Best Outdoor Activities in Richmond
Richmond, Virginia — updated August 21, 2026
Three Richmond outings that actually happen outside: a James River boat and kayak rental, a public launch used by anglers, and a pedal-powered group bike, ranked by how much review evidence stands behind each.
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Most of Richmond's outdoor time is spent on or beside the James, whether that means putting in a kayak, backing a trailer down a ramp, or pedaling a group bike through the city. The list below is short on purpose: these are the three places in our research with enough reviews behind them to recommend without hedging too much. Two of them require a phone call or a reservation before you go.
1. Kingfish Boat Rental Co.
Kingfish is the most direct route from standing on land to being on the water: it rents boats, kayaks and paddleboards from 9680 Osborne Turnpike. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are listed at $35 an hour, and the company says its boat rental price includes fuel, training and all required safety gear, which removes most of the guesswork for anyone who has never run one. The rating is a perfect 5.0, though from 241 reviews, so read that as strongly promising rather than fully settled. Call ahead at (804) 399-9881 to confirm availability and what licensing a powered boat requires.
2. Ancarrow's Landing
Ancarrow's Landing is the public James River access point at 1200 Brander Street, and it carries the largest review sample here: 450 reviews at 4.4. That combination matters more than a higher score from a smaller crowd, because it means the rating has been tested by hundreds of visits. Local fishing coverage describes it as a launch that handles all types of boats, with shore fishing available but somewhat limited in terms of mobility along the bank. Come knowing it is a working landing rather than a park with a full slate of amenities, and plan around the weather.
3. Pedal Pub RVA
Pedal Pub RVA is the outdoor option that works for a group with no boating experience: a pedal-powered party bike seating roughly 7 to 14 people, based at 1710 Mactavish Avenue. Private tours are listed starting at $449, with per-seat pricing quoted at $40. Riders bring their own beer, wine or seltzer, and the operator suggests planning on two to three drinks per person plus water and snacks. The 5.0 rating rests on 235 reviews, the smallest sample on this list, so treat it as encouraging rather than proven. Book by phone at (804) 636-6836.