Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Breeze Airways

Here’s How to Spend a Weekend in Richmond, Virginia—One of the Most Historic Cities in America

Fly to Richmond With Breeze Airways™ for the Perfect 3-Day Weekend Adventure

Whether you hear the callings of Richmond, Virginia’s historic streets, its natural beauty or its James Beard award-winning restaurants, this city is the perfect destination for history buffs, nature lovers and foodies alike. And with this airline and itinerary, your trip is sure to be a total breeze.

With Breeze Airways™, you have the option of booking three different tiers of travel: Nice, Nicer and Nicest. Nice allows travelers to bring a personal item, which is perfect for those who pack lightly. Those who want extra legroom or require a checked bag or carry-on should opt for the Nicer tier, and with the Nicest tier, travelers can expect first-class treatment with all the amenities of Nice and Nicer along with upgraded seating and priority boarding. All tiers offer access to high-speed internet and entertainment, which can be paid for with BreezePoints.

Credit: Breeze Airways

Curious about how you can make this weekend the nicest one yet? Book a flight on Breeze Airways™ from SFO to RIC, pack up for a weekend adventure and follow this three-day itinerary to get the most out of your trip to one of the most historic cities in the US.

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DAY 1

Check-In

Credit: Kip Dawkins Photography

After touching down in Richmond, check in to the city’s most stunning boutique hotel. The Quirk Hotel has graced the top of travelers’ bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why. The property’s art-centric vibe and historic charm pay homage to Richmond’s history but also to its future as well. Head up to the Q Rooftop for sweeping views of the city, and be sure to check out the on-site Quirk Gallery for some artistic inspiration.

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Breakfast

Credit: Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

Now that you’re all checked in and ready to start your day, we recommend making a quick stop downtown at the iconic Perly’s, a Jewish restaurant and deli known for its creative spins on traditional dishes. For those on the go, we recommend the bagel with fish, the Reuben or the Chazerai hot dog. If you’re looking for a full spread, you can’t go wrong with The Schnorrer: two eggs any style, your choice of breakfast meat, potato latke with applesauce and chive sour cream and your choice of toast.

 

Walk

Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Breeze Airways

Slip on some comfy shoes and loosen up after your flight with a nice, scenic stroll on Richmond’s famous Canal Walk. Stretching along the James River and the Kanawha and Haxall Canals, this 2.5-mile walk (roundtrip) presents a beautiful opportunity to take in 400 years of the city’s history with stops at the American Civil War Museum, the Virginia State Capitol and the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

 

Lunch

Credit: The Jefferson Hotel and Lemaire

Return to the Quirk Hotel to freshen up, then head to Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel, one of Richmond’s finest dining options. Specializing in new-American, farm-to-table cooking, Lemaire’s lunch menu boasts a bounty of Richmond’s local, sustainably sourced ingredients with dishes like oyster mushroom casarecce, spice-rubbed salmon and jumbo lump crab cakes. If you’re visiting during chillier months to see the cherry blossoms, daffodils or brilliantly colored leaves, warm up with a bowl of Virginia peanut soup.

 

Discover

Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Science Museum of Virginia

Reconnect with your inner child or plan an afternoon of family-friendly fun at the Science Museum of Virginia. Visit The Forge for hands-on building experiences or plan your trip around a special event. With its interactive exhibits, Dome Shows and Live Science experiences, this science museum makes for a fun and exciting visit for all ages. Don’t forget to check if your trip lines up with one of the museum’s $10 Days!

Local Insight: With so much history and culture to experience, you’ll want to opt for the Richmond Region Attractions Pass, which offers free (or reduced price) admission to many of the best museums and attractions!

 

Dinner

Credit: The Roosevelt

Is there a nicer way to end the day than with a delicious meal? Head to Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill, and pull up a seat at The Roosevelt, where you can enjoy modern Southern dishes in a warm, historic setting. Order a craft cocktail like the Seersucker or the Green Bird, then indulge in Southern comforts like cornbread, Manakintowne greens, fried catfish or confit turkey leg.

 

DAY 2

Brunch

Start your second day of adventuring with a scrumptious weekend brunch at The Daily Kitchen & Bar, a Richmond favorite that serves up locally inspired, farm-fresh food from two locations: Carytown and Short Pump. The Daily’s fun and diverse brunch menu caters to all palates, perfect for cravings ranging from avocado toast and a Buddha bowl to bread pudding, French toast and crab cakes.

 

Explore

Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Breeze Airways

After loading up on a delicious brunch (and maybe a mimosa or two), take in the sights by venturing around Richmond. You could simply take a leisurely walk about, or if you want to cover more ground, cruise through gorgeous neighborhoods by renting a bike or a Segway through RVA on Wheels

 

Sip

Need a pick-me-up? Make a quick stop at Lamplighter Coffee Roasters. Since opening in 2009, Lamplighter Coffee Roasters has become a local favorite thanks to its high-quality roasts, highly caffeinated drink menu and housemade food. You can’t go wrong with a slice of vegan pumpkin bread and a latte, but don’t be afraid to order that Black Eye to fight off any lingering jetlag.

 

Tour

Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Breeze Airways

A trip to Richmond wouldn’t be complete without taking a historical tour. If you missed visiting the museums and State Capitol along the Canal Walk the day before, now is the perfect time to visit. For those looking for a more artistic or creative afternoon, look into the Poe Museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the Maymont estate, which features over 100 acres to explore with incredible views, gardens, waterfalls, rolling hills and numerous butterflies and birds.

 

Dinner

 

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One of the nicest ways to celebrate your last night in Richmond? Dining at The Tobacco Company Restaurant, of course! Originally a tobacco warehouse that was built in 1866, this incredible space was transformed into the restaurant it is today 111 years later. Go for the brickwork and the three-story atrium, and stay for the live music, fine dining and extravagant desserts.

 

Unwind

One of the most fascinating ways to spend an evening in Richmond is by winding down with the Hammam Ritual at Skin by HC. Known for its bold attitude and high-quality services, Skin by HC. offers a menu of relaxing, serene experiences, including the 60-minute Hammam Ritual, which comes complete with a full-body exfoliation, foam bag massage, warm rinse and a body oil rubdown performed by a spa companion.

 

DAY 3

Breakfast

Credit: Luke Pennystan / Unsplash

Make the most of your morning at City Diner, where you can fuel up for the day on hearty favorites like chicken-fried steak, piled-high pancakes, home fries and more. With its hometown feel and classic menu, City Diner is the ideal place to pull up for a classic Americana type of breakfast. 

 

Browse

Make a quick stop at Stella’s Grocery for grab-and-go and made-to-order items. Don’t miss the fresh and vibrant salads, soup, sandwiches, wraps and more. Born from an award-winning Greek restaurant, Stella’s Grocery is the perfect place for a light bite or to stock up on some gourmet snacks for the plane later. You might want to think about stopping by one of the six locations earlier in the trip if you want to have a bottle of wine handy in your hotel room for a nightcap!

 

Shop and Stroll

Richmond VA Itinerary
Credit: Breeze Airways

After finishing breakfast, take a stroll through Carytown to enjoy the shops on Cary St, where you can treat yourself to a souvenir or something just because! Some can’t-miss local faves include Brick & Mortar Mercantile for its quirky inventory, Pop of Confetti for its whimsical, handmade goods, Ten Thousand Villages for maker-to-market finds and Beasties for its fun gifts.

 

Lunch

Known for elevated spins on classic dishes and an expansive cocktail menu, you’re guaranteed to have a nice time at The Continental Westhampton. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the eatery offers plenty of seating options, so you can relax and unwind or find a prime spot for people-watching. The lunch menu features tons of delectable items, but some of our favorites include the roast lamb sliders, classic grilled cheese, the burger, Margherita pizza and, of course, the sticky toffee pudding. 

 

Learn

Before heading back home, make sure to visit the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Founded in the ‘30s, this museum celebrates the history of Virginia through artifacts and historical objects, immersive experiences and special presentations. It’s the perfect way to spend your last afternoon in Richmond before picking up your bags at The Jefferson and heading to the airport for a comfortable Breeze Airways™ flight back home. Bon voyage!

 

If you have extra time…

Attend a Flying Squirrels Game

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a Minor League Baseball team, and you can snag tickets to see them play! The team is a part of the Eastern League and is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club.

 

Dine at One of Lindsey Food Group’s Restaurants

Lindsey Food Group is one of Richmond’s top restaurant and hospitality groups, and if you find the time, you’ll want to dine at one of their amazing restaurants! Stop by Lillie Pearl for inventive New American dishes or ML Steak—a modern chophouse with a mouthwatering selection of sizzling steaks and smoked meats.

Writer | Website | + posts

Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.

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