Regardless of where you end up living, it’s a huge plus to have close access to the soothing essence of natural outdoor parks. If you’re a newcomer to this fabulous city, get ready for the numerous charming parks and recreational facilities spread throughout Richmond– all for your enjoyment.
The incredibly vibrant and picturesque city of Richmond is home to over 145 parks spanning over 1,966 acres. Most, if not all Richmond parks offer guests opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and overall enjoyment of nature and wildlife. In addition to incredible parks, forests, and breathtaking mountain views, Richmond also has top-rated nature centers, scenic gardens, and lovely riverfront beaches to take advantage of.
Whether you’re teaching your furry best friend how to play fetch in the grass, kayaking down a narrow stream of the James River, or playing a round of golf with your close friends, this lively city has something for everyone to enjoy. Richmond parks are abundant with sports facilities and activities, trails for fitness, and access to areas that encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation.
If calming your mind, participating in fun sports, and even engaging in exciting city events sounds wonderful to you, then take a look below at our ultimate list of the best parks and recreation in Richmond!
Maymont | Most Famous Park in Richmond with a Famous Mansion, Japanese Garden, & Nature Center
This 100-acre 19th-century estate is one of the most famous parks in Richmond. Maymont Park is known for being home to the enchanting and formal Maymont Japanese Garden, a popular nature preserve called The Robins Nature Center at Maymont, and the Maymont Mansion– an incredibly historic museum that hosts numerous events & tours. There’s even a live music venue and arboretum here!
Situated on a high bluff on the north bank of the James River, this calm yet fascinating park in Richmond is great for strolling along peaceful winding paths while admiring beautiful stonework, ancient trees, and diverse wildlife.
This LGBTQ-friendly public park in Richmond has a breathtaking landscape and is further home to native wildlife exhibits, pretty waterfalls, a carriage collection, and a Children’s Farm– you can even take the kids here to feed the friendly goats!
- Address: 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone #: (804)-358-7166
Deep Run Park & Recreation Center | Best Park in Richmond for Family Events & Activities
The Deep Run Park & Recreation Center is abundant with beautiful ponds, a bustling wildlife scene, and numerous fun family events, classes, and activities throughout the year like Rainbow Tie Dye and Marbling in the Park.
When you’re not busy partaking in the exciting year-round family activities, you can take advantage of the park’s many mixed-used trails that extend through the woods and encircle the ponds. Along with numerous bird species, these ponds are popular for spotting cooters and eastern painted turtles swimming near the surface.
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Deep Run Park & Recreation Center also has the Deep Run Pump Track for bicyclists, three full-sized athletic fields, a gazebo, playgrounds, and shelters for various size celebrations, gatherings, meetings, or retreats. Overall, this is the best park in Richmond for those who want to participate in family events and learn about what Mother Nature has to offer.
- Address: 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233
- Phone #: (804)-652-1430
Bryan Park | Historic Richmond Park with the Best Farmer’s Markets, Disc Golf & Beautiful Gardens
This 262-acre historic park in Richmond is a great place to go if you love golf, strolling through beautiful gardens, and exploring historic sites. The park offers disc golf, fun events, walking paths, a playground, a farmer’s market, and bird walks for observation. This historic Richmond park was once a locale for Gabriel’s Rebellion– a famous slave rebellion in the 18th century.
Located in the Chickahominy River watershed, the picturesque park of Bryan Park is also home to lovely gardens and two fish-filled ponds for fishing that are adjacent to each other. At the park’s farmer’s markets, the fresh flowers and plants, local produce, food, and handmade goods are plentiful. This free, beautiful park in Richmond further provides a large picnic shelter, tons of parking spots, and handicap facilities. There is plenty of open green space for playing frisbee in the grass!
- Address: 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227
- Phone #: (804)-646-0036
Libby Hill Park | One of the Oldest City Parks in Richmond with Beautiful Sunset Views of the James River
As one of the oldest city parks in Richmond, Libby Hill Park is situated on Church Hill and is recognized for its elevated green space that offers benches for relaxing, scenic views, and tall charming trees. Although Monroe is the oldest park in Richmond, Libby Hill is one of the Richmond park system’s three original parks.
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Whether you want plenty of space to relax with family, a place to get a workout in, lovely sunset views for pictures, or a spot to meet people, this excellent Richmond park has it all! From sunrise to sunset, you can sit and enjoy great views of the James River and city landscape. Apart from the views and pleasant location, this old Richmond park is the site of a tall set of stairs that is very popular for guests to use as an opportunity for cardio exercise.
- Address: 2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Phone #: (804)-646-0036
Forest Hill Park | Beautiful Richmond Park with Wildlife, Wetlands, and a Popular Farmer’s Market
Forest Hill Park is a partial wetland area that is known for being home to an abundance of wildlife, swamps, and the historic Stone House. This house was once the home of the park’s manager and is now rentable for events and meetings. Among the park’s wetlands and one lake, there are several different species of animals and plants to observe as you walk or bike along the many nature paths and trails, as well as lovely sloping hills for passive recreation. You can also mountain bike here!
This spot in Forest Hill Park is my second favorite view in Richmond. First is the view walking over the Boulevard Bridge, and third is that moment going through Carytown when only the “assboat” part of the Glassboat sign is visible. pic.twitter.com/q6JkVAKPxd
— Kelly Gerow (@kelly_gerow) November 25, 2021
Tennis courts, picnic tables, a children’s playground called the Forest Hill Park Playground, and event spots are also provided in this Richmond park. During the summer months, the Forest Hill Park hosts many Sunday concerts as well as South of the James Market– a bustling and lively farmer’s market with a variety of seasonal goods. On the flip side, this fun park in Richmond becomes a popular sledding site when it snows in winter!
- Address: 4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
- Phone #: (804)-646-0036
Huguenot Park | Pet-Friendly & Wooded Park in Richmond with Excellent Trails for Walking, Hiking, and Biking
Huguenot Park is a 53-acred flat and heavily wooded park in Richmond that is a great spot for those who love taking calm walks, going on hikes, and biking on trails.
Beautiful pine wooded trails and paths aren’t the only amenity this park has to offer. This tree-covered recreation and picnic hub also provides tennis & basketball courts, fun slides and climbing areas for the kids, public restrooms, and a picnic area and tables for events with the family.
Huguenot Park is situated in an incredibly convenient location in the center of a rural area with an abundance of trails to enjoy like the Azalea Gardens. You’ll also be right next to the Midlothian Athletic Club and the Greenfield Soccer Fields! Don’t want to leave your furry best friend at home? No problem! This pet-friendly park in Richmond invites dog owners to bring their pets along!
- Address: 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235
- Phone #: (804)-323-1700
Jefferson Park | Incredibly Scenic Park In Richmond with the Best Views of Richmond’s City Skyline
The beautiful Jefferson Park is one of Richmond’s most scenic parks. With this little city park being on a hill, you’ll get a breathtaking view of Richmond’s city skyline which makes it a perfect place for relaxing, taking photos, clearing your mind, and getting lost in the moment.
In addition to the captivating Downtown Richmond views, this great scenic park in Richmond provides exercise machines and stationary workout equipment, plenty of benches, and a fully equipped playground for children to run around. Jefferson Park is known to be a great place to relax with friends and family. Likewise, if you’re looking for the ideal spot for a romantic picnic or stroll along the sidewalk while having a deep conversation with a loved one, this is the place to go.
- Address: E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Phone #: (804)-426-0620
William Byrd Park | One of Richmond’s Most Dog-Friendly Parks in Richmond with a Popular Amphitheater
This 287- acre picturesque and dog-friendly city park in Richmond is an incredibly historic and popular park in Richmond. It features three lakes, picnic tables, a mile-long walking path with exercise stops, Little League baseball fields, monuments, and an amphitheater– the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater and Ha’Penny Stage. This popular Amphitheater can seat over 2,400 guests and hosts a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year for everyone to enjoy!
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If you’re looking for a tranquil park to walk, run, people watch, or play with your dog off-leash, William Byrd Park is the place to go! All of the amenities here make it a popular Richmond park for young families and dog owners. When you’re not busy watching the little ones playing at the park’s shaded playground, you can get your furry canine some exercise while they run free at the Barker Field Dog Park!
- Address: 600 S Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone #: (804)-646-5733
Browns Island | Popular Park in Richmond with Many Events and Concerts
Browns Island is an incredible six-acre riverfront park in Richmond, VA. Rested along the James River, this island park provides access to Manchester, the Canal Walk, outdoor recreational opportunities, and fascinating historical exhibits. As a popular venue spot, a series of fun events take place here as well! There are numerous concerts and festivals such as Richmond Folk Festival and the Friday Cheers concert series.
Browns Island Park also provides areas for walking, running, and biking. During the summer months, you can bring or rent a mountain bike, kayak, or paddleboard for outdoor leisure. When you’re not out enjoying the park’s nature and wildlife, you’ll also have close access to over 75 restaurants and unique shops. Being on historic grounds, this park in Richmond is further home to the American Civil War Center, National Park Service, and War Memorial. If you’re looking for an exciting Richmond park with just about everything you can imagine a park to have, Browns Island is the place to go!
- Address: S 7th St, Richmond, VA 23219
- Phone: (804)-788-6466
Map of Richmond Parks
Interested in visiting the local parks in Richmond because you’re moving there? Allow our top-rated movers to give you an easy and stress-free relocation! Reach out to On The Fly Moving at 804-836-4954 or fill out the “ Get Your Free Quote Form” for a free moving estimate!
