Richmond sits at the falls of the James River, where centuries of American history meet a lively, modern city. As the capital of Virginia, it has grown into one of the most engaging destinations in the mid-Atlantic, home to world-class museums, historic sites, riverfront parks, and neighborhoods full of independent character.
This guide brings together ten of Richmond's most rewarding landmarks, spanning the city's history, culture, outdoors, and everyday life. From a Gilded Age estate and a Jefferson-designed capitol to a downtown ballpark and a riverside canal, each destination shows a different side of the River City.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or you already call the area home, these landmarks are worth knowing. Each one links to a closer look, so you can plan a visit and discover the stories behind the places that make Richmond special.
1. Maymont in Richmond, Virginia
Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate tucked along the James River just west of downtown Richmond. Once the private home of James and Sallie Dooley, it was left to the city in the 1920s and opened as a free public park. Today it blends a preserved Gilded Age mansion, formal gardens, an arboretum, and native wildlife into a single sprawling estate.
A visit can move from an Italian garden to a Japanese garden to habitats housing black bears and bison, all in one afternoon. That variety, combined with free admission, makes Maymont one of Richmond's most beloved destinations for families and visitors alike.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and fall for the gardens at their most colorful.
- Weekday mornings for a quiet, relaxed walk.
- Weekends for the liveliest atmosphere, though parking fills fast.
- Warm-weather evenings for seasonal events on the grounds.
Highlights
- The Maymont Mansion: A preserved Gilded Age house museum open for guided tours.
- The gardens: World-class Italian and Japanese gardens set above the river.
- Native wildlife: Habitats and a nature center featuring Virginia animals.
2. Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia State Capitol stands at the center of downtown Richmond as one of the most historic buildings in the country. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in the late 1780s, it was among the first American public buildings modeled on a classical temple, and it still houses the Virginia General Assembly.
Set within landscaped Capitol Square, the building is both a working seat of government and a living museum. Visitors can tour the Rotunda, view the famous Houdon statue of George Washington, and explore the grounds and monuments that surround it.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings for quieter guided tours.
- Spring and fall for pleasant weather in Capitol Square.
- Outside the winter General Assembly session for fewer crowds.
- Midweek to pair the visit with other downtown stops.
Highlights
- The Rotunda: Home to the life-size Houdon statue of George Washington.
- Capitol Square: Landscaped grounds with monuments and the Governor's Mansion.
- Living history: A working capitol with roots in the nation's founding.
3. Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University is one of Virginia's largest universities and a defining part of Richmond. With roughly 28,000 students, a nationally recognized arts program, and a major academic medical center, VCU is woven directly into the fabric of the city rather than set apart from it.
The university spreads across two main campuses, one near the Fan District and one downtown for health sciences. Its creative energy spills into surrounding neighborhoods, filling Richmond with galleries, public art, and a lively student presence.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays during the semester for campus at its liveliest.
- Weekends and breaks for a quieter walk.
- Spring and fall for the most pleasant weather.
- Basketball season for the energy of Rams athletics.
Highlights
- The Monroe Park Campus: A walkable academic core near the Fan District.
- The arts scene: A nationally ranked program shaping Richmond's culture.
- VCU Health: A leading academic medical center serving the region.
4. Carytown in Richmond, Virginia
Carytown is Richmond's favorite shopping and dining district, stretching across roughly nine blocks of West Cary Street. Known as the Mile of Style, it is filled with more than 200 mostly independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, giving it a character no chain-filled district can match.
At its center stands the historic Byrd Theatre, a restored 1928 movie palace still showing films today. Walkable and welcoming, Carytown is a place locals return to for vintage finds, local eats, and seasonal events like the summer Watermelon Festival.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday afternoons for relaxed browsing.
- Weekends for the district's full, lively energy.
- Summer for the popular Carytown Watermelon Festival.
- Spring and fall for comfortable walking weather.
Highlights
- The Byrd Theatre: A restored 1928 movie palace at the district's heart.
- Independent shops: Boutiques, record stores, and vintage finds.
- Local dining: A wide range of restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots.
5. Canal Walk and Brown's Island in Richmond, Virginia
The Canal Walk and Brown's Island form Richmond's riverfront heart, tracing historic canals along the James River through downtown. Once a working industrial zone, the area has been transformed into a public space with paved paths, historic markers, and river views within steps of the city center.
Brown's Island anchors the riverfront as one of the city's favorite outdoor venues, hosting concerts and festivals through the warmer months. On any day, the Canal Walk draws walkers, runners, and cyclists looking for a rare mix of nature and city.
Best Time to Visit
- Mornings and evenings for pleasant walks and runs.
- Warm-weather months for festivals on Brown's Island.
- Spring and fall for the most comfortable conditions.
- Event nights for concerts and community gatherings.
Highlights
- Brown's Island: The riverfront's outdoor stage for festivals and concerts.
- Historic canals: Locks and markers tracing Richmond's founding industries.
- River views: Overlooks and pedestrian bridges along the James.
6. Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia
Hollywood Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery set on rolling hills above the James River. Founded in the mid-1800s and shaded by holly trees, it is both a scenic public space and one of the most significant historic sites in the city.
The cemetery is the resting place of U.S. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, along with thousands of others, marked by monuments including a striking granite pyramid. Its winding paths, river views, and local legends draw visitors for history and quiet reflection alike.
Best Time to Visit
- Mornings for a peaceful, uncrowded walk.
- Spring and fall for comfortable weather and color.
- During guided tours for the richest history.
- Daytime hours, as access is limited near dusk.
Highlights
- Presidential graves: The resting places of Presidents Monroe and Tyler.
- The granite pyramid: A towering monument on the cemetery grounds.
- River views: Scenic overlooks above the James.
7. CarMax Park in Richmond, Virginia
CarMax Park is the new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the city's beloved Double-A baseball team. Located in the fast-growing Scott's Addition district near Arthur Ashe Boulevard, the modern ballpark carries forward a Richmond baseball tradition that spans generations.
With updated seating, amenities, and a lively game-day atmosphere, the ballpark offers affordable family fun all summer long. Its location puts fans within walking distance of the breweries and restaurants that have made Scott's Addition one of Richmond's most popular neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring through late summer during baseball season.
- Weekend and promotional nights for the biggest crowds.
- Evening games for cooler, comfortable innings.
- Fireworks and theme nights for extra fun.
Highlights
- Flying Squirrels baseball: Affordable, high-energy Double-A games.
- Scott's Addition: Breweries and dining just outside the gates.
- A modern ballpark: Updated seating, amenities, and fan spaces.
8. Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture tells the sweeping story of the Commonwealth across four centuries. Located in Richmond's Museum District and operated by the Virginia Historical Society, one of the state's oldest cultural institutions, the recently renovated museum brings history to life through artifacts and immersive exhibitions.
Its galleries guide visitors from early Indigenous history and colonial times through the modern era, while a research library serves scholars and genealogists. Set near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, it makes an easy stop in the walkable Museum District.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings for a relaxed visit.
- Weekends for new exhibitions and lively crowds.
- Spring and fall to pair with a district walk.
- Any season, as an engaging indoor destination.
Highlights
- The story of Virginia: A signature exhibition spanning four centuries.
- A historic institution: Operated by the long-standing Virginia Historical Society.
- Museum District setting: Steps from other major cultural stops.
9. American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia
The American Civil War Museum sits along the James River at the historic Tredegar Iron Works, ground that played a central role in the war itself. The site produced much of the Confederacy's artillery, making the location a primary artifact of the history the museum explores.
What sets the museum apart is its approach, telling the story of the Civil War from Union, Confederate, and African American perspectives. The result is one of the most complete and honest tellings of the conflict anywhere in the country, set against a powerful riverfront backdrop.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings for a calmer experience.
- Spring and fall to enjoy the riverfront setting.
- Weekends for full energy and programs.
- Anytime you can pair it with a riverfront walk.
Highlights
- Historic Tredegar: The ironworks grounds central to the war effort.
- Every perspective: Union, Confederate, and African American stories.
- Riverfront setting: Exhibits framed by the James River.
10. Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth's tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service, overlooking the James River near downtown. Its Shrine of Memory, engraved with thousands of names, offers a place for reflection and remembrance.
Beyond the memorial itself, an education center shares the stories behind the names through exhibits and programs. Honoring service from World War II through recent conflicts, it is one of Richmond's most meaningful and moving places to visit.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings for quiet reflection.
- Memorial Day and Veterans Day for special ceremonies.
- Spring and fall for comfortable weather on the grounds.
- Daytime hours to explore the education center.
Highlights
- The Shrine of Memory: Walls engraved with the names of the fallen.
- The eternal flame: A lasting tribute to those who served.
- Education center: Exhibits and programs on Virginia's veterans.
Why Richmond's Landmarks Stay With You
From the gardens of Maymont above the James to the Jefferson-designed halls of the State Capitol, from a summer night at CarMax Park to the quiet paths of Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond consistently surprises visitors who underestimate what the River City holds. A Saturday stroll through Carytown. The bloom of Maymont's Japanese Garden in April. The lights of Brown's Island during a riverfront festival. These are the experiences that stay.
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Explore the city. Take your time. Richmond, Virginia, will introduce itself one landmark at a time.