Things to Do in Central Virginia in 2025

Richmond which includes a city and central business district

Monticello showing heritage architecture, a memorial and a garden

Richmond featuring outdoor art and art as well as children

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Most popular activities in Central Virginia

Tours & day trips

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Historic Trolley Tour

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Richmond Ghost Tours: Sinister Secrets of Shockoe Bottom

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What to do in Central Virginia

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Virginia

University of Virginia

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Virginia, during your trip to Charlottesville. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Monticello

You may recognise this elegant plantation estate, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, from its depiction on the back of some U.S. nickels.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Explore the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University during your stay in Richmond. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

#takeahike lots of trail to take advantage of in the central Virginia area

Liberty University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Liberty University, during your trip to Lynchburg. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

University of Richmond

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Richmond, during your trip to Richmond. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the charming coffeehouses while you're in the area.

Broad Street

During your trip to Richmond, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Broad Street. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Wintergreen Resort

Hit the slopes in Nellysford with a visit to Wintergreen Resort. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Downtown Mall

During your trip to Charlottesville, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Downtown Mall. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Short Pump Town Center

During your trip to Richmond, you can do some window-shopping at Short Pump Town Center. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the charming coffeehouses while you're in the area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Virginia

Downtown Richmond

4/5(1,138 area reviews)

Explore the central business district, home to Fortune 500 companies and architectural gems like the Virginia State Capitol. Discover vibrant nightlife in Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip districts.

Short Pump

Boasting shopping centers like Short Pump Town Center and West Broad Village, this suburban area offers a variety of restaurants, a skating rink, and a bowling alley for entertainment.

Fan District

5/5(8 area reviews)

Boasting a long stretch of Victorian architecture, this residential area is home to VCU's Monroe Park Campus, tree-lined avenues, and numerous parks. Explore local cafes, restaurants, and the nearby Virginia Center for Architecture at Branch House.

Charlottesville showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and farmland

North Downtown

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Downtown, Historic Court Square and Paramount Theater are top sights worth seeing.

North Chesterfield

While North Chesterfield might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex.

Belmont

While Belmont might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ting Pavilion and Downtown Mall.