The Perfect 1-Day May Itinerary in Richmond, VA

May is my favorite month in Richmond, there's great weather and everything is green again! Whether you're visiting for the weekend or looking to enjoy a day out in Richmond, this one-day itinerary is packed with local gems, neighborhood charm, and plenty of good coffee and food along the way. From scenic parks to stylish boutiques and cozy cafés, here’s how to spend a slow, beautiful day in RVA.

☕ 10:30 AM - Morning Coffee at Riverbend Roastery

Start your day with a latte or cold brew from Riverbend Roastery, tucked away in Church Hill. I love their coconut cold brew.

🌳 11:00 AM - Stroll Through Libby Hill Park

Just a short walk away, Libby Hill offers one of the most iconic views in the city. With cobblestone paths, skyline views, and river views, it’s an ideal mid-morning escape.

🧇 11:30 AM - Brunch at Liberty Public House

Drive a little ways to Liberty Public House for brunch at this local favorite. Whether you're craving a classic Southern breakfast or a loaded plate of waffles, Liberty Public House hits the spot with hearty, comforting flavors in a laid-back setting. Tons of vegan options too! Try the Hot Chicken sandwich.

🛍️ 12:30 PM - Shop at Dottir, Kind Hearted Goods, Dear Neighbor & Union Market

Spend your early afternoon browsing some of Richmond’s best boutiques. From finds at the new shop Dottir to ethically made goods at Kind Hearted, trendy clothes at Dear Neighbor, and local grocery goods at Union Market - you’ll find something to love at every stop.

🖼️ 3:00 PM - Wander the New Exhibit at The Valentine Museum

Head downtown to explore The Valentine, Richmond’s historic museum dedicated to the city’s stories. Their rotating exhibits dive into everything from local fashion to civil rights history, offering a deeper look at the culture that shaped the city.

🍲 5:00 PM - Treat Yourself to Dinner at Chez Foushee

After a full day, unwind with dinner at this elegant yet welcoming spot in the Arts District. Chez Foushee’s seasonally inspired dishes and intimate ambiance make it a perfect place to end your day with a little indulgence and they have tons of vegan options! Get the vegan caesar salad.

🌅 6:30 PM - Evening Walk Through The Fan Neighborhood

Finish with a golden hour stroll through The Fan, where historic rowhouses, tree-lined streets, and blooming front gardens create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful walk. It’s the kind of neighborhood that makes you fall in love with Richmond all over again - like literally every time.

📺 7:30pm - Have a nice hot tea at home watching your favorite show.

Lukas and I are currently watching The Last of Us on HBO Max. The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series on HBO, based on the acclaimed video game of the same name. Set 20 years after a fungal outbreak devastates civilization, the story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, as he’s tasked with smuggling a teenage girl named Ellie. Every episode is really intense and creates a lot of anxiety BUT it is so good, so I have to watch, haha.

I hope you found this itinerary helpful! There are more blogs on my website about Richmond travel tips.

You can also follow me on YouTube for my lifestyle vlogs & travel videos in Richmond or Instagram for daily updates.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to DM me on Instagram any time.

💚 Lauren