Here's your Richmond staycation itinerary
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Staycation mode: activated.
We promise, you really can enjoy all the fun of a weekend getaway (without actually having to coordinate the “getting away” part!) with a weekend stay right here in Richmond.
We put together the ideal itinerary for the vacation you’ve been craving — including a little relaxation, a little adventure, and a lot of fun — all from the comfort of your own city. No flights or long drives required.
— by Alicia Valenski
Accommodations
Quirk Hotel Richmond
Nestled in the heart of Richmond’s Arts District, Quirk is both a beautifully appointed and luxuriously comfortable place to stay — and so convenient!
Not only does this boutique hotel boast its own lobby bar and restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, gallery, string-lit courtyard, and rooftop bar, but it’s also dog-friendly (no need to deal with the hassle of boarding your pup during your staycation!) and within walking distance of dozens of other awesome Richmond spots like Bar Solita, Charm School, Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe, and more.
Location: 201 W Broad St (Arts District)
Hours: Found here
Relaxation
Vitality Float Spa
When it comes to the R&R part of your staycation, we recommend making your way to Vitality Float Spa for whichever of their services sound the most relaxing to you. Options include…
Customized Massage: Services may include the use of hot towels, hot stones, essential oils, topical CBD, herbal inhaler, gua sha, magnetic therapy, and/or massage cupping to enhance the effectiveness of the massage.
Float Therapy: Spend an hour free of distractions in a float tank heated to skin temperature and filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, where you'll float effortlessly — and in the process, alleviate pain, lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce stress (among other benefits).
Acupuncture: Needles are inserted into the skin (the practitioner might apply heated herbal substances on the end of the needles, use special herbs, or apply mild pressure) and remain inserted for 15 - 40 minutes, allowing energy within the body to recirculate and rebalance.
Infrared Sauna: Infrared sauna therapy promotes relaxation by helping to balance your body’s level of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. The heat generated by the sauna will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, allowing you to relax and de-stress.
Reflexology: With repeated practice of applying pressure and manipulating nerve endings, reflexology can help to clear any blocked channels by increasing circulation, bringing new nutrients to the tissue and calming nerve impulses to improve overall health and balance.
…and more services that you can learn about here. Mix and match to your heart’s content and spend the day unwinding however feels best to you. You deserve it!
Location: 202 S Robinson St (Carytown)
Hours: By appointment only
Adventure
RVA Paddlesports
Did you know that Richmond is the only city in the entire country where you can find Class IV rapids in an urban setting? You can take advantage of those rapids or opt for flatwater excursions depending on your comfort level:
Whitewater Rafting: Choose from a variety of whitewater rafting excursions on the Upper and Lower James River! The most popular tour option covers the Class III and IV rapids of the Lower James. The Upper James is perfect for families with young children or clients wanting just a relaxing float. However, those wanting a longer outing can tackle the entire Falls of the James, covering the full 7.5 miles of the river.
Flatwater Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Meet at Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek for a two-hour guided flatwater kayak or SUP tour of the James River, where you'll see waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife far from the bustle of the city. Tandem kayaks are also available.
RVA Paddlesports also offers Rock Climbing courses, where you can learn the equipment, tying in, belaying, and other basics of outdoor rock climbing. Guides will coach you through the moves and teach techniques so you may reach the top of your climb.
Location: Varies by activity
Hours: Via booking only
Culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
A visit to the VMFA always leaves us feeling like a part of something bigger than ourselves, usually oscillating between curious and mesmerized throughout the duration of our visit.
We recommend taking a quick look at their current exhibitions and collections before you go, so that you know where you want to start — but simply wandering through and allowing yourself to be surprised and delighted throughout your experience at the museum makes for a great option, too.
You can also check out the museum’s calendar of events here, in case there’s something you might like to snag tickets to attend during your staycation!
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
Hours: Found here
Sight-Seeing
Basket & Bike
You’ve got a lot to choose from when it comes to which Richmond sights you’d like to see, that’s for sure — and we love hopping on a tour with Basket & Bike to see as many of them as possible on two wheels! A few tour options to consider…
Downtown Bike Tours: A leisurely tour of downtown Richmond, with references to unsung heroes of the city’s historic sites, the origins of the region, amusing trivia, street art, and an appreciation of nature. Your tour ends with a voucher for a free glass of wine, beer, coffee, or cocoa from our neighbors at Urban Farmhouse and Cafe.
Signature Ride: Departing from Upper Shirley Vineyards, enjoy a leisurely 14-mile guided bicycle tour along the Virginia Capital Trail on comfortable, chic, Priority Bicycles fitted with Nantucket Bike Baskets. Stylish helmet, signature snack, bottle of water, and a glass of wine from Upper Shirley are all included.
…and more, found here. Get ready to ride!
Location: 1301 E Cary St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Via booking only
Dining
The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing
The jaw-dropping waterfront sunset views from this Richmond restaurant alone would be enough reason to send you here during your staycation. But on top of that, the menu is brimming with mouthwatering options like 14 oz. ribeyes and 8 oz. filets, whole Maine lobster, and of course, classic Boathouse oysters. Go ahead, splurge. You’re on vacation, after all.
Location: 4708 E, Old Main St (Rockett’s Landing)
Hours: Found here
Toasting
Grandstaff & Stein
Yes, you could (and totally should!) get rooftop drinks at Quirk during your stay. But if you’re looking for a supremely special way to raise a glass during your staycation, then make your way to Richmond’s finest speakeasy, Grandstaff & Stein.
Also lovingly referred to as “The Juice Joint,” Grandstaff & Stein is a 1920s-inspired spot offering craft cocktails — but you’ll have to take a peek at their website or Facebook page each week for the password to get in.
They've got full menus of each Old Fashioneds and Mules, along with classic cocktails like a Negroni or a Manhattan, as well as their own signature cocktail creations — we're partial to the Dickel Pickle (George Dickel rye, honey, lemon, pickle, bitters, and tobasco) and the Mountaineer (rosemary gin, chartreuse, grapefruit, honey, and Sauvignon Blanc).
Location: 2113 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Prefer to get out of town?
Thank you to Vitality Float Spa for powering this City Guide!