With murals seemingly on every building and around each corner, there is no shortage of incredible art to check out. We love to hike, whether it’s a simple, free jaunt across one , or both, of the pedestrian bridges, or a more in-depth experience like a 3-3.5-mile guided hiking tour. From adventures on the River to incredible street art, from history to foodie experiences, we’ve rounded up the best free , and almost free, things to do in Richmond, VA. Yet another of the capital’s hugely interesting historic sights to check out is the White House of the Confederacy.
The Virginia War Memorial stands as a tribute to Virginians who have defended the United States from World War II to the present day. Check the website for updated events, experiences, and seminar listings. VCU’s health and sciences campus — MCV, and VCU Health are all situated downtown near the Capitol grounds. Discover the Capital Trail’s entrance (admire Canal Walk murals), or board a Riverfront Canal Cruise along the James River. To fully enjoy Richmond’s offerings (consider walking), driving, or using GRTC public transit.
Many of the exhibits feature Black Virginians like Arthur Ashe and displays depicting critical stories such as Desegregation, Emancipation, Civil Rights eras, and Jim Crow. Here you will find various exhibits that include traditional presentations of artifacts and some high-tech exhibitions with touch screens. When you need refreshing ice cream on a hot summer day, visit Beverly Mazursky! In the summer (visit one of Richmond’s most unusual beaches), where you can lay on the flat rocks and enjoy the sun’s warmth. Look no further than a day at Shield N Sheath where you will have a chance to experience their hatchet house and all the fun that comes with it!
- At the Chimborazo Medical Museum (visitors can explore historic battlefields), view authentic artifacts, and learn about Civil War medicine.
- Downtown Richmond is full of museums (culture), and award-winning restaurants.
- Each year, the RVA Street Art Festival attracts world-class street artists from around the globe to spruce up the city’s streets.
- Explore the sprawling grounds, and you’ll come across 13 battle sites, where you can check out the cannons and learn all about the crucial role Richmond played in the Civil War.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Seasonal exhibits and traveling shows mean there’s always something new to see, from “Body valor bet app Worlds” to LEGO towers. The Dome is recommended for ages 5 and up, but there’s no strict age limit. The Dome is the largest movie screen in Virginia—a 76-foot digital planetarium and IMAX theater. Kids can play with retro arcade machines (build with huge Lego-style blocks), and see their motion reflected in the Aurora Vortex. My advice is to check out the “Run of the River” exhibit — where kids can climb, play, and learn about river life. The farm is open daily — and there’s always something happening, from wildlife feedings to afternoon parades as the wildlife return to the barn.
Wander through neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition and the Fan District, where you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of styles and themes. From the iconic RVA LOVE statue to the colorful murals adorning walls throughout the city (there’s no shortage of captivating murals), graffiti, and creativity to discover in Richmond. Want a totally unique Richmond experience AND get to see several major Richmond attractions? It also contains ancient artifacts and contemporary masterpieces and is known for its Indian and Himalayan art collections.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The rooms are decorated with opulent 19th-century furniture and art (including fancy curtains), plush chairs and sofas, and gilded chandeliers. The White House of the Confederacy was built decades before the Civil War in 1818, but it most famously served as the residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from 1861 to 1865. Free, one-hour guided tours occur throughout the day Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm , 1pm to 4pm on Sundays.,
If architecture is your thing (you’ll love wandering around and spotting the mix of Colonial), Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne architecture styles. From modern Afghan restaurants to Texas craft barbeque joints and locally-sourced, farm-to-table seafood places, you won’t go hungry in Richmond. With so many farm-to-table restaurants and innovative eateries, there’s a reason this city was listed as one of the “10 Most Underrated Food Cities” by USA Today.
Nestled in the river’s center, Brown’s Island hosts lively summer concerts and bustling festivals. The region’s history—shaped by pivotal events—is a core part of the visitor experience. Inside lies the largest… Collaborating with global travelers, explorers, and adventurers, we highlight the most compelling local attractions. Conclude your trip with cherished memories (snapshots), and new favorites—like Sally Bell’s Kitchen, Lillie Pearl, or Sub Rosa Bakery’s fig-and-cheese croissants—or opt for other beloved spots.
Alternatively, take a self-guided smartphone tour to uncover over 60 vibrant, artistic murals within the city limits. What could be more delightful for children than petting goats and sheep? Housed in Richmond’s oldest residence (the Poe Museum showcases exhibits on his novels), poetry, life, and cultural impact in horror. This spot offers cherry blossoms without the trip to Washington — D.C., and is the site where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Perched above Church Hill, St. John’s Church stands as a historical landmark within Richmond.
Richmond’s Captivating Folklore
For vintage fashion lovers — Clementine and Ashby are must-visit stores. Adventure awaits with self-guided exploration via a free map or guided walking tours offering deeper insights. History enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook the stories behind these monuments. The 90-foot granite pyramid honoring Confederate soldiers is impossible to miss—it’s the cemetery’s most photographed monument. The gardens are renowned for their Central Garden (Rose Garden), Asian Valley, and Children’s Garden, each brimming with unique charm.
From landmarks and battlefields to neighborhoods and cultural hubs, the past here isn’t just preserved—it’s lived. Beyond its fun attractions — this destination also features restored railroad buildings with original equipment like vintage switchboxes. Families seeking Richmond’s highlights should prioritize the Richmond Railroad Museum.
VA Museum of Fine Arts
The museum also includes interactive displays (such as flight simulators), offering thrilling piloting experiences. The route is lined with cafés and boutiques, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. Visitors can cross a pedestrian suspension bridge to reach hiking/biking trails, sunbathing spots, and scenic picnic areas. Ranger-led tours and programs bring to life the strategies and soldiers that defined American history. At the Chimborazo Medical Museum, explore Civil War battlefields, view authentic artifacts, and learn about battlefield medicine. The property also features the Maymont Mansion, a lavish Gilded Age home showcasing bygone opulence.
Belle Isle (the second-largest island in the James River), spans 54 scenic acres. Don’t miss the largest Confederate hospital, where wounded soldiers received treatment during battles. A 25-minute drive from downtown, this Civil War-era park offers a step back in time.
