10 Easy Road Trips Near Richmond County, Virginia: Small-Town Escapes & Bay Views
If you’re based in or around
Richmond County, Virginia and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or two, you can reach charming waterfront villages, quiet beaches, wineries, and historic sites that feel a world away.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips in nearby areas like
Essex, Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, and Westmoreland Counties
1. Stroll the Riverfront in Tappahannock (Essex County)
Tappahannock, along the wide
Rappahannock River, is an easy road trip from Richmond County and a great first stop if you’re exploring
things to do near Richmond County VA.
Walk the riverfront, watch boats drift by, and wander the small downtown streets. You’ll find old buildings, a few local shops, and some good spots for lunch.
- Why go: Relaxed small-town vibe right on the river.
- Don’t miss: A slow walk down Prince Street and a riverside photo in the late afternoon light.
- Perfect for: Half-day trip with kids or a low-key date.
If you like to start your trips gently—maybe grab a coffee, walk a little, sit by the water—this is your kind of place.
2. Wine & Water Views in Irvington (Lancaster County)
Looking for a laid-back grown-up getaway? Head east to
Irvington, one of the prettiest small towns in the Northern Neck. It’s known for cozy inns, good food, and wineries nearby.
You’ll find quiet streets lined with trees, historic homes, and that “take a deep breath and slow down” feeling.
- Why go: Classic Northern Neck charm with nearby vineyards.
- Try: A wine tasting in the afternoon, then a relaxed dinner in town.
- Tip: Call ahead for tasting hours, especially in the off-season.
If you’ve ever thought, “I need a day that feels like vacation without getting on a plane,” Irvington is a solid choice.
3. Beach Day at Colonial Beach (Westmoreland County)
Yes, you can have a real beach day without driving all the way to Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks.
Colonial Beach sits along the Potomac River and offers sandy shoreline, a long boardwalk, and that classic small-beach-town feel.
You can park close to the water, spread out a towel, and enjoy the sun and breeze.
- Why go: Easy family-friendly beach road trip from Richmond County.
- What to do:
- Swim or splash in the river
- Walk the boardwalk with an ice cream in hand
- Rent a golf cart to cruise around town
- Best time: Late spring through early fall for swimming and sun.
If you grew up taking beach trips as a kid, this place might feel a little like stepping back in time—in a good way.
4. Step Into History at George Washington Birthplace (Westmoreland County)
Just a short drive from Colonial Beach, you’ll find the
George Washington Birthplace National Monument, a peaceful site set along Popes Creek. It’s not crowded, and the setting feels quiet and almost timeless.
You can walk through the grounds, visit the memorial house, and see farm animals in the historic area.
- Why go: Easy, low-key history trip for all ages.
- Good for: Families, homeschoolers, and anyone who likes early American history.
- Bonus: Lovely picnic spots with water views.
If you’ve got kids, try asking them what they
think Washington’s childhood looked like before you go—then compare that to what you see at the site.
5. Wine Tasting & River Views in the Northern Neck (Westmoreland & Northumberland)
Northern Neck wine country is one of Virginia’s quiet treasures. You won’t find huge crowds, but you will find friendly owners, rolling fields, and wide river views.
There are several wineries scattered through
Westmoreland and Northumberland Counties. Many welcome kids and well-behaved dogs outdoors, so it can be a family-friendly stop if planned right.
- Why go: Relaxed wine country close to Richmond County.
- What to expect: Tasting flights, outdoor seating, sometimes live music on weekends.
- Tip: Pack a small cooler with cheese and snacks in case food options are limited.
Think of this as the “slow lane” version of a Napa trip—just with the Potomac or Rappahannock on the horizon instead of big mountains.
6. Small-Town Walk & Waterfront in Kilmarnock (Lancaster County)
Kilmarnock is a great base for exploring Lancaster County and the surrounding creeks and rivers. The main street area has shops, restaurants, and a relaxed, walkable feel.
You can pair a little shopping with time on the water or at nearby parks.
- Why go: Easygoing small town with places to eat, browse, and unwind.
- Ideas:
- Grab lunch and stroll downtown
- Check out local boutiques and gift shops
- Head to a nearby public landing for sunset over the water
- Perfect for: A relaxed Saturday or an unhurried weekday off.
I like Kilmarnock as a “flex” destination: even if the weather isn’t great for the beach or boats, you can still have a nice time here.
7. Cruise the Creeks Around Deltaville (Middlesex County)
If you love boats—or just like looking at them—
Deltaville in Middlesex County is a must. This area calls itself the “Boating Capital of the Chesapeake Bay,” and when you see all the marinas and creeks, you’ll understand why.
You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy it. Just driving along the water and stopping at public spots or marinas can be surprisingly relaxing.
- Why go: Classic Chesapeake Bay boating community.
- What to do:
- Walk near the marinas and watch the boats come and go
- Visit small local museums or maritime displays if open
- Grab seafood at a local spot and eat with a water view if possible
- Tip: Bring a light jacket—breezes off the water can be cool, even in spring and fall.
If you’ve ever daydreamed about living on a boat, Deltaville is the kind of place that will bring that dream to the surface.
8. Quiet Waterfront Time in Urbanna (Middlesex County)
Urbanna is a small town with big charm, best known for its oysters and its cute streets lined with historic houses. On a normal weekend, it’s peaceful and slow-paced—perfect if you’re looking to unwind.
You can walk around town, pop into a few shops, then head down to the waterfront.
- Why go: Historic feel, small harbor, easy day trip distance.
- Best for: Couples, friends, and anyone who wants a quieter getaway.
- Timing: Fall brings festivals, but regular weekends are much calmer.
If your idea of a good day is “coffee, walking, water views, and good food,” Urbanna checks all the boxes without being overwhelming.
9. Beaches & Birds at Hughlett Point Natural Area (Northumberland County)
For a more natural, less developed escape, head to
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve in Northumberland County. This protected spot along the Chesapeake Bay offers sandy shoreline, marsh, and forest all in one walk.
You’ll find short trails and boardwalks leading to a quiet beach area. There are no big facilities or crowds—just nature.
- Why go: Peaceful walk with water views, great for birdwatching.
- What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Bug spray in warmer months
- Binoculars if you like spotting birds
- Reminder: This is a preserve—respect signs, stay on paths, and pack out your trash.
If long, quiet walks help you reset, this is one of the best nearby getaways from Richmond County.
10. Scenic Drive & Fishing Spots Along the Rappahannock (Essex & Surrounding Counties)
Sometimes the journey really is the destination. The roads winding along the
Rappahannock River through Essex and nearby counties offer pretty views, small public landings, and places where you can toss in a fishing line.
You don’t need a full plan—just a rough route and a flexible mindset.
- Why go: Simple, low-cost way to enjoy the day.
- Ideas:
- Pick a few public access points along the river
- Stop when a view catches your eye
- Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for tailgate-style picnics
- Good for: Solo drives, couples, or anyone who likes exploring little roads.
If you’ve ever just wanted to “go for a drive” but needed a direction, following the Rappahannock is a great way to do it.
Tips for Planning Your Richmond County Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Richmond County VA even smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check hours: Small-town shops, wineries, and museums often have limited days and shorter hours.
- Pack smart:
- Refillable water bottles
- Light layers for changing temps near the water
- Portable phone charger
- Fuel up: Gas stations can be spread out in rural areas—top off before you wander too far off the main roads.
- Stay flexible: Part of the fun is discovering a roadside produce stand, a tiny antique shop, or a new river view you weren’t expecting.
Where Will You Go First?
From quiet nature preserves to beach towns and wine country, there are plenty of
things to do near Richmond County Virginia without ever crossing into big-city chaos. You can:
- Dip your toes in the Potomac at Colonial Beach
- Sip wine with river views near Kilmarnock or Irvington
- Walk protected shoreline at Hughlett Point
- Trace history at George Washington’s birthplace
Which of these 10 road trips would you try first? Or do you have a favorite spot in
Essex, Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, or Westmoreland County that should be on this list?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you know someone in the Richmond County area who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” go ahead and
share this post with them—then start planning your next drive together.
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