Your wedding guests are sure to appreciate the history and culture of Virginia’s capital. They’ll find an array of first-rate museums, tranquil parks and gardens, charming neighborhoods with great dining, and history around every corner. Here are 25 Richmond attractions your wedding guests will enjoy.

Richmond VA Attractions

Museums, museums, museums

Richmond holds its own when it comes to places to absorb art, history, culture, and science. Wedding guests have a little time to kill? Recommend a visit to one of these fine museums.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: This top US art museum offers exhibits from around the world. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.

Science Museum of Virginia: While away some time with some hands-on science, get creative in the Makerspace, or view an amazing nature or planetary experience on The Dome, the largest screen in Virginia.

The Valentine: Located in the heart of downtown Richmond, The Valentine has been collecting and preserving Richmond’s 400-year history for over a century. In fact, it was the first museum established in Richmond. Enjoy the exhibits or sign up for a walking tour.

Poe Museum: Did you know the writer Edgar Allan Poe was a native of Richmond? Thanks to Poe collector and researcher James Howard Whitty and others, there’s a museum to honor the writer. Take a trip back in time with rare manuscripts, letters, and photographs.

Virginia Museum of History and Culture: From oil portraits of America’s First President to gear owned by tennis champion and Richmond native Arthur Ashe, the VMHC has a collection of over 9 million items! This museum is all things Virginia.

Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University: VCU is one of the country’s leading schools in art and design. This space, with constantly rotating exhibitions, is dedicated to exploring today’s art and issues.

Take a stroll through a park

These two Richmond parks are favorites for both locals and visitors.

Maymont: Located close to Richmond’s Fan District, this 100-year old historic estate and park feature a mansion with Italian and Japanese gardens, a nature center, animal habitats, and an arboretum.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Enjoy year-round beauty in more than a dozen themed gardens at this historic 50-acre property. The classic glass dome conservatory is the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic.

Check out the neighborhood

Richmond is home to many unique and colorful neighborhoods offering history, entertainment, culture, dining, and shopping. Here are four favorites.

Carytown: In the heart of Richmond is Carytown, home to the historic Byrd Theater, unique dining, and boutique shopping. Located close to the Museum District and Byrd Park.

Shockoe Bottom: Richmond is developing quite a reputation as a “foodie” destination. This historic neighborhood is known for its tasty dining options.

Church Hill: Just up the hill from Shockoe Bottom is Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill. Located in the East End, it’s the location of the famous St. John’s Church.

The Fan: Beautiful Victorian architecture graces this neighborhood, whose borders resemble the shape of a fan.

Get the historical perspective

Since Richmond is one of America’s oldest cities, history buffs are sure to get their fill with these attractions.

St. John’s Church: In March of 1775, Patrick Henry uttered those famous words, “Give me liberty … or give me death!” at the Second Virginia Convention. Take a tour or even see a reenactment of this historic moment.

American Civil War Museum: ACWM is actually three museums. There is the museum at Historic Tredegar, the White House of the Confederacy, and the Civil War Museum in Appomattox, VA. The downtown location was once home to the Tredegar Ironworks.

Richmond National Battlefield Park: This is a collection of 13 parks scattered across Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties and the city of Richmond that retell the Civil War.

Riverfront Canal Walk: In addition to the art galleries and restaurants, the Canal Walk depicts four centuries of Richmond’s history through medallions, statues, and exhibits. Walk, bike, or take a canal cruise.

Hollywood Cemetery: Established in 184, this is the resting place for presidents, governors, Supreme Court justices, and other notables. This garden cemetery with its National Historic Landmark is a registered arboretum as well. Several tour options are available.

More Great Attractions for Your Wedding Guests

In addition to the great museums, parks, neighborhoods, and historic sites, your wedding guests can enjoy some of these unique experiences before your big day.

Summer Concerts: From Music in the Park to the Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts, you’ll find a vibrant Richmond music scene. And many of the concerts are free!

Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen: Here is a showcase for both the visual and performing arts. Out of town guests can tour four galleries and enjoy dance performances and musical acts.

Richmond Metro Zoo: Come face to face with the wild with an animal experience. Feed the colorful birds in the aviary. And be sure to check out Otter Cove.

Belle Isle: The preserved park island sits downtown in the middle of the James River. It’s a place for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. And the flat rocks are great for catching rays.

Minor League Baseball: The San Francisco Giants have their AA farm team with the Richmond Squirrels. See the future of the MLB at a game.

Richmond Raceway: For some Richmonders, NASCAR is in their DNA. The Raceway has custom experiences for campers, first-timers, adults-only, and families to go along with the action on the track.

Trolley and Bike Tours: One of the best ways to take in the sights is with a trolley or bike tour.

With so much to see and do in Richmond, your wedding guests are sure to find a way to enjoy their stay while you get ready for your special day!