The Best Views And Overlooks In Richmond, VA

The Best Views And Overlooks in Richmond, VA

Richmond’s best kept secret might just be all of the hidden places with spectacular overlooks, but we’re here to share all of these secrets with you. Here are our 11 favorite spots to get outside and take in our beautiful city.

Taylor’s Hill Park

Taylor’s Hill Park offers possibly the best view of the downtown area as a whole. In the foreground of the view, architectural details will catch your eye, and in the distant background, the city presents its whole self for you to see. To get there, take East Broad St. to North 23rd St. and turn south. Make a right on Grace St., and continue to the dead end!

Chimborazo Park

Further east, Chimborazo Park sports a beautiful roundhouse and a gazebo, adding an architectural element to this stunning view. Want some history with the view? The Chimborazo Medical Museum tells the story of medicine during the Civil War. The park is located at East Broad St. and North 33rd St.

Libby Hill Park

Known as the view that named Richmond, you can’t beat a sunset at Libby Hill Park, or a picnic, or just a quick look! A little farther removed from downtown, Libby Hill Park gives you a great peek at both the river and downtown. It is said that the view of the James River to the south was so similar to that of the Thames River in Richmond, England, that William Byrd II decided to give his city the same name. You can access the park from the intersection of North 28th St. and East Franklin St.

Visit Libby Hill On The Church Hill Food Tour

The Church Hill Food Tour by Discover Richmond Tours regularly visits Libby Hill park. You’ll get to see the view that named Richmond, as well as explore the food and history of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood. Join a tour to try tasty dishes, meet new people, and see Church Hill like an insider!

The Church Hill Food Tour is offered every Friday at 4PM, and Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM or 2PM. You can learn more at discoverrichmondtours.com or reserve your spot online by clicking the image below.

Visit Libby Hill On The Church Hill Food Tour

Oregon Hill Overlook

Oregon Hill Overlook will give your favorite sunset spot a run for it’s money. Watch the river flow past from up high and imagine the landscape as it was before a city was born. Find this view at South Pine Sts and Oregon Hill Parkway. Then head over the bridge to Belle Isle for an experience that’s a little closer to the river.

James River Bridge

If you’re feeling brave, take the sidewalk along the east side of the James River Bridge (formerly the Robert E. Lee Bridge) for a scenic walk over the river. From train tracks to tree-covered hills, from the mighty James to downtown RVA, this bridge gives you the best of all of Richmond. South Belvidere St becomes the James River Bridge – just be careful as you walk across!

Best Views in Richmond, VA - Lee Bridge — Image Credit - Discover Richmond Tours

Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park is perfect for those who want to relax, and those who want to sweat. Looking to peacefully enjoy the view? Have a seat on one of the benches lining the hilltop. Want to get in a quick workout? Climb the steep staircase from downtown. You can find the base of the stairs at East Marshall St. and Cedar St., or drive straight to the top at East Leigh St. and North 21st St. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at Alamo BBQ, Pizza Bones, or Union Market!

Floodwall Walk

The Richmond Floodwall on the James River’s south side actually makes for a great walking path! Stroll along this half-mile-or-so long path as you gaze over the river at downtown Richmond. You can access the Floodwall Walk from the parking lot at West 7th St. and Semmes Ave.

Manchester Climbing Wall

Interested in an overlook with a side of adrenaline? You’ll definitely want to check out the Manchester Climbing Wall for an unmatched view of downtown Richmond and the pedestrian bridges. Or, are you an experienced climber? Relish the opportunity to climb (legally) on 100-year-old ruins!

Visit The Manchester Climbing Wall (And More!) On A Guided Hike

Want to check out the Manchester Climbing Wall, plus loads of other great scenic overlooks along the James River? Book a guided James River Hiking Tour with Discover Richmond Tours! Explore the best spots in the James River Park System as we visit old train bridge ruins, Class IV rapids, Civil-War era infrastructure, and unique features found only in Richmond (ahem: the Pipeline walk), all while feeling lost in nature right in the heart of RVA!

The Boathouse At Rockett’s Landing

Were you hoping to enjoy a good view from indoors? We’ve got just the place. The Boathouse restaurant in the far east end features a seafood-heavy menu and an extensive list of cocktails. The outdoor seating is just as nice, with the addition of outdoor heaters for the colder months. Look West, and you’ll see downtown. Visit The Boathouse at Old Main St. and Orleans St.

Best outdoor seating Richmond, VA - Boathouse — Image Credit: Boathouse

Brown’s Island

This festival and concert venue provides yet another urban escape. The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge (T Pott.) spans the entire width of the river, allowing you to cross to the south side just a few feet above water-level. The sunset here won’t disappoint either!

City Hall Observation Deck

It’s amazing how few people know that you can go to the top of City Hall – for free! Just walk on in, and take the elevator to the 18th floor. From there, you’ll be able to see Old City Hall, the Capitol Building, The Fed, and more! City Hall is located at East Broad St. and North 9th St.