You’ll Love It Here
Images and editorial supplied by Richmond Region Tourism
The Richmond Region is a historical and cultural treasure, a world-renowned culinary destination, a craft beer mecca and an outdoor paradise. In fact, Southern Living, Lonely Planet and Good Housekeeping all recognized the Richmond Region as one of the best places to visit in 2023, and Essence Magazine included Richmond among its top culinary destinations for 2024. Other recent accolades include recognition among the South’s best cities, the best destinations for street art in the U.S., top urban kayaking spots, favorite food tours in the U.S. and Canada, and best U.S. cities for beer lovers.
As the only urban setting with Class III and IV whitewater rapids, Richmond offers James River rafting trips ranging from wild to mild. Come float along the river, keeping an eye peeled for native deer, blue herons, ospreys and bald eagles. Explore our rich history while riding your bike along the Virginia Capital Trail. Get your adrenaline rush with whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing trips—all against the backdrop of Richmond’s city skyline. If thrill rides are more your style, an exhilarating day at Kings Dominion is a must.
The Richmond Region has museums for lovers of art, architecture, history and culture. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class museum that houses a remarkable permanent collection of 33,000 works of art from almost every major world culture. The neighboring Virginia Museum of History and Culture connects visitors to America’s past through the unparalleled story of Virginia, linking past with present and inspiring future generations. The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University displays the art of our time. The Valentine tells the unique story of Richmond through the eyes of its citizens. Literary giant Edgar Allan Poe’s spirit lives on through extensive artifacts and archives, and the ever-popular Unhappy Hours at the Poe Museum. The American Civil War Museum explores the significance of the war to complexities we face today. The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia serves as a resource on the many facets of Black history through exhibitions, discussions and celebrations.
Explore the region’s historic architecture and landscapes. See St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry proclaimed, “give me liberty or give me death.” Visit the scenic Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which USA Today named one of the “Best Public Gardens in the U.S.” Stroll the picturesque grounds of Maymont, a Victorian estate with glorious gardens, a nature center, farm and a 33-room mansion that gets all gussied up for the holidays. The VMFA Sculpture Garden features Dale Chihuly’s “Red Reeds” and offers the perfect green space for kids, dogs and even yoga.
The music scene in Richmond is hot, and the region hosts local and national musical acts year-round. Whether you enjoy intimate acoustic performances, laid back outdoor concerts or rockin’ shows in sold-out theaters, we’ve got something to fit your taste.
Savor the flavors of more than 900 restaurants, from down-home Southern barbecue and uptown haute cuisine to savory pies and mom-and-pop eateries cherished by locals. Take a thirst-quenching trip along the Richmond Beer Trail, featuring nearly 40 craft breweries. Shop ‘til you drop at unique boutiques and vintage gems, as well as multiple malls filled with top fashion and home décor retailers. Admire more than 100 vibrant murals that brighten up the region’s walls and see why Richmond earned a place among the top cities for street art in the country by USA Today.
With lively neighborhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, the Richmond Region is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway. Learn more at VisitRichmondVa.com.
