Richmond which is the capital of Virginia is buzzing with museums and galleries. Staying true to its historic self, Richmond is preserving its old-fashioned sense of self while embracing the new age era as well.
There are a host of day trip destinations from Richmond VA within a two-hour radius of the city. Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington DC beckon visitors and offer a lot to them.
Let us explore some of the best day trips from Richmond VA.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Washington D.C.
- 2
- 3 Charlottesville, Virginia
- 4 Williamsburg, Virginia
- 5 Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia
- 6
- 7 Annapolis, Maryland
- 8 Baltimore, Virginia
- 9 Lake Anna, Virginia
- 10 Luray Caverns, Virginia
- 11
- 12 George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
- 13 James River Rapids, Virginia
- 14 Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 15 Greensboro, North Carolina
- 16 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- 17 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 18 Natural Bridge, Virginia
- 19 Frontier Culture Museum, Virginia
- 20 Conclusion
Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital, Washington DC makes for a fantastic day trip from Richmond and its residents are indeed lucky that Washington is just a stone’s throw away.
This culturally significant city is always a treat to visit and you can cover all the major sports here in just a day. What makes Washington DC attractive is that most of the city’s museums are free of charge.
The White House should invariably be your first stop here at Washington DC. Pose here for a photo or two. You can even ask for a self-guided tour inside, but you must request a Member of Congress well in advance
After that, you can visit a few of the seventeen Smithsonian Museums (including the stunning Air and Space Museum), all of which offer their treasures free of charge.
End your day with a walk along the National Mall to visit one of the world’s most recognized buildings, the U.S. Capitol.
Distance: 1 hour 48 minutes
Ideal for: Everyone
Charlottesville, Virginia
This is a University city in Virginia and is a great place to visit from Richmond. It is picturesquely nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Charlottesville is just about 70 miles from Richmond, this city is a delight for both indoor and outdoorsy type of people.
A major attraction in the area is Monticello Artisan Trail, enticing visitors from near and far to come and visit a long list of crafters and agricultural artisans.
You can also visit Monticello, the mountain-top plantation that belonged to Thomas Jefferson.
For wine enthusiasts, you can join a tour from Charlottesville. While the children can have a great time at the Virginia Discovery Museum.
Distance: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ideal for: History buffs and wine lovers
Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the most historically significant towns in Virginia, Williamsburg is a must-do day trip from Richmond.
Conveniently located just an hour away, you can travel back in time when you visit this city. Walk around the recreated town and have fun while interacting with the costumed actors.
Start your day by visiting the world’s largest “living museum” at Colonial Williamsburg. Here you will get the opportunity to see how the early colonists lived their lives before the Revolutionary War.
Brush up your historic knowledge at the Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown. If all that history has tired you out, then enjoy the thrilling roller coasters at Busch Gardens or visit some art galleries.
Distance: 54 minutes
Ideal for: History buffs
Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia
For a relaxing day trip filled with glasses of wine and scenic views, head to Monticello Wine Trail. Spend a day relaxing here.
The area has over 30 vineyards and it lies against the backdrop of Blue Ridge Mountains. You can visit all the wineries to go for a tasting or a tour.
Watch out for many wine-related festivals on the calendar. The annual Taste of Monticello Festival is held in Charlottesville at the end of April each year and can be a great time to visit.
Of course, make sure to have a designated driver while visiting the vineyards.
Distance: 1 hour and 11 minutes
Ideal for: Wine connoisseurs
Annapolis, Maryland
The capital city of Maryland, Annapolis sits on the Atlantic Coast. It is widely regarded as the sailing capital of the US. It, of course, makes for an excellent day trip from Richmond VA.
A two and a half-hour drive from Richmond, explore the thriving sailing scene here. The Annapolis Harbor Cruise is a great place to experience the city and also experiment with yachting on the Schooner Windward.
Visitors can indulge in canoeing, paddle boating, and kayaking. Off the water, you can explore the galleries, in the vibrant Annapolis Art District or go shopping on Maryland Avenue.
Distance: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Ideal for:Sailing lovers
Baltimore, Virginia
The bustling city of Baltimore has something for everyone and makes for an excellent day trip from Richmond Virginia.
Most famed for being the home of Fort McHenry, this is one of the top places to visit in Baltimore. Explore museums, art galleries, and historic districts.
Baltimore Inner Harbour has lots of places and you can spend a lot of time here. History enthusiasts can browse historic areas of the city like Auchentoroly Terrace, while art lovers can explore the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum.
Distance: 2 hours and 22 minutes
Ideal for:History lovers
Lake Anna, Virginia
Just 60 miles away from the city of Richmond, Virginia, Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Virginia. It covers over 13,000 acres surrounded by 250 miles of shoreline.
Soak up some seaside vibes at Lake Anna, which is a great place to visit for families. This is an ideal outdoor recreation area for day-trippers.
Lake Anna is blessed with sandy shores plus you can also try your hand at many water sports.
Distance: 75 minutes
Ideal for: Family day out
Luray Caverns, Virginia
One of the most popular tourist places in Virginia, Luray Caverns is one of Virginia’s natural gems.
This cavern was discovered by Andrew Campbell one summer morning in 1878. This is the largest cavern system in Eastern US and there are dozens of chambers to explore.
Do not miss out on the Giant’s Hall which is the most amazing of them all. The caverns can be visited any day of the week.
Also visit theCar and Carriage Caravan Museum, Luray Valley Museum and Toy Town Junction.
Distance: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Ideal for: Adventurous day out
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
This enormous outdoor recreation area spans from West Virginia all the way through Kentucky. George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is one of the largest protected forest areas in the Eastern United States.
The forests cover 1.8 million acres of land and there are around 50 campgrounds where families can camp overnight. There are a number of hiking trails through the national forest where you can hike and see beautiful scenic trails.
Visitors can do fishing, hiking, and bird-watching as well. There are several day-use areas that offer restrooms and picnic areas for people.
Distance: 2 hours and 44 minutes
Ideal for: Outdoor adventure
James River Rapids, Virginia
For an adrenaline-filled day out, James River Rapids can make for an excellent day trip from Richmond, Virginia.
Richmond residents are lucky that the James River Rapids lies right in the heart of their city. Water sports enthusiasts can have a lot of fun here.
However, the rapids are not for the faint-hearted and stretch of the James Rover features III and IV class rapids.
You can also try kayaking instead of rafting. Belle Isle is a popular gathering area for people who can ade and paddle directly off the rock.
Distance: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Ideal for: Water sports
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a popular all year round destination that makes for a great day trip from Richmond, Virginia.
This 3-mile long boardwalk features dozens of bars, restaurants and beach shacks. Visitors can spend their time walking or just relaxing along the beach.
Other than that there are many outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, boat tours or hiking in First Landing State Park or Stumpy Lake Natural Area.
If that is not your thing, then you can explore the Military Aviation Museum, which is always a popular choice for families. To end the day you can shop and dine in the Town Center.
Distance: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Ideal for: Beach-side fun
Greensboro, North Carolina
Hop over the state lines and visit North Carolina and visit the wonderful city of Greensboro for the day. Well known for the International Civil Rights Museum, which should be number one on your list of places to visit – there is lots more to do as well.
The Greensboro Science Center is a great place to visit with your families. Do pay a visit to the Greensboro Children’s Museum with your kids as well.
Art lovers can also have a great time here admiring the town’s galleries
Distance: 3 hours
Ideal for: Family day out
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
If you want to be amidst nature for a while, then Shenandoah National Park is a great place to visit. The park is located along the Blue Ridge Mountains and lies between Harrisonburg and Charlottesville.
Just don your hiking boots and enjoy the wonderful scenery that the Shenandoah National Park has to offer. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails.
You can also enjoy the scenery on a scenic drive along Skyline Drive. Visitors can also do trout fishing in the streams.
Distance: 1 hour and 47 minutes
Ideal for: Outdoor fun
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A great city to visit, Philadelphia is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the United States. A long list of activities awaits you in this city.
Do stop by the Liberty Bell for a photo op. The Independence Hall is also a must-see for visitors.
If you want to just relax, you can easily spend the day hopping from one hipster coffee shop to another. Art lovers can drop by at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum.
Stop by for a meal at the fabulous food stalls in the historic Reading Terminal Market. A single day is too short to explore this city if you have time to bring over a suitcase and spend the weekend here.
Distance: 3 hours and 42 minutes
Ideal for: Outdoor fun
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Located west of Richmond, close to the George Washington and Jefferson State Forest, Natural Bridge makes for a nice day trip from Richmond, Virginia.
The town itself is named after this natural arch or bridge which is located in the Natural Bridge State Park. A great natural wonder to see, this 215-foot high archway spans the Cedar Creek Gorge.
You can also spend your time hiking in the Cedar Creek Trail which leads through the forests to the Monacan Indian Village and the lovely Lace Falls.
Visitors can also visit the Virginia Safari Park.
Distance: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Ideal for: Outdoor fun
Frontier Culture Museum, Virginia
Frontier Culture Museum makes for a great family fun trip. Drive up to Staunton, where you can learn all about the life and times of Virginia’s earliest settlers at the Frontier Culture Museum.
This is a unique “living” museum where children will learn about the trials and tribulations of Virginia’s pioneers through a collection of eleven fun and educational exhibits.
Distance: 10 minutes
Ideal for: Family day out
Conclusion
Richmond is so near to many treasures in Virginia like the capital of Washington D.C. and the popular Virginia Beach. Needless to say, there can be many trips that can be done around Richmond to keep your weekends busy. Travel on!
FAQs
What cities are 2 hours away from Richmond VA? ›
- 1 hr 58 min: Virginia Beach, VA.
- 1 hr 58 min: Washington, DC.
- 1 hr 54 min: Rocky Mount, NC.
- 1 hr 52 min: Nashville, NC.
- 1 hour: King and Queen Court House, VA.
- 1 hour: Berea, VA.
- 1 hour: Oak Forest, VA.
- 59 minutes: Louisa, VA.
- 59 minutes: Sturgeonville, VA.
- 59 minutes: Jersey, VA.
- 59 minutes: Penneys Crossroad, VA.
- 59 minutes: Zion, VA.
Virginia State Capitol
In 1861, following Virginia's secession from the Union, Richmond became the capital of the Confederacy. The city's capitol building subsequently became the home of both the state's General Assembly as well as the Confederate Congress.
FAIRVIEW BEACH #1 is situated 53.12 mi to the NE of Richmond Virginia.
What towns are close to Front Royal VA? ›- Winchester.
- Sperryville.
- Strasburg.
- Little Washington.
- It's neighbors like these that help keep the Front Royal area fun and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Looking to uncover a new favorite haunt near Front Royal?
The top stops along the way from Richmond to Charlottesville (with short detours) are Monticello, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Kings Dominion. Other popular stops include James Madison's Montpelier, Maymont, and University of Virginia.
What do you call someone from Richmond? ›A resident of Lawrence, Mass., is a "Lawrencian," but a resident of Lawrence, Kan., is a "Lawrentian."Someone from Norfolk is a "Norfolkian" in Virginia but a "Nor-folkan" in Nebraska. A person from Richmond, Calif., is a "Richmondite," while one from Richmond, Va., is a "Richmonder."
Why is Richmond called spiders? ›It is most likely the team took the nickname from the Cleveland Spiders who, at the time, were highly successful. To this day, Richmond is the only university in the United States with the spider as its official nickname.
Is Richmond a posh area? ›The Royal Borough of Richmond upon Thames is one of London's most expensive areas, with house prices sitting significantly above the London average. The Royal Borough of Richmond upon Thames is one of London's most expensive areas, with house prices sitting significantly above the London average.
Which place is best for 2 days trip? ›- Goa.
- Pondicherry.
- Rishikesh.
- Sikkim.
- Hampi.
- Lonavala.
- Gokarna.
- Udaipur.
Where can I go on a 2 hour train from London? ›
- Bath.
- Bristol.
- Norwich.
- York.
- Cambridge.
- Dover.
- Rye & Camber Sands.
- Whitstable.
The safest neighborhoods in Richmond are Bellevue, The Museum District, The Fan, Westover Hills, Byrd Park, and Three Chopt.
Where do the rich live in Richmond? ›Chesterfield County has the highest income of all the counties as well as City of Richmond. Within the City, the wealthy neighborhoods are mostly concentrated in what is known as “the Near West End”, Windsor Farms, Rothesay Circle, The Fan, Monument Avenue, River Road corridor, South of Cary St etc.
What salary do you need to live in Richmond VA? ›| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (1 WORKING) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 3 Children | |
| Required annual income after taxes | $31,622 | $70,459 |
| Annual taxes | $7,758 | $17,286 |
| Required annual income before taxes | $39,380 | $87,744 |
- Virginia Beach.
- Westmoreland State Park.
- Colonial Beach.
- Cape Charles.
- Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve.
- Hampton, VA.
- Chincoteague.
- Lake Anna State Park.
- Alanton. Alanton is a neighborhood full of character on the Broad Bay waterfront in Virginia Beach. ...
- Ashville Park. ...
- Bay Colony. ...
- Chic's Beach. ...
- Christopher Farms. ...
- Croatan. ...
- Dam Neck. ...
- Great Neck.
- Bar Harbor.
- Telluride.
- Jackson Hole.
- Lake Tahoe.
- Sedona.
- Moab.
- St. Augustine.
- Monterey.
1. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. In the center of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park protects portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which range in height between 2,000 and 4,000 feet.
What is the nicest town to live in Virginia? ›- Alexandria. ...
- Charlottesville. ...
- Bon Air. ...
- Centreville. ...
- Stone Ridge. ...
- Chesapeake. ...
- Abingdon. Let's head to the other side of the state. ...
- Blacksburg. Blacksburg is a small mountain town with higher housing prices and lower yearly salaries than Abingdon.
One such place is the forgotten town of Union Level. Visit this ghost town in Virginia today and you'll find only remnants of buildings and homes that were once filled with families and residents in the early 19th century. It's equal parts fascinating, eerie, and intriguing.
What is the most southern town in Virginia? ›
2: Colonial Williamsburg
A unique and exciting living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a place where the whole family can enjoy a combination of education, excitement, adventure and fun.
Richmond is a scenic town boasting an abundance of heritage listed colonial buildings. Nestled in the heart of the Coal River Valley wine region it is a must see on your visit list. Richmond Bridge in Tasmania is Australia's oldest bridge. It was built by convicts in 1823.
Where should I stop between Richmond and Charleston? ›The top stops along the way from Richmond to Charleston (with short detours) are Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and Middleton Place. Other popular stops include Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, North Carolina Museum of Art, and South of the Border Motor Inn.
Is Richmond an Irish name? ›Richmond is an English surname, and may refer to any one of the following: Aaron Richmond (1895–1965), American impresario. Anthony B.
Is Richmond a girl name? ›The name Richmond is boy's name of German origin meaning "powerful protector". Richmond is a place-name — it's the capital of Virginia — that makes a fresh way to honor an ancestral Richard.
What does the name Richmond mean in the Bible? ›Meaning: The Protector King.
How white is Richmond Virginia? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| White alone, percent | 45.2% |
| Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 46.1% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) | 0.2% |
| Asian alone, percent(a) | 2.1% |
White: 45.20% Two or more races: 4.14% Other race: 2.30% Asian: 2.08%
Are there cockroaches in Richmond? ›The Types Of Roaches Found In Richmond Homes
German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches are the most common species. German cockroaches are the most common and identified by their ½ to ⅝ inch-long, light brown to tan bodies and the two parallel lines located behind their heads.
What is the life expectancy in Richmond? ›
The local authority with the highest male healthy life expectancy at birth is Rutland (71.5 years), followed by Richmond upon Thames (71.4 years) and Wokingham (70.1 years). Generally, the areas with the highest life expectancy at birth tend to be in London, the South of England and mid-Wales.
Is Richmond a fun city to live in? ›Richmond is truly brimming with fun and is a vibrant, creative city. It's also home to several universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and The University of Richmond.
Is it cheap to live in Richmond VA? ›The cost of living in Richmond, VA is 6% lower than the state average and 4% lower than the national average. Richmond, VA housing is 10% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 3% pricier.
How far apart is New York and Virginia? ›The shortest distance (air line) between Virginia and New-York is 337.07 mi (542.47 km). The shortest route between Virginia and New-York is 386.81 mi (622.52 km) according to the route planner. The driving time is approx. 8h 32min.
How many hours is Florida away from Virginia? ›How long is the drive from Florida to Virginia? The total driving time is 12 hours, 44 minutes. Your trip begins in the state of Florida. It ends in the state of Virginia.
How many hours is Richmond Virginia from California? ›How long is the drive from California to Richmond, VA? The total driving time is 39 hours, 41 minutes. Your trip begins in the state of California.
How many hours is New York from VA? ›How long is the drive from Virginia to New York? The total driving time is 7 hours, 52 minutes.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia than New York? ›Lower Living Costs
If you have been dreaming of a larger house, moving to Virginia means your dreams may come true. You can afford a much larger home in Virginia for the same price as your apartment in NYC. The cost of transportation, utilities, entertainment, and many other things are also more affordable.
Virginia is 1.7% cheaper than New York.
How long is Las Vegas to Virginia? ›Yes, the driving distance between Las Vegas to Virginia is 2536 miles. It takes approximately 39h 42m to drive from Las Vegas to Virginia.
How long is the train from VA to Florida? ›
| Distance | 653 miles (1053 km) |
|---|---|
| Average train duration | 26 h 33 min |
| Direct train | No |
| Train companies | Amtrak |
Yes, the driving distance between Virginia to Florida is 632 miles. It takes approximately 10h 36m to drive from Virginia to Florida.
How far is Orlando from Virginia Beach? ›How long is the drive from Virginia Beach to Orlando? The direct drive from Virginia Beach to Orlando is 771 mi (1240 km), and should have a drive time of 12 hrs 2 mins in normal traffic.
How far apart are Richmond and Norfolk? ›There are 79.24 miles from Richmond to Norfolk in southeast direction and 92 miles (148.06 kilometers) by car, following the I-64 E route. Richmond and Norfolk are 1 hour 31 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . This is the fastest route from Richmond, VA to Norfolk, VA. The halfway point is Lightfoot, VA.
How long is the train ride from Richmond to California? ›Trains from Richmond to Los Angeles cover the 352 miles (568 km) long trip taking on average 8 h 41 min with our travel partners like Amtrak. There are direct train services available.
Is Richmond Va an expensive place to live? ›The Richmond, VA cost of living index is 94.9.
That means it's 5.1% more affordable than the U.S. average. Groceries and transportation expenses are about 10% below the U.S. average, but the Richmond housing index is only 84.2. By comparison, the cost of living in Virginia is about 4% higher than the national average.
| Distance | 287 mi (462 km) |
|---|---|
| Fastest train | 9h 18m |
| Lowest price | $33.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
The train journey from Richmond, Virginia to New York takes 6h 16m on average and covers a distance of 288 miles.
Is there a train from VA to NY? ›There is a train traveling between Richmond, Virginia and New York which is Amtrak and currently our only available option.. The cheapest Amtrak is what we have recently available with prices starting at $64 round-trip.