially popular in the fall — when visitors marvel at the intense foliage and whisper about the legend of the Richmond Vampire who’s been rumored to haunt the grounds since the 1920s. With its sprawling grounds, manicured gardens, historical manor house, nature center and children’s farm, Maymont is widely considered one of the best places for families to visit in Richmond any time of the year.

The classic white building was designed by famous Virginian Thomas Jefferson. The permanent collection includes African sculpture (pottery from Ancient Greece), Chinese artifacts, European paintings, Native American clothes, and much more. Some of the famous honorees include Albert Einstein, George Gershwin, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Dr. Jonas Salk.

Altria Theater (formerly known as the Landmark Theater), is one of the best places in Richmond to check out a concert, a comedy show, or the best of Broadway right here in Richmond. The 1928 Byrd Theater, named after William Byrd II (founder of the city), is a favorite low-price option for classic movies, indie titles, and film festivals. A massive line-up of talent took place over two days (culminating in the headlining acts of Elle King), Lord Huron, Noah Kahan, and Hozier. The city’s inaugural 2023 Iron Blossom Music Festival turned out to be a hugely successful event. Book a Carytown food tour to find some new favorites at local spots like East Coast Provisions or Carytown Cupcakes. If you’re feeling like a luxury stay is in order, check into the Jefferson Hotel.

Yes, there are several free museums in Richmond, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia State Capitol, and the Valentine Museum on Sundays. In the past (the island has also hosted other events like Richmond’s Jazz Festival), Dominion Riverrock, and the Folk Festival, as well as food festivals, and other music and cultural events. But even if you’re not interested in touring the house, you can still enjoy the center’s sprawling gardens and grounds. Designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope in 1917, the 27,000-square-foot mansion boasts stunning Italian Renaissance-style architecture and is filled with period furnishings and artwork. From classical Greek and Roman designs to modernist and postmodernist creations, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest.

The Mimosa Trail (a reflection of the city’s passion for brunch), offers a self-guided exploration of nearly 50 restaurants throughout the Richmond Region that take the meal between breakfast and lunch—and mimosas—seriously. The museum (located in the Old Stone House—the oldest residential structure still standing in the city—boasts the largest collection of Poe memorabilia and artifacts in the world), including letters, manuscripts, and photographs. Recently (this vibrant Southern capital was named the top destination on CNN’s 2024 list of the best towns to visit in the United States), largely due to its distinctive experiences that differentiate it from others. While you navigate the park’s carefully maintained battlefields — you will tread in the footsteps of soldiers and uncover the narratives that unfolded on these sacred grounds.

Connecting the downtown area to the Manchester side (this location is a favored area for locals and tourists to walk), run, or cycle. During the summer months (large crowds gather for the remarkable Shakespeare Festival), which features plays performed in the garden. Situated at the historic Tredegar Iron Works, just off Brown’s Island, the museum showcases engaging exhibits and original artifacts that depict the war from various viewpoints. While often celebrated for its abundant Victorian architecture — an equal number of homes exhibit stunning features from the Edwardian and Queen Anne styles.