Unique Things to Do in Richmond (That Aren’t Your Typical Weekend Plans)
If you’ve lived in Richmond for a minute, you’ve probably done the usual —
dinner in Carytown, drinks in Scott’s Addition, a walk through the Fan.
But there’s a whole other side of the city that feels a little more unexpected.
Here are a few things to do when you want something different:
Walk the Pipeline (If You’re Up for It)
Pipeline Walk
This is one of those “you have to do it at least once” experiences.
You’re literally walking along a narrow path in the river with:
- water rushing right next to you
- skyline views you don’t get anywhere else
- a little bit of adrenaline the whole time
Not for everyone… but very Richmond.
Go to the VMFA… But Stay Outside
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Most people go inside (which you should)…
but the sculpture garden outside is one of the best low-key spots in the city.
Perfect for:
- a slow walk
- reading on the grass
- a reset kind of afternoon
Night Walk Through the Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Depending on the season, this place completely transforms at night.
Think:
- lit pathways
- quiet, peaceful energy
- something that feels a little different from your usual plans
Turn Murals Into a Walking Route
Richmond’s street art is everywhere — but instead of just noticing it as you pass by…
Pick an area and make it the plan.
The Richmond Arts District is a good place to start:
- colorful walls
- constantly changing pieces
- easy to turn into a full afternoon
Float the River (When It’s Warm Enough)
The James River hits different in the summer.
Tubing or just hanging by the water turns into:
- a full day without planning much
- something that feels more like a getaway than the city
- one of those “why don’t we do this more often?” days
Find Your Own “Go-To” Spot
This might be the most underrated one.
In Richmond, a lot of the best things to do aren’t:
- big events
- or planned outings
They’re:
- the random overlook you keep going back to
- the quiet trail you found one day
- the place that just feels like yours
So… Why Does This Matter?
Because Richmond isn’t a city you just visit — it’s one you kind of figure out over time.
And the more you explore the less obvious things, the more it starts to feel like home.
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