16 Things To Do In Richmond, VA This Spring

16 Fun Things To Do In Richmond, VA This Spring

Winter is slowing down, the time is (literally) a changin’, and we’re all ready to get outside and frolic in warmer weather! Fortunately, Richmond is a great springtime city, with plenty to see and do. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Richmond this Spring – and for a few of them, you might even get to wear shorts!

Enjoy A Picnic On The Capitol Lawn

Often overlooked as a place to hang out and relax, the Capitol truly is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic on the grass. You’ll be able to stroll the grounds, taking in the foliage and sculptures. If making your own lunch to bring isn’t your thing, stop by Meriwether’s at the Capitol for food instead, or visit one of the many delicious downtown spots to grab lunch to go! And, if you’re interested in more of an outdoor adventure, make sure to check out our self-guided and interactive Downtown/Capitol Square scavenger hunt!

Discover Richmond Via Scavenger Hunts

Explore our awesome city in a gamified way! Discover Richmond Tours offers scavenger hunts of several RVA neighborhoods including Church Hill (Richmond’s oldest neighborhood), Downtown Richmond/Capitol Square/Shockoe Slip, and the Museum District. Each scavenger hunt provides at least 2-3 hours of outdoor entertainment, and the non-competitive format means you can complete the game at your own pace.

Visit The Famous Graves Of Hollywood Cemetery

Home to graves of multiple presidents and important American figures, Hollywood Cemetery is full of history. Walk through and be overwhelmed by the beauty and age of the area, generating an odd sense of peace. As you meander through the cemetery, you’ll discover an incredible view of the James River. And for a stunning stained glass display, find the chapel a little further down the road.

Watch The James Pass By From Belle Isle

Just a short walk from Hollywood Cemetery, Belle Isle should be your next destination for springtime activities. A pedestrian suspension bridge connects the island in the river to the city, providing a dramatic welcome to the area. You can spend hours hiking, sitting on the rocks, reading, and getting lost on Belle Isle. The rock quarry might just be the charming jewel of the area. You might not be able to swim in the pond, but with fewer people running around and lots to see, Belle Isle in springtime has a beauty of it’s own!

Discover The James On A Guided Hiking Tour

Interested in exploring the James River and all of its walkable areas downtown, but not sure where to start? Book a guided James River Hiking Tour to find the best spots in the James River Park System, including old train bridge ruins, Class IV rapids, and Civil-War era infrastructure, all while feeling lost in nature right in the heart of downtown!

Marvel At The Murals Along The Canal

Follow the James River east from Brown’s Island and you’ll find yourself along the Canal Walk. The skinny walkways and small waterways will make you feel like you’re really out of the city, especially if you find yourself along the Pipeline on a roundtrip route. If you love history, graffiti, or transformative spaces, give the canal a few hours of your day and it will give you back so much more!

Or Marvel At Murals With A Self-Guided Mural Tour

If you want even more murals to brighten your day, you can also check out Discover Richmond Tours’ Self-Guided Mural Tour, including more than 60 of Richmond’s imaginative, shocking, and thought-provoking art pieces, along with stories of the artists’ inspiration, processes, and more!

Attend One Of Richmond’s Best Festivals

From Shamrock The Block on March 11, to Dominion Energy Riverrock May 19-21, the Spring calendar in Richmond is full of awesome festivals. Festivals for foodies, festivals for animal lovers, festivals for outdoorsy folks, festivals for film buffs – it’s all there. Have a look at our list, choose your favorites, and put them on your agenda!

Walk The Cobblestone Streets Of Shockoe Slip

Off of the Canal Walk sits Shockoe Slip, a small, yet beautiful neighborhood covered in cobblestones and great food, bathed in a European style. Walk into Urban Farmhouse and grab a cup of coffee while you peer out of the shop’s beautiful windows onto the streets. If you’re headed there at night, several restaurants along Cary St. are perfect for a meal in an historic building. In this part of town, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in Europe, right in downtown Richmond!

Shop At RVA Big Market And South Of The James Market

Check out the RVA Big Market on Saturdays in Bryan Park, or the South of the James Farmers Market Sundays in Forest Hill Park. From handmade items to fresh fruit and vegetables, the market has what you’ve been wanting, and even better, it’s all locally sourced! Check out GrowRVA for all the details.

Visit The Valentine

Home to the Wickham house, a beautifully preserved nineteenth century home, and ever-changing exhibits featuring the historical beauty of Richmond, The Valentine museum is a fascinating place in which to get lost. And if exploring the museum makes you hungry, stop by the food trucks on 11th Street after your visit.

Stroll Through Richmond’s Fan District

So named because of it’s distinct shape, the Fan District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. Stretching from Arthur Ashe Boulevard to VCU, this neighborhood of row houses begs to be explored on foot. Cross through narrow alleys, gawk at beautiful homes and statues on wide avenues, and even discover a hidden park or two. You’ll also find some of Richmond’s favorite eateries on various street corners.

Catch A Movie At The Byrd Theatre

A beautiful, historic movie palace showing movies you didn’t get a chance to see while they were in theaters. Ranging from $4-$8 per ticket, The Byrd Theatre is an inexpensive and aesthetically-pleasing option for a night out and a good way to escape the cold or rain of an unpredictable Spring. Grab lunch or dinner at Can Can just down the street (or any one of the great options nearby, really) before heading in for the movie.

Discover The Virginia House

Take a tour of this grand, historic mansion, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The Virginia House, relocated to Richmond from England in the 1920’s, sits on a hill overlooking the James today. After your visit, drive around the surrounding Windsor Farms neighborhood and see many other beautiful and elaborate homes.

Watch The Sunset At One Of Richmond’s Overlooks

Richmond’s hilly terrain and wide river mean several spots exist with great views of the city. These hidden gems of Richmond just may be the city’s best kept secrets. Grab your camera (or use your phone like the rest of us), and head out to one of our parks, hills, or designated walks for a nice end to your day.

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