A Guide for Active Senior Travelers
Written by Chillie Falls, AccessAdventure.net, August 1, 2025
Richmond, Virginia, is a vibrant, historic city brimming with culture, green spaces, museums, and culinary delights — and it’s increasingly welcoming for travelers who use wheelchairs. Whether you’re visiting pre- or post-cruise, on a road trip, or just seeking a leisurely getaway, Richmond offers plenty of accessible options to explore for active senior travelers with varied interests.
Here’s a curated list of wheelchair-accessible attractions, activities, and amenities to help you make the most of your time in Virginia’s capital city.
🌳 Outdoor Spaces & Gardens
1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Why Go: One of the top botanical gardens in the U.S., Lewis Ginter offers beautiful seasonal displays, a conservatory, and themed gardens.
- Accessibility Highlights: Paved paths, accessible restrooms, wheelchair rental, and ADA parking. The gardens and café are accessible, and the staff is happy to assist.
2. Maymont
- Why Go: A sprawling estate with gardens, a historic mansion, wildlife habitats, and scenic walking trails.
- Accessibility Highlights: The gardens and grounds include paved walkways, but some hilly areas may require assistance. The Robins Nature Center and select portions of the mansion are wheelchair accessible.
3. Virginia Capital Trail
- Why Go: A scenic 52-mile trail connecting Richmond to Williamsburg, ideal for leisurely strolls or wheeling along the James River.
- Accessibility Highlights: Smooth pavement, gentle grades, and easy access from various points within Richmond.
🖼️ Museums & Culture
4. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
- Why Go: This world-class museum houses a diverse collection from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, and it’s always free to enter.
- Accessibility Highlights: Elevators, wide aisles, accessible restrooms, wheelchair loan program, and dedicated accessible parking. Special programming available for seniors and visitors with mobility needs.
5. The American Civil War Museum
- Why Go: Offers an inclusive look at the Civil War from multiple perspectives — Union, Confederate, and African American.
- Accessibility Highlights: Fully accessible facility at the Tredegar site, including entrances, exhibits, and restrooms.
6. The Valentine
- Why Go: A museum dedicated to Richmond’s history and culture, featuring exhibitions on the city’s evolution.
- Accessibility Highlights: ADA-compliant with accessible entrances and restrooms. The garden and most exhibit spaces are wheelchair-friendly.
⚓ Historic Sites
7. St. John’s Church
- Why Go: The site of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.
- Accessibility Highlights: Accessible visitor center and limited accessible seating for reenactments. Grounds include some uneven paths but are navigable with assistance.
8. Hollywood Cemetery (Scenic Drive Option)
- Why Go: A picturesque, historic cemetery where two U.S. presidents are buried.
- Accessibility Highlights: While many paths are not wheelchair-friendly, a scenic drive is available for those who prefer to take in the views from their vehicle.
🍷 Food, Drink & Leisure
9. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
- Why Go: Enjoy Richmond’s booming craft beer scene in a relaxed, open environment.
- Accessibility Highlights: Large, accessible taproom with patio space and accessible restrooms. Food trucks often serve on-site with ramps or curbside ordering.
10. Riverfront Canal Walk
- Why Go: Stroll (or roll) along the historic canal, enjoying art, history markers, and beautiful river views.
- Accessibility Highlights: Smooth, paved pathways with ramps and level access points. Wheelchair users can comfortably navigate most of the walk.
🛏️ Accessible Lodging
Richmond offers a range of wheelchair-accessible hotels, including:
- The Jefferson Hotel – Historic charm meets full ADA compliance, with luxury-level service.
- Hilton Richmond Downtown – Centrally located with spacious, accessible rooms and roll-in showers.
- Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond – Affordable and accessible with free breakfast and parking.
🚗 Getting Around
- GRTC Buses: All city buses are ADA-accessible with ramps or lifts.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis & Rideshares: Several Richmond-based services, like UZURV and Mobility Plus, offer on-demand accessible rides.
- Amtrak Station (Staples Mill Rd): Fully accessible with assistance available upon request.
🎭 Bonus: Performing Arts
11. Altria Theater or Virginia Repertory Theatre
- Why Go: Catch a Broadway show or local production in an iconic Richmond venue.
- Accessibility Highlights: Wheelchair seating, assisted listening devices, and elevators available.
Final Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Book ahead for accessible rooms and tours.
- Confirm accessibility details, especially for smaller or historic venues.
- Consider visiting in spring or fall for mild weather and beautiful scenery.
Whether you’re a lover of art, nature, history, or just looking to relax and roll through a charming Southern city, Richmond offers a warm welcome and a wealth of accessible experiences for senior travelers with mobility needs.
Let the River City surprise and inspire you!