Make some history this weekend.

For a week or a weekend, a trip to the Richmond area means great food, shopping, and entertainment. On your next trip, add a little history with a visit to one of the area’s breathtaking battlefields.

More than monuments, they’re a chance to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and immerse yourself in history. Best of all, from almost anywhere in the area, you’re surprisingly close to a battlefield. So, it’s easy to enjoy a hike before taking in a show at The National, or just walk off Sunday brunch! To add some history to your next holiday, start with an itinerary below.

Historic Happenings

From retrospect to re-enactments, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.     

  • Get the day started with a traditional southern breakfast at the in Mechanicsville, just outside of Richmond.
  • Head over to Richmond National Battlefield Park’s Cold Harbor battlefield, the site of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s final victory during the Overland Campaign.
  • Stop by the , the home of the noted civil rights activist and suffragist who was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States.
  • Visit the ’s two locations in Richmond: The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar and the White House of the Confederacy. 
  • Take a , the seat of the oldest legislative body in the United States.
  • Finish your day with a hike as the sun sets at Malvern Hill Battlefield, the best-preserved Civil War battlefield in central or southern Virginia and part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. 
  • Start the next morning with a tour of , site of a nine-month siege, the longest military event of the Civil War. 
  • Enjoy a brunch of southern classics at the in Petersburg. 
  • End your trip at and experience life as a Civil War soldier with the Civil War Adventure Camp and living history exhibits.

Family Fun

Whether you’re into science, nature, or even roller coasters, enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!

  • Make time for at least one meal at local favorite .
  • Sneak in some education with a trip to , part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. 

  • Keep the kids entertained with a visit to the following: 

    • Learn some science at the , with exhibits including the Dome Planetarium, steam engines, the first aluminum submarine and an SR-71 Blackbird — the fastest manned non-experimental plane in the world. 
    • See native Virginian wildlife at , an outdoor park featuring three in-ground aquarium lakes and miles of trails.  
    •  Take the toddlers to the for a hands-on social learning experience. 
    • Enjoy the thrill of riding the rollercoasters and other rides at Kings Dominion, or the water slides at . 
  • Stop off for ice cream at with unique rotating flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth. 
  • Ease into the evening with a delicious helping of comfort food from .
  • Interested in more fun? Drive down to Petersburg to see these sights: 
    • A fan of cars, trucks or tractors? Visit the and enjoy the vintage vehicles celebrating the last century of car culture and Virginia agricultural heritage. Stop by retro Keystone Grill on the way out.  
    • Drag racers! Stop by the to catch races on the quarter mile, and dirt events including tractor pulls and motocross. 
    • Explore the local art scene at the with weekly programming, exhibits and classes for all ages. 

Retail Therapy

Shopping and shows? Sights and nightlife? We’ve pulled together a plan for historical fun and lasting memories.

  • Enjoy some boutique retail therapy at:
    • Pick up a new ring, necklace or pair of earrings, carefully and fairly made at , by appointment only on Mayos Island. 
    • Addicted to vintage thrifting? Stop by in Carytown  and pick up something to wear tomorrow.  
    • Craving something sweet? Buy some European and locally sourced chocolates or nostalgic candy at in Carytown. 
    • For the book lovers, stop by in Downtown or in Carytown and pick up something new to read. 
    • Have a green thumb or are a big exterior decorator? Pick up everything you need with seasonal goods at the . 
    • Love looking for antique furniture, stop by or the in Petersburg. 
  • Start the evening with cocktails and dinner at with iconic views of the Richmond skyline or check out the of 30 distinct breweries to sample across the city. 
  • Clear your head with a hike through Cold Harbor battlefield, Malvern Hill battlefield, or on over 13 miles of trails. 

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Romantic Richmond

Virginia is for lovers, so it’s no surprise that Richmond is for romance. Enjoy a getaway that mixes history, dining, and activities perfect for connecting with your better half.  

  • Visit the , one of the highest rated public gardens in the U.S., with events happening all year long. A beautiful sight for a daytime stroll or romantic photoshoot.
  • Check the show schedule for your favorite performers at or the with shows of all genres every night. 
  • Fall into fresh foodie paradise at the with local produce, handmade goods and more! Open year-round Sundays. 
  • Enjoy a scenic bike ride or boat cruise along the historic , a 1.25 mile stretch of art, shops and restaurants. 
  • Dive into endless sushi with dinner at .
  •  Finish off the perfect weekend with .

Before you go

We’ve got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Richmond’s historic battlefields and surrounding areas, including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions -- everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!