The Capital City

Richmond is often described as "the perfect blend of the past with the present." A diverse cultural city, Richmond features historic neighborhoods, parks, ample museums for nearly every interest, and the thriving James River. The city consistently ranks highly among "Best Places to Live and Work in America."

Just fifteen minutes from Richmond International Airport is the central business district of a modern city that is home to financial institutions, universities, hospitals, headquarters for more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies, entertainment and shopping districts, and high rise office complexes that house many local, regional and state offices, clustered between historic neighborhoods and the James River.

There is something for everyone in Richmond. We suggest you start your trip by visiting the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau website. There you will find a comprehensive list of historical sites from the Colonial and Civil War periods, neighborhoods, museums, shops, and outdoor excursions the Greater Richmond Region has to offer.

Sports fans will enjoy everything from NASCAR and IndyCar racing at Richmond International Raceway to professional soccer, baseball, and hockey. The Richmond Sportsbackers, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, attracting and improving sporting events, organizes a multitude of events across the region annually, including the Richmond Marathon and the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k.

Some suggested highlights of a visit to Richmond:

Monument Avenue - this historic roadway, lined with statues honoring Civil War heroes as well as Richmond native Arthur Ashe, provides a view of the homes of some of the first families of Virginia.
The Jefferson Hotel - since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel has been recognized by discerning travelers as Richmond's grandest hotel and one of the finest in America. Known for its genuinely friendly service, luxurious guestrooms, breathtaking architecture and elegant décor, The Jefferson Hotel is reminiscent of a more gracious era.
American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar - a beautiful eight-acre National Historic Landmark site on the James River where five surviving buildings illustrate the ironworks era. The National Park Service operates the Richmond Civil War Visitor Center.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - the museum features an incredible collection of art from the far corners of the world, including a collection of Faberge Russian Imperial eggs, and collections of art deco, art nouveau, contemporary paintings and sculptures.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens - offers year-round beauty with more than 40 acres of spectacular gardens and the mid-Atlantic's only classically styled Conservatory open to the public. Great shopping and dining plus a new Children's Garden with a Tree House make the Garden a fun place to visit anytime.
Maymont - a first visit to Maymont is best started at the Robins Nature & Visitor Center - Maymont's front door - but a history lover will soon find a path to the 1893 Maymont House Museum. A plant lover will find the elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens. For animal lovers there are the Nature Center, Wildlife Exhibits and the Children's Farm.
Carytown - Though it's only one street long, you'll be surprised at the variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and food stores in this nine block shopping area, extending from the Powhite Parkway to the Boulevard. If you want to see it all, allow yourself plenty of time to walk up one side and down the other. While you're at it, save some time for visiting The Fan and Shockoe Bottom, too.
Shopping? If shopping is your thing, may we suggest Short Pump Town Center or Stony Point Fashion Park?
Richmond International Raceway - the raceway is host to the three major motor sports weekends each year, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in May and September and the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race each June.
Canal Walk: The revitalized Richmond Riverfront stretches along a 1.25-mile corridor from the historic Tredegar Iron Works site, just west of 7th Street, to 17th Street on the east.
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park - Richmond has been recognized as a center of innovation since the birth of our nation, and it continues to make history today as a growing center for life sciences.