Key Takeaways
High Lifestyle Demand: Richmond’s blend of history, culture, outdoor recreation, and entertainment continues to attract renters year-round.
Broad Renter Appeal: The city’s diverse amenities support families, professionals, and students, helping investors maintain consistent occupancy.
Professional Investor Support: KRS Holdings helps investors leverage Richmond’s rental demand with full-service property management focused on long-term performance.
Richmond, Virginia, set along the banks of the James River, the longest river entirely within the state, stands at the intersection of American history, modern culture, and natural beauty.
Once the capital of the Confederacy, Richmond has evolved into a vibrant destination where historic landmarks coexist with a thriving arts scene, innovative dining, and outdoor recreation.
From scenic riverfront trails and expansive park systems to renowned museums, trendy cafés, and an increasingly diverse culinary landscape, Richmond offers experiences for every type of traveler.
Add in easy access to outdoor adventure, live entertainment, and walkable neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why the city continues to attract visitors year-round.
In this guide from KRS Holdings, we’ll highlight must-see places and experiences that showcase what makes Richmond such a compelling destination.
Must-See Places in Richmond Virginia
Richmond, Virginia is home to a wide range of attractions that enhance its lifestyle appeal and make it a desirable place to visit, live, and invest.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Explore 82 acres of beautifully maintained gardens featuring 15 themed areas and thousands of unique plant species.
Home to the Mid-Atlantic’s only domed conservatory, the garden is nationally recognized and offers excellent birdwatching and seasonal butterfly displays, especially in the spring.
Kings Dominion
Just 25 miles north of the city is a 400-acre water and theme park that will have you and the kids locked in for an entire day.
Here you will find everything to thrill and test you, starting with the wooden Grizzly coaster, Americana, the Soak City water park and lots more.
Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle is a preserved park island in downtown Richmond near the James River. Accessible via a pedestrian footbridge on Tredegar Street, this island retreat is a paradise for bikers, hikers, rock climbers, and hula hoopers.
If you like sunbathing, find a spot on the large flat rocks surrounding the island, but be careful of the powerful Hollywood Rapids.
The island has a bicycle skills area for dedicated riders and there are lots of opportunities for walking, running and fishing. If you like, you may visit the nearby Civil War prisoner of war camp.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Better than being told about it, this museum gives you a chance to experience the history, art and archeology of Virginia from up close. What should you see first? Maybe, the “Uncommon Strength,” for archeological insights into the lives of those who came before us.
If you prefer, you can check out “The Lost Cause,” a collection of monuments, murals and artifacts from the civil war era.
Another exhibit “Taking Aim” takes you through Virginia’s long association with firearms. There is a lot more and while you are at the museum, don’t forget to sample some of the great food.
Carytown
Carytown is not a single destination but the number one neighborhood in Richmond for shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Get there by walking, biking or car, but be aware that if you go by car, you may have trouble finding parking.
For great shopping and a taste of versions of well-known American dishes as well as various local cuisines, check out Tulsi Indian Cuisine, Ariana Kabob, Importante Bodega Bar, Mongrel, World of Mirth, Tokyo Market, Ladles & Linens.
Altria Theater
Altria Theater is not only the biggest theater in Virginia but the largest in the region. It is the venue for the globally-acclaimed Richmond CenterStage, the city’s prime arts center.
You will find a wide range of theatrical and musical performances here, from Broadway musicals to Richmond Symphony concerts, comedy specials, kids' shows and live symphony accompaniment to movies or shows.
This destination regularly hosts some of the country’s greatest entertainers. Check the theater’s calendar to make sure your visit coincides with one of the facility’s top upcoming shows.
Richmond Breweries
With hundreds of years of brewing expertise and over 30 award-winning craft breweries, distilleries and cideries, Richmond has a beer for every taste. Find out why Vinepair calls this city the #1 craft beer destination in the world!
From the Mekong (America's Best Beer Bar), to Hardywood’s Gingerbread Stout and The Answer Brewpub (1st in USA Today’s Ultimate Craft Beer Bracket Championship), Richmond offers you more beer-sipping opportunities than you have time for, with hundreds of must-try restaurants to enrich your visit.
Maymont
Originally the home of wealthy Richmond residents James Henry and Sallie May Dooley, this 100-acre property is the best to spend a leisurely afternoon. Maymont boasts a collection of natural, architectural and historical marvels.
Explore the breathtaking Japanese garden, cascading falls plunging into a quiet stream and a charming old school bridge from where you can watch fish swim lazily.
See a great collection of carriages from a more romantic era, the petting zoo, nature center and arboretum. Afterwards, you may enjoy a picnic on the property’s rolling lawns.
Science Museum of Virginia
This fascinating place makes science come alive in ways that will capture your kids’ attention for hours. At “Rat Basketball” adults and children can learn complex ideas like classical conditioning while watching rats play basketball.
The “Lady Gaga” is a laser show that teaches about light and music using awesome displays. On “Our Frozen Planet” you will learn about the mysteries that lie hidden beneath frozen depths in our world. There are also a lot of hand-on things to do for kids, parents and seniors.
The American Civil War Museum
This is not one but three sites; the American Civil War Museum, White House of the Confederacy and Museum of the Confederacy. Together, they give you the most complete view of the American civil from the perspective of both sides.
View the collection of Confederate artifacts, weapons and art and be transported back in time. The iconic exhibit at the American Civil War Museum will walk you through a chronological account of the war from the eyes and lips of soldiers and civilians.
Bottom Line
With its blend of culture, history, outdoor recreation, and year-round attractions, Richmond offers the kind of lifestyle that drives steady rental demand and long-term investment appeal.
KRS Holdings helps investors take advantage of this demand by providing professional property management services designed to protect assets and maximize returns in the Richmond market.