Short Pump, Virginia: 10 Easy Weekend Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Short Pump, VA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Henrico County

If you live in or around Short Pump, Virginia, you already know it’s a great place to shop, eat, and hang out. But what about when you want to hop in the car and explore somewhere new for a few hours? The good news: you don’t have to drive far. Within about an hour of Short Pump, you’ll find historic plantations, river adventures, small-town charm, and some very tasty food and drink. And the best part? Every idea on this list takes you out of Henrico County into nearby places like Goochland, Hanover, Chesterfield, Powhatan, Charles City, New Kent, and Richmond city. Below are 10 short, out-of-county road trips with fun things to do near Short Pump, VA.

1. Discover Downtown Richmond: History, Murals, and the Riverfront

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 20–30 minutes (Richmond city, VA) If you only think of Richmond as “the place you drive through on I‑64,” you’re missing out. Richmond is packed with history, cool neighborhoods, and awesome river views. Here’s a simple way to spend a day:
  • Walk the Canal Walk along the James River and Kanawha Canal. You’ll see murals, statues, and old industrial buildings turned into modern spaces.
  • Explore Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom. Cobblestone streets, brick warehouses, and great spots for coffee or lunch.
  • Check out the murals in Jackson Ward, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” It’s one of the most historic African American neighborhoods in the country.
I like to park near Brown’s Island, stretch my legs along the river, then wander into downtown for a bite to eat. It’s an easy, low-stress day trip from Short Pump that still feels like an escape.

2. Take in Big Views at Belle Isle and the James River Park System

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 25–35 minutes (Richmond city, VA) If you want nature without a long drive into the mountains, head straight for the James River Park System in Richmond. Belle Isle is the star:
  • Park near Tredegar Street and walk over the pedestrian bridge that hangs under the highway bridge.
  • Once on the island, follow the loop trail for river views, rock outcrops, and old ruins.
  • On warm days, people sunbathe on the big flat rocks and dip their feet in the water.
You can also check out:
  • Pony Pasture Rapids Park on the south side of the river – calm paths and great for picnics.
  • Texas Beach for more rugged trails and a “hidden” feel, even though you’re close to the city.
It’s an easy nature break when you’re tired of traffic and shopping centers around Short Pump.

3. Step Back in Time in Charles City: Historic Plantations and River Views

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 50–70 minutes (Charles City County, VA) If you’re into American history, Charles City County is like a living textbook—but prettier and with better scenery. Along Route 5, you’ll find several old plantations along the James River, including:
  • Shirley Plantation – One of the oldest family-owned businesses in the country, with a beautiful main house and sweeping river views.
  • Berkeley Plantation – Tied to early Thanksgiving history and Civil War events.
You can tour the houses, stroll the grounds, and enjoy the quiet. The drive itself is relaxing, with open fields, wooded areas, and glimpses of the river. This is a great day trip if you love Virginia history and want to explore things to do near Short Pump that are a bit more off the beaten path.

4. Hanover Courthouse & Ashland: Small-Town Charm Just Up the Road

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 25–35 minutes (Hanover County, VA) Drive north into Hanover County and you’ll find a mix of history and small-town life. A few easy stops:
  • Historic Hanover Courthouse – Check out one of the oldest courthouses in the country and walk the grounds. It’s quiet but packed with Revolutionary-era history.
  • Ashland “Center of the Universe” – A friendly railroad town with shops, restaurants, and the campus of Randolph-Macon College.
In Ashland, you can:
  • Walk along the main street and watch trains roll by just a few feet from the sidewalk.
  • Grab coffee or ice cream and sit outside people-watching.
  • Wander through local shops and art galleries.
It’s the kind of place where you actually slow down and breathe. No outlet malls. No giant parking lots. Just a classic Virginia town.

5. New Kent Wine & Horse Country: Relaxing Rural Roads

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 40–55 minutes (New Kent County, VA) Looking for a calm, scenic drive with rolling fields and long, straight country roads? Head east to New Kent County. New Kent is known for:
  • Wineries and vineyards scattered across the countryside.
  • Horse farms and open land that feel very far from the suburbs.
Plan a simple route:
  • Drive the back roads and enjoy the scenery.
  • Stop at a local winery for a tasting (make sure someone is the designated driver).
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy the view from a quiet rural spot.
If you’re curious about where to go beyond the big-name places, just look up “New Kent VA wineries” or “New Kent vineyards” and you’ll find several options. This road trip is perfect for couples or friends looking for a calm, adults-only day out of Short Pump.

6. Chesterfield’s Pocahontas State Park: Lakes, Trails, and Camping

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 40–55 minutes (Chesterfield County, VA) When you want a full day of outdoor fun, head south to Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County. Popular things to do there include:
  • Hiking and biking on miles of trails for all levels.
  • Renting a boat or using your own kayak on the lake.
  • Swimming area (seasonal) for cooling off in the summer.
  • Picnic shelters for family gatherings or birthday parties.
If you’re from Short Pump, it can be easy to forget how close real woods and water are. Pack a cooler, some snacks, and make a day of it. If you’re into camping, you can also book a campsite and turn it into a weekend getaway without a long drive.

7. Goochland Back Roads: Farm Stands, River Spots, and Country Drives

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 10–30 minutes (Goochland County, VA) Head west out of Short Pump and you’re in Goochland County pretty fast—yet it feels like a whole different world. Ideas for a simple Goochland road trip:
  • Follow the smaller roads toward the James River and enjoy the views.
  • Stop at seasonal farm stands for fresh produce, local honey, and maybe some baked goods.
  • Look up public river access spots if you want to fish, paddle, or just sit by the water.
Personally, I like driving with no set plan in Goochland. You wind past old barns, wide pastures, and quiet neighborhoods. It’s the kind of drive that helps clear your head. If you want to build in a destination, search for “Goochland wineries” or “Goochland breweries” and pick a spot to relax before looping back to Short Pump.

8. Powhatan County: Quiet Parks and Country Charm

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 30–45 minutes (Powhatan County, VA) To the southwest of Short Pump, Powhatan County is another peaceful escape with a down-to-earth vibe. Things to look for:
  • County parks with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
  • Local diners and cafés that give you that small-town feel.
  • The James River along the southern edge of the county, popular for paddling and fishing.
Pack:
  • A picnic blanket
  • Some simple snacks or sandwiches
  • A book or a deck of cards
Then find a shady spot in one of the parks and unwind. It’s a slow, easy kind of road trip—but that’s the point.

9. Museums and Culture in Richmond: Art, Science, and More

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 20–30 minutes (Richmond city, VA) If you’d rather be inside—maybe on a hot summer day or a rainy weekend—Richmond’s museums are a short drive from Short Pump and worth the trip. Some favorites include:
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) – Free general admission, a wide range of art, and a nice outdoor sculpture garden.
  • Science and history museums around the downtown and Boulevard areas, with rotating exhibits.
A simple plan:
  • Spend a few hours at a museum.
  • Walk around the surrounding neighborhood to find a restaurant or coffee shop.
  • Maybe combine this with a quick drive through Monument Avenue or the Fan District to see historic homes.
This kind of road trip is great for families, date days, or anyone who wants something more educational than another mall trip.

10. Explore the Fan & Carytown: Food, Shops, and Street Life

Approx. drive from Short Pump: 20–30 minutes (Richmond city, VA) When you want a classic “day in the city” feeling without going all the way to D.C., head into Richmond’s Fan District and Carytown. Here’s what makes it fun:
  • Carytown – A walkable strip full of boutiques, vintage shops, and locally owned restaurants.
  • The Fan – Tree-lined streets, row houses, and small parks that make for a pleasant walk.
You can:
  • Start with brunch or coffee in Carytown.
  • Wander in and out of shops—no big-box chains, just lots of personality.
  • Drive or walk over into the Fan and explore the side streets and small neighborhood spots.
If you’re used to Short Pump’s more modern, planned feel, Richmond’s older neighborhoods have a completely different personality—more historic, more walkable, and a little quirky in the best way.

Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips from Short Pump

To make these short trips around Central Virginia smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check drive times before you go. Traffic can change quickly near Richmond.
  • Call ahead for plantations, wineries, and museums to confirm hours, tour times, and any fees.
  • Pack a small “road trip kit”: water, snacks, phone charger, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket.
  • Have a backup plan in case a spot is closed or crowded—there’s always another park, café, or scenic road nearby.
These trips are close enough that you can be flexible. If your first idea doesn’t work out, you’re never too far from something else interesting.

Share Your Favorite Short Pump Road Trips

Now it’s your turn. Which day trips near Short Pump do you love most? Do you prefer history in Charles City, outdoor fun in Chesterfield, or food and culture in Richmond city?
  • Drop a comment with your favorite spots or hidden gems in Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, Powhatan, or Richmond.
  • Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
You don’t have to drive far to feel like you got away. From Short Pump, a new adventure is usually just 30–60 minutes down the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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