9 Picnic Spots Around the City
Richmond’s got amazing views, and many of them come with expansive parks and grassy spaces that make for a perfect picnic setting! Shop your local market (or just raid your own refrigerator) for whatever snacks you please, then grab a blanket and head out to catch the sunrise, the sunset, or just lounge midday. And bring the pup, a frisbee, football, or lawn game, if you want to get a little active while you dine al fresco.
— by the RVAx team
Scuffletown Park
Tucked away in the Fan, Scuffletown Park is accessible from Strawberry St across from Idle Hands Bread Company. If you blink, you might miss it! While there’s a small, fenced-in area, avoid allowing your dog to roam off-leash — the park rules prohibit it. Scuffletown has a few concrete benches, so if you don’t have a blanket or forget to bring one, don’t fret! Skip packing a basket, and opt for some coffee and pastries from Idle Hands or a pizza from 8 1/2. Top it off with a sweet treat from Scoop!
Location: 418 Strawberry St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Libby Hill
Situated on a hill in Church Hill, you’ll find one of the best views of the city! The cobblestone streets, trees, and flowers make this picnic spot Insta-worthy for sure. With plenty of space to spread out, you can pack a big picnic and lawn games, and you can bring your furry friends along, too. (Poe’s Pub and The Hill Cafe are a couple of nearby spots with solid food options, if you want to skip the picnic basket, though.)
Location: 2801 E Franklin St (Church Hill)
Hours: Found here
Jefferson Park
Get up close and personal with downtown Richmond from Jefferson Park, located in Union Hill. This park includes a playground, which is perfect for the kiddos, and Alamo BBQ is just a stone’s throw away.
Location: E Marshall St (Union Hill)
Hours: Found here
Chimborazo Park
Just beyond Libby Hill Park awaits Chimborazo Park, offering even more room for activities and its own dog park on the lower terrace. Here, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, so it’s perfect for tossing the football, playing soccer, or lounging starfish style — whatever you want; you do you. And by the way, you’ll pass Proper Pie Co. on your way over, if you catch our drift.
Location: 3215 E Broad St (Chimborazo)
Hours: Found here
Forest Hill Park
Head to Richmond’s south side for this park with a walking trail and lake! If you go on a Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm, you can snag some treats from the South of the James Farmers Market before you set up camp. Going there another day of the week? Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream isn’t far and can hook you up with a breakfast sandwich, coffee, ice cream, wraps, and more.
Location: 4021 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Hours: Found here
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum District is always buzzing, but if you wander around to the backside of the VMFA, you’ll find the pace is a bit slower on the museum’s lawn, and there is plenty of beautiful green grass to lounge. Head up the flight of stairs to check out the sculpture garden. No worries if you forget a blanket; the VMFA has some benches and even outdoor tables and chairs. Stock up on wine nearby at Jardin or grab (Richmond-famous) subs from Chiocca’s.
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
Hours: Found here
Maymont
There is so much to explore on the expansive grounds at Maymont, but it’s also the perfect setting for a picnic. If you come in from N Meadow St, you can make a pit-stop at Goatocado, Shyndigz Market, or The Fancy Biscuit (to name a few).
Location: 1700 Hampton St (Maymont)
Hours: Found here
Byrd Park
Settle alongside Shields Lake or Swan Lake to take in some water views! The Cask Cafe is just down the street, if you need any beer, wine, sausage, or cheese, and a little further up the road is Pizza & Beer of Richmond.
Location: 600 S Boulevard (Carillon)
Hours: Found here
Meadow Park
This little sliver of park gives you some green space in the heart of the Fan! Walk or bike here, and just enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps the most noteworthy picnic tip yet: Garnett’s Cafe across the street will pack a picnic basket and blanket for you when you order takeout — just ask! It doesn’t get any easier than that.
Location: 401 N Meadow St (The Fan)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Thanks to Idle Hands Bread Company for sponsoring this guide