Paul & Lauren
Things To Do
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - free
This Museum District standout is best known for its five gorgeous Fabergé eggs, but it also features works by Degas, Cézanne and Renoir, and large collections of African, Indian and Tibetan art. Recent visitors were especially impressed with the McGlothlin Collection of American Art. In addition to its permanent collections, the VMFA regularly operates a series of temporary exhibits that explore everything from Black life in Virginia to jewelry to Asian religions.
Virginia State Capitol
In 1861, following Virginia's secession from the Union, Richmond became the capital of the Confederacy. The city's capitol building subsequently became the home of both the state's General Assembly as well as the Confederate Congress. Today, visitors stop by this imposing building not only to learn of Virginia's government history but to snap photos of its architecture, as it was partially designed by Thomas Jefferson (Charles-Louis Clérisseau, a French architect, also lent a hand). The surrounding area, known as Capitol Square, has several monuments dedicated to the civil rights movement, as well as to prominent Virginians like Edgar Allan Poe and George Washington.
Maymont Park
Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate and public park in Richmond, Virginia. It contains Maymont Mansion, now a historic house museum, an arboretum, formal gardens, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, a nature center, and Children's Farm
Belle Island Park
If you find yourself in need of fresh air after museum-hopping, look no further than Belle Isle. This popular section of the James River Park System hosts everything from biking and hiking trails to wheelchair-accessible fishing to a rock climbing wall. Experienced kayakers can also paddle the James River's rapids (but, due to the rough water, you can't swim here). Even though you're most likely to visit for the recreation, there's plenty of history here, too. There once was a nail factory on the island as well as the Confederacy's largest prison that held Union soldiers during the Civil War.
Hollywood Cemetery
I don't normally visit cemeteries but this one is worth the visit. (Paul) Since 1847, Hollywood Cemetery has welcomed the dearly departed – including Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler and the only Confederate president, Jefferson Davis – into its lush grounds. Across its 135 acres, the cemetery features intricate tombstones, valleys, hills and trees. In fact, it was created as a garden cemetery: a 19th-century trend that designed cemeteries to feature manicured gardens, lawns and trees that locals could use as park space. Today, Hollywood Cemetery is a registered arboretum.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50 acres, botanical garden in Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, Virginia. It features over a dozen themed gardens, a conservatory, library, and café. Regular daily admission is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $8 for children, under age 3 are free.
Tredegar Iron Works
The Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia, was the biggest ironworks in the Confederacy during the American Civil War, and a significant factor in the decision to make Richmond its capital. Tredegar supplied about half the artillery used by the Confederate States Army, as well as the iron plating for CSS Virginia, the first Confederate ironclad warship, which fought in the historic Battle of Hampton Roads in March 1862. The works avoided destruction by troops during the evacuation of the city, and continued production through the mid-20th century.
Scott's Addition Historic District
Revitalized, hip Scott’s Addition is the hub of the city’s brewing scene, with cideries, taprooms, and distilleries housed in converted warehouses. Bold street murals and string lights brighten the area, and seasonally focused destination restaurants, a retro bowling alley, and a cinema make it a popular evening hangout. Nearby, the Science Museum of Virginia has high-tech astronomy shows in its Dome theater.
White House of the Confederacy
The White House of the Confederacy is a historic house located in the Court End neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. Built in 1818, it was the main executive residence of the sole President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, from August 1861 until April 1865
Science Museum of Virginia
Past patrons both young and young at heart raved about the Science Museum of Virginia. Parents and children enjoyed the interactive elements throughout the space. Travelers visiting without kids remarked that the museum activities were fitting for them as well, noting that nothing seemed too childish. Another can't-miss according to past visitors? The Dome. Everything from informative films about volcanoes, butterflies or whales to planetarium shows play on the 76-foot screen. The film schedule changes regularly, so check it out before your visit.
Kings Dominion
When you and your kids need a break from all the history lessons Richmond has to offer, head about 25 miles north of the city to Kings Dominion. This 400-acre water and theme park wins praise from recent visitors for its manageable size and family-friendly attractions. Thrill-seekers particularly liked all the roller coasters here, especially the wooden Grizzly coaster, which takes riders through a dense forest. And another bonus: Entrance to the kid-friendly Soak City water park is included in your general admission fee.
Yorktown Battlefield
There is also a beach in Yorktown that is worth checking out. Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as you explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Here at Yorktown, in the fall of 1781, General George Washington, with allied American and French forces, besieged General Charles Lord Cornwallis’s British army. On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and ensuring independence.
Busch Garden's Williamsburg
Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is an action-packed European-themed adventure park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting more than 130 acres of family fun. Home to top-rated roller coasters including the all-new Pantheon®, the world's fastest multi-launch coaster, more than 50 rides and attractions, live stage shows and delicious culinary experiences. Busch Gardens has been voted the "World's Most Beautiful Amusement Park" every year since 1990
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. Our 301 acres feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums