Downtown Richmond's Riverfront District thrives as a vibrant epicenter of downtown workplaces, riverfront landscapes, and verdant open areas.
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What is the Riverfront District?
Downtown’s Riverfront District was established by the City of Richmond in 1990 as a part of the Downtown General Special Service and Assessment District, providing special enhanced services. The Riverfront Overlay District includes properties along the riverfront from the Mayo Bridge/14th Street westward to Belvidere Street, and from Byrd Street to the James River.
History of the Riverfront District
Richmond, lying on the fall line of the James River, was destined for a history steeped in navigation and trade. From George Washington’s vision of canal transportation to bypass the Falls of the James to Tredegar Iron Works, which produced cannon and munitions for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Living on Richmond's Riverfront?
Richmond’s Riverfront District offers some of the city’s most scenic living, with apartments that provide direct access to the James River, Brown’s Island, and the Canal Walk. Residents enjoy stunning views, modern amenities, and the convenience of being steps away from downtown’s top attractions and outdoor adventures.
Things to Do on Richmond's Riverfront
The Riverfront District is also a lively destination for visitors and locals alike, with plenty of things to do along the water. From concerts and festivals on Brown’s Island to biking, kayaking, or strolling the Canal Walk, the neighborhood blends nature, recreation, and city living. After a day outdoors, you can grab a meal at one of the Riverfront District’s many restaurants, making it one of the most dynamic and enjoyable areas in downtown Richmond.
Getting to the Riverfront
Richmond's riverfront is easy to reach by car, bus, bike, or on foot. Drivers will find more than 20 parking decks and surface lots within a short walk of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk, and Belle Isle, including the Delta Hotel Parking Deck on South 5th Street, the James Center decks on East Cary Street, and surface lots along Cary and Canal Streets. On event days, arrive early, since lots near Brown's Island fill quickly.
Prefer to leave the car at home? GRTC route #87 stops at 2nd Street and Brown's Island Way near Tredegar, and RVA Bike Share stations are located across from Brown's Island at 620 Tredegar Street and at the Canal Walk's Turning Basin on South 14th Street. See our full Riverfront Parking guide.
