About Richmond

An economically progressive city and Virginia's capital, the Richmond area offers a wealth of amenities not easily found among other East Coast municipalities.

Richmond is among a handful of mid-sized cities to offer a flourishing cultural community enhanced by several first-class museums and prominent universities, its own symphony, professional ballet and opera, and numerous theater companies and art galleries.

While offering easy access to the ocean, mountains and Washington, D.C., the Richmond area features countless pastimes at home. Trendy boutiques and restaurants, numerous sports and entertainment attractions, outdoor pursuits among one of the nation's largest river park systems, and a treasure trove of historic landmarks provide fun times galore.

Area Attractions

Richmond is considered a year-round destination, due partly to all the activities and attractions that surround this historic capital city. To the east are the James River Plantations and Colonial Williamsburg; to the west - Jefferson's Monticello and the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. Civil War sites surround the city and two major theme parks are in the vicinity.

• Paramount's Kings Dominion
• Busch Gardens
• Water Country USA
• Maymont Park
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

• Richmond's Canal Walk
• Hollywood Cemetery
• Monument Avenue
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Jamestown Settlement

Museums

The Richmond area is a gateway to history. Only 90 minutes away are Jamestown, the site of America's first English-speaking settlement established in 1607, and Colonial Williamsburg, one of America's favorite tourist destinations. Then from the James River, it's a short drive to the York River and Yorktown where Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, ending the Revolutionary War.

In and around Richmond, you can visit some of the nation's premier museums.

• Children's Museum of Richmond
• Chrysler Museum of Art
• Hampton Roads Naval Museum
• Mariners' Museum
• Museum and White House of the Confederacy
• Science Museum of Virginia
• U.S. Army Transportation Museum

• Virginia Aviation Museum
• Virginia Historical Society
• Virginia Living Museum
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• Virginia War Memorial
• Virginia War Museum

Arts & Entertainment

The Richmond area boasts vibrant arts organizations including ballet, crafts, dance, music, opera, symphony, and theater.

• Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts
• Richmond Ballet
• Richmond Symphony
• Virginia Ballet Theater

• Virginia Opera
• Virginia Symphony
• Barksdale Theatre
• Swift Creek Mill Playhouse
• Theatre IV

Athletics & Sports

Sports enthusiasts may choose from a wide venue.

Thoroughbred and Harness Racing fans will enjoy Colonial Downs, one of America's newest and finest facilities located east of Richmond.

NASCAR fans take advantage of the multiple events held twice a year at nearby Richmond International Raceway.

AAA baseball is played at the Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves.

Hockey fans have the Richmond Renegades and soccer fans have the Richmond Kickers.

Colleges & Universities

Within an easy commute of Richmond are many community colleges and universities. Listed below is just a fraction of what the Richmond area has to offer....

• The College of William and Mary
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, MCV Hospitals and Physicians
• Virginia Union University

• University of Richmond
• Randolph Macon University
• Virginia State University
• John Tyler Community College
• J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College