The top 10 day trips from Richmond, VA

16.12.2024 - 17:09 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 16, 2024 • 10 min read

Richmond is officially on the radar for travelers seeking great food and beer, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures – all without the crowds and price tag of more established tourist towns.

Once you’ve had your fill of Virginia’s capital city, you’re also in the perfect position to explore the rest of the Commonwealth. From its convenient location smack in the center of Virginia, Richmond is an easy drive – or train ride – from the coast, the mountains, and the countryside. Here are the ten best day trips from Richmond, Virginia.

Travel time: 57 minutes (to Williamsburg)

Why go? To take a step back in time to the earliest days of the American colonies.

Virginia’s Historic Triangle – Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg – is located less than an hour away from Richmond, making this an ideal day trip. Follow the scenic Colonial Parkway to explore historic sites, including the first English settlement at Jamestown and the Yorktown battlefield where the Revolutionary War ended. Wrap up at the world’s largest living history museum in Colonial Williamsburg, where you can see what life was like in colonial times before grabbing a bite to eat in the nearby Merchant’s Square.

If you get hungry, visit the famous Terrace Room at the Williamsburg Inn. If the city didn’t already, this Terrace Room will transport you to an earlier era of America, while the pre-fixe menu lets you sample creative dishes showcasing local ingredients. Berrett’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse is another good choice in Williamsburg’s Merchant Square.

While you can make it to the Historic Triangle in less than a day, you may want a few to fully explore all the area has to offer.

How to get to Virginia’s Historic Triangle from Richmond: Follow Interstate 64 east for about 50 miles (under an hour) to reach Williamsburg. Yorktown and Jamestown are about 10 minutes farther on. Public transportation is limited, so a car is recommended to navigate this area.

Travel time: 1 hour and 22 minutes

Why go? Because you don’t have to drive all the way to Virginia Beach to find sandy shores and briny oysters.

Virginia’s Northern Neck region follows the western shores of Chesapeake Bay, with tiny fishing villages and historical sites scattered throughout. Start in charming Irvington for a cup of coffee at The Local and then head over to the Tides Inn for lunch with views over the water at Fish Hawk Oyster Bar. Choose from state parks like Westmoreland and Belle Isle for walking and biking trails through the scenic wetlands. On your way back to Richmond, swing by Merroir Tasting Room to sample oysters from the celebrated farms of Rappahannock Oyster Company.

How to get to Virginia’s Northern Neck from Richmond: Head east of the city