Richmond Parks and Gardens

(Richmond, Virginia - VA, USA)

The city of Richmond has a number of scenic parks and gardens, where you can participate in recreational activities or simply relax with a book. While some of Richmond's parks offer the usual features such as grassy patches, plants, wildlife and walking trails, the Richmond National Battlefield Park is out-of-the-ordinary in that it has a distinctly fascinating history, evidence of which can be seen at what was formerly one of the Confederacy's largest hospitals.

Botanists will not be disappointed by the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, host to many events and a profusion of plant species.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Address: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia VA, 23228-4700, USA
Tel: +1 804 262 9887
Taking its name after wealthy businessman Lewis Ginter, Richmond's Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens first opened in the 1880s. More than 100 years later, many of the plants he sowed himself can still be seen today. While the gardens have developed to include some rare species, many of the original Victorian gardens are the way they were back in the 1800s. Other attractions here include nature trails, Ginter's home and a tea house.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Capitol Square Park

Address: 9th and Grace Streets, Richmond, Virginia VA, 23219, USA
Tel: +1 804 786 4344
Boasting ornate fountains, picnic benches, green expanses, rose bushes and plenty of squirrels, Capitol Square Park is a favorite among both residents and visitors seeking a quiet retreat from downtown Richmond. The focal point of the park is its imposing monument dedicated to Virginia's presidents and statesmen, while numerous other statues of historic figures feature on the park's lawns, including a likeness of Edgar Allen Poe.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

James River Park

Tel: +1 804 646 8911
Voted as the best urban park in Richmond, James River Park spans nearly 450 acres / 182 hectares. As the largest park in Richmond, the park is the ideal place to indulge in recreational activities and immerse yourself in nature. Lining the banks of the River James, the park offers opportunity for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and boating, while those who prefer not to get wet can try their hand at rock-climbing, hiking or bird-watching. The park runs educational programs that will enlighten you about some of its historical attractions, including the Slave Trail and Victorian Pumphouse.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

Pocahontas State Park

Address: 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, Virginia VA, 23832-6355, USA
Tel: +1 804 796 4255
Within easy driving distance of Richmond, this luscious state park offers greenery, wildlife and Swift Creek among abundant natural attractions. Accommodation options at the park including damping facilities and cabins. Visitors can attend the park's frequent outdoor events at the Heritage Amphitheater, while other popular activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and boating. The park offers handicapped accessibility.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: charge

Richmond National Battlefield Park

Address: 3215 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia VA, 23223-7517, USA
Tel: +1 804 226 1981
Not really a park as such, but more of a historical battle site, Richmond National Battlefield Park is the location of the battles of Chickahominy Bluff and Beaver Dam Creek among others, while also being the one-time home of Chimborazo, one of the Confederacy's largest hospitals. Visitors can tour the Civil War battlefields and see the ground where thousands of lives were lost.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free