Best Day Trips from Richmond, Virginia
The cool thing about Richmond, Virginia is that it’s situated pretty close to a lot of other places. If the little big city ever starts feeling a little too small, there is plenty to visit for a day trip!
Here I’ve assembled 7 good day trips, ranging in distance from really close to about 2 or 3 hours out.
Table of Contents
1. Pocahontas State Park
The closest day trip you can take from Richmond is a nature-lovers’ paradise! Pocahontas State Park’s almost 8,000 acres are criss-crossed by 58 miles of hike and bike trails. If you need a forrested retreat from city life, Pocahontas SP is what you want.
Drive Time: ~1/2 hour
Hop on 95 South, then turn onto 288 in Chester. Follow signs.
2. Charlottesville
Charlottesville has been called one of America’s most unique college towns. Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a great getaway if you need to get some fresh air and a certain dose of quirk.
Drive Time: ~1-1/2 hours
Straight shot out on 64 West.
Bus Time: 1-1/2 hour
Greyhound departs from the bus station in The Diamond.
3. Norfolk
The closest city of decent size to Richmond is Norfolk, in Virginia’s Tidewater coast. While the city is home to a large military presence (Norfolk Naval Yard is the largest in the world), you’ll also find parks, museums, dining, and nightlife.
Drive Time: 1-1/2 hours
Straight shot down 64 East.
Bus Time: 2-3/4 hours
Greyhound departs from the bus station in The Diamond.
While you’re there, why not head on down to…
5. Virginia Beach
When a lot of people think Virginia, they think Virginia Beach. Home to the world’s longest pleasure beach, this is the summer getaway of choice for people all across the Commonwealth.
Drive Time: 1-3/4 hours
Pretty much a straight shot down 64 East, then get on 264 East to head to the beach. Be aware that traffic in the Tunnel can get pretty congested.
4. Shenadoah National Park
One of my personal favorites. Shenandoah National Park is known as either the end or the beginning of both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive, both magnificent drives. It’s also an excellent place to go hiking and camping.
Drive Time: 1-1/2 hours
Get on 64 West until you get close to Waynesboro. There will be plenty of signs for either Shenandoah National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway; they begin at the same point, just be sure to go North for Shenandoah.
6. Ghost Fleet of Mallow’s Bay
This is an interesting little attraction that I happened upon almost by accident. Would you believe that this Maryland stretch of the Potomac River is home to the largest concentration of shipwrecks in the western hemisphere?
7. Washington, DC
The crown jewel of Richmond day trips: Washington, DC!
DC is a city that needs no introduction. Home to the Smithsonian collection of museums and no shortage of parks and nightlife, DC has been called a millennials’ playground. Close enough to drive to for the day or to take the train to for a long weekend, you’ll feel recharged after a quick getaway to the nation’s capital.
Drive Time: 2 hours (heavily dependent on traffic)
Hop on 95 North and drive on up. Be aware though that traffic can get extremely congested during rush hour, so plan accordingly.
Bus Time: 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours
Greyhound is your best bet.
Train Time: 3 hours
The Northeast Regional Amtrak departs from Main Street Station (with recently expanded service!) in downtown Richmond, and from Staples Mill Station in Henrico County. I’ve been on trains that were there in barely more than 2 hours, and they drop you off right in the heart of it all at Union Station, so I recommend the train.
