Summer 2023 arrived Wednesday, and although the purported longest day of the year was accompanied by rain, cheer up. The wetness won’t last long! After all, this is Richmond.

So, what to do during the long hot and humid days ahead? We have some ideas and would love to hear yours, too. Our list is fairly predictable but hey, give it a try anyway. You may be surprised what you see, do or learn. Here’s a list we lifted from Richmond’s various cultural and tourist websites:

Blackish

Check out the Black History Museum and Cultural Center Virginia. It’s in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward on Leigh Street and celebrates the rich culture and moving histories of African-American people in Virginia and their contributions to our magnificent country.

Take a food tour

Richmond has a killer food scene, but it can be so hard to pare down the options. Discover Richmond Tours solves that problem for you! Join a tour in Carytown, Church Hill, Scott’s Addition or The Arts District to explore the food and history of this great city. On each tour, you’ll try tasty dishes, meet new people, and see Richmond like an insider.

Find Dead Rock at Belle Isle

Every park has its own little legend, and Dead Rock is Belle Isle’s secret claim to fame. This elusive rock is said to be where the Grateful Dead would party after playing shows in the ’70s (and before they were banned from Richmond in the ’80s). Take a swim in the James River and explore Belle Isle till you find it, or take the guess work out and do a quick Google search. We’ll keep the location a secret so you can decide, but here’s a hint: The rock has a huge skull painted on it.

Book a guided hiking tour

Explore the James River and its beautiful surrounding areas on a guided hiking tour! You’ll discover the hidden Pipeline Walk, the park’s most unique feature; cross the James via two separate pedestrian bridges; see Civil War-era ruins on Belle Isle and learn how they used to function; and best of all, be in the middle of nature, right in the heart of downtown RVA.

Rent a climate-controlled bus

Did you know Discover Richmond Tours has a climate-controlled, 14-passenger shuttle bus? Rent it for a day with your favorite people and let us take you around the city, or even outside RVA! We know all of the good drinking spots within a one-hour drive, and you already know about our food expertise. Plan your own event or let us help you craft a fun day on our bus. Did we mention it’s got great AC?

Catch a movie at a drive-in

Imagine sitting on the hood of your car (or inside your car if it’s too hot outside, because of summer) while watching a movie on the huge screen in front of you, and the night-time sky above you. There aren’t many drive-ins left, but the Goochland Drive-In Theater remains a great place for a now-unique experience and new releases.

Explore Three Lakes Nature Center

Explore an extensive set of nature trails and then visit the nature center to understand what’s happening beneath what the eye can see. With an aquarium and free admission, the Three Lakes Nature Center and Reserve is an inexpensive and educational way to entertain children or spend an afternoon alone. And for just being a short distance outside the city, it sure is quiet and tranquil.