Overview
Southside is a district in Richmond, Virginia located south of James River.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Southside
Belle Isle
In the middle of the James River, this island includes a mountain-biking trail. Fans of the movies Cold Mountain, Hannibal, and The Jackal may recognize the area. It offers great views of the falls and the river, but be …
Richmond Railroad Museum
Sky Zone Richmond
Indoor trampoline park - waiver to be completed to allow participation.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Richmond)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RIC Richmond International Airport, Richmond — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 60 mi away. Directions
From Richmond proper, 195 South to Powhite Parkway.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Belle Isle, Richmond Railroad Museum
- Afternoon Sky Zone Richmond
- Evening O'Toole's Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
From Richmond proper, 195 South to Powhite Parkway.
See
See Belle Isle
In the middle of the James River, this island includes a mountain-biking trail. Fans of the movies Cold Mountain, Hannibal, and The Jackal may recognize the area. It offers great views of the falls and the river, but be wary of copperheads, which abound on the island. Also many teenagers enjoy swimming and laying out on the rocks. There are even rope swings set up on the bridges nearby. It is a great hangout for teenagers and young adults. The rocks can get overcrowded during the warmer months on the weekend, so plan accordingly. Also, in mainly July and August when the James River water levels are low, the water can get bath-water hot.
Do
Buy
Shop Stony Point Fashion Park
Stony Point Fashion Park is just south of the James River. This open air shopping mall hosts over 100 shops and restaurants including Dillard's department store and upscale shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach, Ann Taylor and Sur La Table. You'll also find many restaurants at the shopping center including CineBistro luxury dinner-and-a-movie theater.
Drink
Drink O'Toole's Restaurant (Irish Pub)
O'Toole's Irish Pub, in the quiet neighborhood of Westover Hills, serves reuben and onion rings, prime rib and mashed sweet potatoes, Irish beers on tap and homemade bread pudding. There are authentic family crests along the walls and live music every weekend, a dart room and private banquet rooms.
Sleep
Nearby
Ashland
City / town · 14 listings · 17 mi away
Hanover
City / town · 8 listings · 18 mi away
Petersburg
City / town · 6 listings · 21 mi away
Doswell
City / town · 11 listings · 24 mi away
Blackstone
City / town · 8 listings · 42 mi away
Crewe
City / town · 7 listings · 43 mi away
Thornburg
City / town · 3 listings · 43 mi away
Williamsburg
City / town · 34 listings · 45 mi away
My experience
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