24 Hours in Richmond, Virginia: One Day Itinerary

24 hours in Richmond, Virginia - One Day Itinerary:

Richmond, Virginia is one of the most underrated cities to visit in the USA. Despite it being the capital of Virginia, the southern charm of this city has been americas best kept secret. Read this Itinerary below to find out why Richmond is a Hidden Gem & help you plan your next trip!

Did you know that?

• Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy during the america civil war.
• Edgar Allen Poe found Richmond the inspiration for many of his wildest stories!
• Some of the first English settlers used the beautiful James River to head inland & create modern day America.

Apart from it's history, Richmond is evolving into a college city with an up & coming culinary & arts scene. So with just 24 hours here there is alot to see! Perhaps this is one stop on your: New York to Miami Road Trip!  Either way, our one day Itinerary, will help you get the most out of charming Virginia.

Map of Richmond: Attractions, Museums, Breweries & Places to EAT!

(Here at Town & Tourist, we have created you this Map to help you plan your trip to charming Richmond, Virginia! From the map you can see how close attractions are, walking distances etc)

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How to get the most out of the One Day Itinerary?

As 24 hours is not along time, I suggest choosing one Museum, One activity and one adventure, from the Itinerary below.

An easy way of doing this is just by taking a city, food or brewery tour. See the recommendations further down or check our partner Viator HERE for more details.

Related Read: 15 Best Hiking Trails in Richmond, VA

Church Hill District:

Take a step back in time by heading to the Church Hill District! This is authentic Richmond,  take a walk through the historic streets to St Johns Church, where the famous “Give me liberty or death” speech was performed by Patrick Henry.

Dancing man Statue, Church Hill District Richmond Virginia. Source: rotj.wordpress.com

For Breakfast, grab a coffee & Croissant from Sub Rosa Bakery , their wood fired bakery will create you a tasty Croissant or pastry to start your day off right!

My family went on a memorable Food Tour in Church Hill...it was incredible! See Viator food Tour for more details.

Museums & Attractions:

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S.A, expect alot of Museums and historic attractions.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture:

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, details over 400 years of american history with variety of rotating exhibits. This includes, the story of Virginia, Silver in Virginia, Confederate Memorial image collection and even a database of Virginia slave names!

Virginia Museum of History & culture

Where is it?

428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23221-0311

Tel: (804) 342-9665

Related Read: 30 Top Treehouse Rentals in Virginia

Maymont Mansion & Estate:

Maymont Mansion is a 100 acre estate, which has been transformed into a wonderland! On a tour you can wander around the grand, marble covered mansion and marvel at it's opulence.

At the exhibit you can learn about the wealthy Richmond Family & the African american staff who worked for them.  In addition, you explore the historical gardens and they even have a baby goat & other wildlife at the farm, great for families!

Insider Tip:

During the spring explore the gardens colorful flowers in full bloom!

Where is it?

1700 Hampton St. Richmond, VA 23220

Tel:. (804) 358-7166

Virginia War Memorial:

The Virginia War Memorial honors sacrifices of  military heroes in there 18,000 square foot centre which overlooks the scenic James River.

Where is it?

621 South Belvidere Street Richmond, VA 23220

Tel: (804) 786-2060

Henricus Historical Park:

Become a pioneer at Henricus Historical Park, a great place for families. Henricus Historical Park recreates 17th Century life and details the Indian site of Arrohateck.

The site also offers, revolutionary War & civil war programs!

Where is it?

251 Henricus Park Road Chester, VA 23836

Tel: (804) 748-1613

Maggie L Walker National Historic:

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic commemorates the life of a progressive African-American woman, who was a pioneer for equality in post civil war Richmond.

Where is it?

600 N. Second St. Richmond, VA 23219

Tel: (804) 771-2017

Edgar Allan Poe Museum:

The Edgar Allan Poe Museum contains the most comprehensive list of Edgar Allan Poe artifacts & memorabilia.

Edgar Allan Poe is one of Americans most famous writers, famous for stories such as the “The Tell-tale Heart” and “The Raven”.

WikiCommons

Where is it?

1914-16 E. Main St. Richmond, VA 23223

Tel: (804) 648-5523

Virginia Museum of Fine Art:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Art  collection has over 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history!  Its collections include Art Nouveau, Art Deco, English silver, Fabergé and many more!

Where is it?

200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23220

Tel: (804) 340-1400

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden:

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has been voted numerous times as one of the best Botanical Gardens in the U.S.A. 21 Epic Flower/Garden Festivals: U.S.A

Spread over 50 acres you will find over a dozen different theme gardens from Asian Valley, to Wetland Garden, rose garden and even an interactive childrens garden with tree house for kids!

WikiCommons

Where is it?

1800 Lakeside Ave. Henrico, VA 23228

Tel: (804) 262-9887

Related Read: Does it Snow in Virginia?

Family Attractions/Activities:

King Dominion - Theme Park

For Family fun & thrills, head to Kings Dominion, theme park. The adrenaline pumping theme park offers over 60 rides, shows and even a water park, called Soak City!

Rollercoasters:

Adrenaline Junkies will find one of the largest collection of Rollercoasters on the East Coast, 12 & counting! Highlights include, Anaconda and Dominator.

Family Rides at Planet Snoopy

Head to Planet Snoopy for a variety of fun, family rides & kid friendly attractions. From Snoopy vs Red Baron, to the great pumpkin coaster.

Get Soaked at Soak City!

Be sure to check out the 20 acre water park, soak city! It contains a variety of thrilling water slides, wave pools and even interactive splash pads. Highlights include, zoom flume & aqua splash.

Metro Richmond Zoo:

Over 2000 animals represent over 190 species from all over the world. This includes many endangered species such as Cheetahs, Rhinos, tigers and even Orangutangs! Other highlights at Metro Richmond zoo, include giraffes which you can let eat out of your hand and colorful birds!

Insider Tip:

Hop on board the Safari train which will make you feel like your in the African Savannah.

Where is it?

8300 Beaver Bridge Road Mosley, VA 23120

Adventure in Richmond:

Virginia Capital Trail:

Walk, Hike, Bike or even segway along one of americas most historic and scenic trails .The Trail runs for 52 miles between Jamestown & Richmond.

James River:

There aren't many places in the U.S.A, where you can Kayak or Packraft through Class 3 & 4 River Rapids in an urban environment.

In Richmond you can tackle the River Rapids, then pull up and simply head to a restaurant or brewery for drink!

James River Richmond Virginia adventure packrafting

For more check out: Why is Packrafting trending in the U.S.A? State Guide.

Belle Isle:

Belle is part of the James River Park System and is a nice place for Picnics and even swimming during the summer. For hiking trails or mountain biking venture deeper into the James River Park System.

Shopping in Richmond:

Richmond offers a variety of shopping experiences. From the trendy boutiques in Carytown to the brand rich Short Pump Town Center and Chesterfield Town Centre.

Craft Beer in Richmond:

Richmond is fast becoming a hub of great craft beer breweries, with over 25 dotted all over the city.

Popular Breweries:

• Hardywood
• Triple Crossing
• Strangeways
• Veil
• Stone Brewing Co. Richmond - has Breweries on Farms
• Lickinghole Creek, has a great beer garden!
• Center of the Universe,
• Garden Grove. - On the Strip in Carytown

Brewery Tours are really fun & you can even meet friends for life: Source: Trip advisor. Richmond Virginia

Brewery Tours:

The best way of sampling Richmonds Craft beer revolution is by one of their famous brewery tours. This one is our favourite, see Viator Brewery Tours for more details.

Where to get great food?

They say you shouldn't drink on an empty stomach...while you in luck as Richmonds culinary scene is growing fast!

Best Places for Food in Richmond:

• Sub Rosa Bakery - Breakfast Croissants from there Wood Fired Bakery.
• Early Bird Biscuit Company - Snack/Breakfast
• Tarrant's Cafe - Lunch
• Proper Pie - Tasty Pies
• Pasture – Burgers, fries.
• Moma J’s – Southern Soul Food
• Stellas – Greek
• Mellow Mushroom – Pizza
• Rappahannock – Indusrial Chic Seafood Bar
• Peter Chang China Cafe - Dinner

Best for Families: Galaxy Diner  - Head here for fun space themed meals & all day breakfasts. Afterwards head into Carytown, and treat the kids to chocolate & candy.

Richmond Food Tours Virginia

Where is it?

3109 W Cary St

23221-3503 Richmond, Virginia

Tel: +1 804-213-0510

Food Tours:

The best way of sampling Richmonds Foodie revolution is by one of their famous Food tours across the city. This one is our favourite, see Viator food Tours for more details.

Dinner at the Opulent Jefferson Hotel - Favourite!

The Jefferson Hotel was Built in 1895 and is a beautiful, opulent building in the heart of the downtown. Make an evening reservation for dinner, stay at the hotel or try the afternoon tea!

Tea?

Feel like royalty by making a reservation for afternoon tea, which is served 3pm to 4:15pm with sandwiches & pastries. Afterwards, check out the grand marble statue of the great Thomas Jefferson!

Fun Fact:

The Jefferson Hotels exquisite marble staircase was used in the film "Gone with the wind"

Festivals & Events in Richmond:

If you can time your visit to Richmond to align with one of it's great Festivals or Events then you won't be disappointed, these include:

Dominion RiverRock - One of the Largest Festivals Celebrating Outdoor Adventures

This includes:  Rock climbing, Slackline competitions, flying dogs, concerts and even a film festival.

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Richmond Jazz Festival - A world renowned Jazz event which attracts over 10,000 people each year.

Fire, Flour & Fork - Foodies assemble, this is the best food festival in Virginia. A Food Festival which recognises traditional cooking but adds a modern twist from the greatest chefs.

NASCAR - Head to Richmond Raceway for the adrenaline pumping NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR hall of fame

For more NASCAR fun, why not visit, the NASCAR Hall of fame in  Charlotte, North Carolina. See:  24 Hours in Charlotte. 1 Day Itinerary!

Where to Stay in Richmond?

There are so many fantastic place to stay in Richmond to Suit all budgets & tastes.

Graduate Richmond:

The Graduate Richmond is one of our favourites, this trendy 4 star has an outdoor rooftop pool/Bar and traditional decor with a modern elegance.

For NASCAR Fans just 4.8 mi from Richmond International Raceway and they offer a free shuttle service to attractions within 3 miles such as the Science Museum of Virginia & the Coliseum.

Graduate Hotel in Richmond offers some epic views of the city from it's rooftop pool. Source: graduate Richmond.

This is our top pick for couples, but also includes a games room with ping pong & pool which is great for families, or if your a big kid like myself!

The Graduate does sell out fast, so check prices & availability by clicking HERE now. (The Link will take you to booking.com & shortlist the best deals for you)

Note: We are not officially partnered with the hotel, thus all my opinions & recommendations are my own...we just like it!

Alternatives?

For an alternative selection of accommodation in Richmond, click this link HERE. This will direct you to booking.com, a provider I use for all my trips and they offer great options like Book now pay later.

10 Incredible Tours in Richmond?

For a selection of 10 incredible tours in Richmond, check our partner Viator, using this link HERE.

Tours range from Trolley Tours, to Segway Tours Brewery and food tours!

Drive on the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway:

If road tripping to Richmond, You can take a detour via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the 25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A.

Conclusion:

Richmond is a fantastic place to travel you could easily spend a few days exploring the great city so feel free to adapt, the Itinerary to how long you can spent here.

It is especially good as a stop along an epic road trip, here are a few Town & Tourist road trip Specials Below.

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