The Best Spots to Snap A Perfect Pic of the RVA Skyline
Richmond boasts a rich history, a vibrant present, and an awe-inspiring skyline. With a good mix of bridges, parks, and river-walking paths, there are a bunch of great views to soak in. And as a landscape photographer, I have visited all these spots in the hopes of capturing the beauty of this city. Here are my top three recommended spots to enjoy our city’s breathtaking horizon.
— by Doug Ash, the brains behind Doug Ash Photography | Follow him @dougashphotography!
Libby Hill
Starting off with a top spot right here and seemingly everyone's favorite place to watch a Richmond sunset. There's a park, plenty of picnic space, and wide-open views of the city. It can, of course, get pretty busy in nicer weather, so if that’s when you go, get there early for a space to throw out your blanket and relax. Parking is pretty decent nearby; there’s typically street parking available, but if you can't find any, you should be able to find something within a few minutes after driving around the block.
Floodwall Park
Perfect for a morning walk with sunrise views or an evening stroll after work to catch a sunset. You get beautiful views of the cityscape while walking along a — you guessed it — floodwall! One end sits under Manchester Bridge while the other is closer to Hull Street.
I like to park at Belle Isle Parking Lot. From there, walk to and over the T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, then take the stairs down to the ground at RVA Free Climbing Wall. Follow the footpath past the climbing wall up and under Manchester Bridge. (It can get a little overgrown in the summertime, so try to scope it out from T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge before heading down there. If it's overgrown, you can continue on the paved path after the bridge that eventually loops you around to the same spot.)
Once you’re under Manchester Bridge, you'll see where you need (see: want) to go — everything opens up and you’re left with the powerful James River in the foreground and the lovely RVA skyline behind it.
Robert E Lee Memorial Bridge
This is one of my favorite places to catch a sunrise. It's got a spectacular view of the city, it's so easy to get to, and I don’t often see many other people here in the mornings.
Park on 2nd St, or find somewhere else nearby within Oregon Hill, then head toward Robert E Lee Bridge. Oregon Hill Overlook is an excellent spot to check out as you walk by, but keep trucking along underneath the bridge, then right up the 2nd St exit ramp for the bridge.
You'll pass your first mini view of the cityscape, but keep walking for the gold-star view. Once you’re above the train tracks, or even a little farther onto the bridge, you’ve made it to the winning spot. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a train driving off into the city and the sunrise.
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