By boat or by foot the Richmond Canal Walk is a beautiful and educational experience. Take a guided tour or learn about the site on your own. Trek through wooden steps, cobbled streets, and dirt trails - you certainly won't be bored with all of the pathways this walk offers. Brass disks embedded in the sidewalk, maps, photos and artifacts note historical events and people associated with the canals and locks.

The Belle Isle Skills Course is a set of trails that bikers can test their skills on. The nature and scenery is beautiful, with meadows, forests and rapids dotted throughout the trails. This course is an introduction for enthusiastic bikers to improve their skills. From a pump track to rock gardens and rock drops, this skills course will shape you into an expert in no time.

Richmond Slave Trail is a significant part of Virginia's history. The trail mainly describes the dark era when the trade of African slaves took place in Virginia in the 18th and 19th Century. It begins from the Manchester dock as it acted as a major port in the trade of enslaved Africans. The trail covers major landmarks of the period including former sites of the slave markets, Lumpkin's Slave Jail and the Negro Burial Ground. The trail ends at First African Baptist Church. Tours are provided by various agencies.

42nd Street Island is a scenic area that you can hike through to enjoy views of the James River and of the Richmond Skyline. With nothing but a thick cover of tree, rock and the river surrounding it, this is a great place to stop by for a tranquil escape from the bustling city. There are a bunch of big rocks to sit on, so after the long hike to get here, you can lounge around and immerse yourself in nature.

The canal that was built to favor the passengers who traveled through the water ways was the James River and Kanawha Canal. Although frequently destroyed by the floods, the canal stood still in its appearance and continues to serve the passengers. This canal is spread over 138 acres (56 hectares) and is a great visiting place for the tourists. If you are still debating whether or not to visit, keep in mind that it is listed on the register of National Historic Places in the year 1971. The public pathway is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Ukrop Park is a 45.5 acre sports complex that is home to the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. The park features 7 athletic fields, with five of them sporting natural grass and the other two with synthetic turf surfaces. The fields are available for rentals, for various sports tournaments, field days, or private events. Located in Chesterfield County, there is no better place to play sports than at this spacious park.

The Bryan Park is a prime historic park in the northwest of the city. Spread over a large area, the park offers an array of hiking and biking tracks. Another promising feature is the Joseph Bryan Park Azalea Garden. It boasts of over 450,000 azalea plants of roughly 50 varieties, as well as a small pond with a fountain. The park also features a well-designed golf course. It also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Admission is free, and in this fast-paced world of gadgets, a visit can revive your mind and soul.

Belmont Golf Course is situated in Henrico County and is one of the most impressive golf courses around. This one features an 18-hole PGA championship golf course, an eatery called The Fairway Grill and a full service pro shop that offers the latest equipment and apparel. Golf lessons are available upon appointment and gift cards may be purchased for friends and family who are golf lovers.

In the 1880s, Lewis Ginter, a wealthy businessman, opened a resort on this land just northwest of Richmond. An avid gardener, he planted and cared for much of the foliage that still thrives in the park today. Upon his death, the property passed to his niece who opened a hospice for children in Ginter's home. She also cultivated the gardens and imported several rare plants. The land is now operated by the city as a botanical garden. Explore the Victorian garden, nature trails and the home, and perhaps stop at the Tea House for lunch.

Spanning an impressive 7950 acres (3217.25-hectares), Pocahontas State Park is a breathtaking forested expanse. The park is named after the legendary Native American figure and offers thrilling outdoor pursuits within its dramatic landscapes. More than 58 miles of trails entice hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities, while fishing opportunities abound in the abundant waters of the park's two lakes. Swift Creek Lake, the larger of the two, is also available seasonally for kayaking, paddling and canoeing. Other points of interest within the park include the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and the Aqua Center, a fun family destination, with pools, water-slides and a wet deck.