Chasing the Sun in the City: Great Spots to Catch the Sunrise & Sunset
The perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset is closer than you think.
Richmond is home to beautiful spots to watch sunrises and sunsets along the James River. Enjoy nature’s impressive paintings at any one of these perfect sites!
— Created in collaboration with Brian Bell from Keep Virginia Cozy
T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge
Though used to connect the north and south sides of the river, the T. Pott Bridge can also be the destination for sun-seekers. With several benches and both East and West-facing views, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to take in our beautiful city during sunrise or sunset.
Location: Park at the bottom of the Hill at 501 S 5th St and then cross Brown’s Island heading toward the river, you’ll find the entrance to the T. Pott Bridge on the Southwest edge of the island.
Belle Isle
Whether you’re looking to start the day or wanting to wind down from a busy day, Belle Isle is the ideal spot for viewing the sunrise and sunset. Relax on the rocks with a blanket and loved ones while the sky creates a mesmerizing painting each morning and evening.
Location: Under the Lee Bridge, park in the Belle Isle Parking Lot and take the pedestrian bridge across.
Legend Brewing Company
After a day of exploring all that Richmond has to offer, settle in at Legend Brewing Company’s deck for a gorgeous view overlooking the James and our cityscape. Grab a burger and relax with a beer at this ideal spot to watch the sunset any day of the week. Read more about what Legend has to offer here.
Location: 321 West 7th St (Manchester)
Libby Hill Park
Bring a picnic and enjoy as you watch the sun rise and set at this hilltop vista. Libby Hill Park was established in the 1850s to create “breathing spaces” so people could have a breath of fresh air from typical city life — this is still true today! Even though it’s not part of Richmond’s vast trail system, Libby Hill Park is truly a haven cradled right in the middle of our city.
Location: 2801 E Franklin St (Church Hill)
Virginia War Memorial
One of the country's most recognized war memorials, this iconic Richmond landmark honors Virginia's fallen soldiers. The sunrises here are so beautiful that local yoga instructor Michelle Landon of One Drop Yoga will host sunrise yoga flows here at 6 am just to watch the sun come up over the James River.
Location: 621 S Belvidere St (Gambles Hill)
The Boathouse & Island Shrimp Co.
The Boathouse is a classic RVA restaurant, owned by Richmonder Kevin Healy, which started with one location at Sunday Park back in 1988 featuring the opp for some of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the city (like the one pictured above). In the decades since, three additional locations have opened elsewhere around the city, and each has its own incredible view.
Locations:
4602 Millridge Pkwy (Sunday Park)
4708 E Old Main St (Rocketts Landing)
11800 W Broad St, #950 (Short Pump)
701 W Randolph Rd (City View)
Kevin also owns the new Island Shrimp Co. location at Rocketts Landing — an equally delish place to spot those golden rays.
Location: 11 Orleans St (Rocketts Landing)
Brown’s Island
There are a few ways that you can access Brown’s Island to see the sun rise or set over the city skyline (preferably with cherry blossom in bloom, but the view is beautiful year-round):
Manchester Bridge (the eastern-most entrance)
Location: Just south of Tredegar St, between 5th St and 12th St (Downtown)