Exploring the Best Parks in Richmond, Virginia

With the James River running (and sometimes raging) right through its center, Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a city that’s deeply in touch with its natural side. Even in the very center of town, you’re never more than a quick walk away from some green space, whether it be wooded wetlands or manicured pocket parks.

James River Park System

Your Gateway to the River

A series of parks situated along several miles of the James River, the James River Park System encompasses 550 acres of shoreline and islands. Visitors utilize the park’s trails for hiking and biking, while also taking to the water for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking the Class IV rapids.

Highlighted spots in the James River Park System include:

• Pony Pasture Rapids: Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and tubing.
• Belle Isle: Perfect for hiking and basking in the sun on the rocks.
• Floodwall Park: Offers unique views of the stunning city skyline.

Libby Hill Park

Enjoy Scenic Sunsets

Get your geographical bearings while taking in the view over the city from this seven-acre park perched high on a hill. Located in Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, Libby Hill Park was among the first city parks designed as “breathing places” for residents in the 1850s. It’s also home to the “view that named Richmond”—a vista that inspired the town’s name after Richmond-upon-Thames in England.

Besides breathtaking views, Libby Hill Park features several benches for watching the sun dip below the horizon. For similar skyline views, consider heading to nearby Jefferson Park.

Bryan Park

The Social Hub for Frisbee and Farmers’ Markets

In Richmond’s Northside near the I-95 interchange, Bryan Park spans 262 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area once served as the planned site of Gabriel’s Rebellion, a significant uprising by enslaved men in the region.

Today, the park is a community favorite, featuring several ponds, soccer fields, and a disc golf course. On Saturdays, Bryan Park hosts a bustling farmers’ market, known as the RVA Big Market.

Byrd Park

The Ideal Spot for Leisurely Activities

Byrd Park is famed for its rolling green hills, tranquil ponds, and the Carillon bell tower. Located in the Near West End, it is home to a tennis complex, softball fields, and an exercise trail. The ponds here serve as great outdoor spaces for activities like fishing, paddle-boating, or a quiet stroll. The field in front of the Carillon, a WWI memorial, fosters a community atmosphere for picnics and Frisbee games, while paved trails are frequented by runners, cyclists, and dog-walkers.

Forest Hill Park

A Forest Retreat

Bordering the James River, Forest Hill Park is a significant green space steeped in history. The land has evolved through various uses, including serving as a quarry and amusement park.

Guests appreciate the park’s winding woodland trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with tennis courts and picnic shelters. During fall months, the park hosts the South of the James farmers’ market, and it transforms into a sledding hotspot in winter.

Scuffletown Park

Your Hidden Oasis

One of several pocket parks nestled in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood, Scuffletown Park offers a lush escape tucked behind the buildings on Park Avenue, Strawberry Street, Stafford Avenue, and Stuart Avenue. Despite its petite size, the park is charming with beautiful landscaping, a community garden, and picnic tables suited for enjoying local takeout.

Maymont

A Wildlife Haven

This stunning 100-acre estate resembles the English countryside, yet it is right at the heart of the Virginian capital. Maymont features meticulously maintained gardens, including the impressive Italian Gardens and the oldest public Japanese Garden on the east coast.

The Robins Nature Center contains exhibits on the ecology of the James River, while the Maymont Farm and wildlife habitats provide visitors with a chance to see a variety of animals, including goats, horses, black bears, and bison.

Pump House Park

A Journey Back in Time

Often resembling an abandoned Gothic cathedral, Pump House Park was once Richmond’s primary water pumping station. Built in the 1880s, the Victorian Pump House has seen better days, but renovation plans are underway.

The surrounding area is perfect for strolling and quiet contemplation, featuring trails through scenic woodlands, historic canals, and alongside the rocky stretch of river.

Chimborazo Park

Historical Insights Await

Located on the east side of Richmond, the 30-acre Chimborazo Park is a National Historic Landmark that played a significant role during the Civil War. It was home to one of the Confederacy’s largest military hospitals and was later transformed into a community for emancipated people.

Chimborazo Park now contains the Richmond Medical Museum, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance. There are winding roads for strolling, alongside a dog park, playground, and even a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden

A Treat for Art Enthusiasts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers a delightful public Sculpture Garden, ideal for picnics, social gatherings, or simply relaxing in the shade. The 3.5-acre space showcases works by various artists, including Dale Chihuly’s vibrant “Red Reeds,” which greets visitors above a serene pond.

With cascading waterfalls, designed gardens, and colorful seating throughout the garden, it offers a captivating escape that is part of the Richmond Garden Trail.