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Carytown and around
A day in Richmond · 9:30–17:30 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/richmond/itineraries/carytown-and-aroundA walking day around Carytown, Science Museum of Virginia and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with a lunch break nearby and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
↓ 18 min walk
10:452Science Museum of Virginia ↗1 h 30 min
Science museum in former train station
- Great for kids
- Planetarium shows
↓ 13 min walk
12:303Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ↗1 h 30 min
Large art museum with free general admission
- Free general admission
- Cafe and sculpture garden
Lunch
14:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 15 min walk
Afternoon
15:304Grand tree-lined avenue with historic homes
- Good for a stroll or ride
- Spring blossoms
↓ About 22 min by metro or taxi
17:005Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden ↗30 min
Botanical garden with conservatory and Dominion lights
- Holiday lights in winter
- Bring a hat in summer
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Richmond tips
Transportation
- Ride GRTC Pulse: the bus rapid transit line runs along Broad Street from Willow Lawn through downtown to Rocketts Landing; check the GRTC site for current fares and routes.
- Arrive by Amtrak: trains stop at historic Main Street Station in Shockoe Bottom, close to downtown, and at Staples Mill Road station in the suburbs, which has more departures.
- Cycle the Virginia Capital Trail: this paved trail runs from downtown Richmond along the James River to Jamestown and Williamsburg; ride a section by bike for river views.
Local Hacks
- Shop Carytown: this mile-long strip of independent shops, vintage stores and cafes ends at the Byrd Theatre, a grand old movie palace that still shows films.
- Hunt for murals: Richmond has hundreds of street murals, with clusters downtown, in Scott's Addition and around the Arts District; walking them is a free afternoon activity.
- Raft the urban rapids: the James is one of the few US rivers with whitewater running through a city; book a guided rafting trip or go tubing in calm summer conditions.
Saving
- Visit free museums: the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has free general admission and a great Faberge collection, and the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Jefferson, offers free tours.
- Explore free parks: Belle Isle, reached by a footbridge under the Lee Bridge, and Maymont's gardens and wildlife exhibits cost nothing to enjoy and make a great half day.
- Catch the Richmond Folk Festival: held each October on the riverfront, this large festival is free to attend, with music, dance and food from cultures around the world.
Security
- Stay alert at night: stick to busy, well-lit streets in areas like the Fan, Carytown and Scott's Addition after dark, and use rideshare rather than walking long distances late.
- Never leave valuables in cars: car break-ins are common around trailheads, Belle Isle parking and nightlife areas, so lock up and keep bags, laptops and chargers out of sight.
- Respect the James River: the rapids look gentle but can be dangerous, especially after rain, so check river level warnings and never swim alone or when high water flags are up.
Cultural
- Learn the layered history: visit St John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his liberty speech, then the American Civil War Museum and Jackson Ward, a historic Black business district.
- Eat Southern and local: try barbecue, fried chicken, biscuits and Virginia peanuts, and visit Scott's Addition where breweries and cideries fill old warehouses.
- Tip properly: in the US, tip around 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and something for hotel staff and rideshare drivers.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for humid summers: June to August is hot, humid and stormy, so wear breathable clothes, carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
- Pack a coat for winter: winters are cool to cold with occasional snow or ice, so bring a warm coat and layers from December to February, as wind along the river can bite.
- Enjoy spring and autumn: April, May, October and early November bring blooms or fall colour along the James, but mornings can be cool, so pack layers and a light jacket.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/richmond/itineraries/carytown-and-around
Day 2 of 29:30–17:305 stops
Carytown and around
A walking day around Carytown, Science Museum of Virginia and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with a lunch break nearby and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hQuirky shopping and dining strip
3 tips
- Free parking is limited
- Stop at Byrd Theatre
- Great for brunch
📷 Photos
18 min walk
210:45 · 1 h 30 minScience museum in former train station
3 tips
- Great for kids
- Planetarium shows
- Check opening hours
📷 Photos
13 min walk
312:30 · 1 h 30 minLarge art museum with free general admission
3 tips
- Free general admission
- Cafe and sculpture garden
- Allow two to three hours
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 14:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps15 min walk
Afternoon
415:30 · 1 hGrand tree-lined avenue with historic homes
3 tips
- Good for a stroll or ride
- Spring blossoms
- Pair with VMFA
📷 Photos
About 22 min by metro or taxi
517:00 · 30 minBotanical garden with conservatory and Dominion lights
3 tips
- Holiday lights in winter
- Bring a hat in summer
- Cafe on site
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Richmond. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.