Overview
The West End is a district within, and west of, the city of Richmond, Virginia and includes both the West End (within city limits) and Far West End/Innsbrook area. It is the safest part of Richmond, especially around the county of Henrico. The mailing address is either Richmond or Glen Allen, even though much of it is located in the counties of Henrico and/or Goochland, and not within the boundary of the city. Many major businesses headquartered in the "City of Richmond", like CarMax and Capital One, actually have their headquarters in this area of Virginia. It has become a very busy and vibrant area, with many high end shopping areas and hotels located here. Much of the state's central population comes to this area for its malls and restaurants.
1 sights · 3 things to do · 5 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about West End
Historic Tuckahoe
A well preserved colonial slave plantation, and the childhood home of Thomas Jefferson. A self-guided tour of the grounds is $5; tours of the house are $10 per person and only available Sundays 1PM–4PM (check the website…
Bogey's Sports
Driving range, batting cave, miniature golf
Regal Short Pump
14 movie theatres.
Bowl America
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 — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CHO Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, Charlottesville — 60 mi away. Directions
From the north, the West End is easily reached by Interstate 295, which can be accessed in Northern Henrico County at Exit 84B off of Interstate 95. The city of Richmond is bypassed when using this route. The other way to reach the west end is to take I 95 south from Northern areas and follow it until it splits with Interstate 64 West in the city of Richmond. Exit 180 (Gaskins Road) is a good place to pick up what has become the "second city" in Richmond, with its high end shopping and dining around the Short Pump area. If you want to go into downtown Short Pump, take exit 180A (Broad Street Near Glen Allen - Short Pump).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $16 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Historic Tuckahoe, Regal Short Pump
- Lunch UMI
- Afternoon Bowl America, Bogey's Sports
- Dinner Glory Days Grill
- Evening Rare Olde Times Irish Pub
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 the north, the West End is easily reached by Interstate 295, which can be accessed in Northern Henrico County at Exit 84B off of Interstate 95. The city of Richmond is bypassed when using this route. The other way to reach the west end is to take I 95 south from Northern areas and follow it until it splits with Interstate 64 West in the city of Richmond. Exit 180 (Gaskins Road) is a good place to pick up what has become the "second city" in Richmond, with its high end shopping and dining around the Short Pump area. If you want to go into downtown Short Pump, take exit 180A (Broad Street Near Glen Allen - Short Pump).
See
See Historic Tuckahoe (formerly Tuckahoe Plantation)
A well preserved colonial slave plantation, and the childhood home of Thomas Jefferson. A self-guided tour of the grounds is $5; tours of the house are $10 per person and only available Sundays 1PM–4PM (check the website in advance to confirm).
Do
Do Bowl America
Buy
Shop Crofton Green Shopping Center
Eat
Eat Melting Pot
This is fondue restaurant with a great wine list. The food prices are on the high end. On Thursday night there is a wine tasting in the bar area for $10 and you get to sample three different wines and meal purchase is not required.
Eat Pho Thien Phat
Hands down the best beef phở in Richmond, and, according to many, rivals what you get in Saigon. Complete with packed crowds on the weekends and hurried servers, but still worth the wait. Order a durian bubble tea (off-menu) for dessert, and you'll feel like you're in Southeast Asia.
Eat Glory Days Grill
Glory Days Grill is a sports bar which includes a wide variety of foods at reasonable prices. This is a great family restaurant with an entertainment room in the back. There are many TVS - big and small - in the restaurant with volume controlled radios at each table. Glory Days serves lunch and dinner. Its casual dining. You can dine in or take out.
Eat Mekong Restaurant
Great Vietnamese food, and an excellent beer selection.
Drink
Drink Capital Ale House
75 Beers on draft and over 200 bottled beers. Beer prices can range from $2 to $50.
Drink Rare Olde Times Irish Pub
Having a long tradition as a centerpiece in people's lives, public houses have acted as hardware stores, "spirit groceries", undertakers, and in many other capacities. But as a place for friends and community to gather in an informal setting, pubs have become less well known. Rare Olde Times is distinctly a Public House. You can find casual and regular acquaintances, friendly staff, a homely setting, and the personal touch that family ownership brings. Andy is a native of Dublin, Ireland and named the pub after a favorite song of his father’s.
Sleep
Nearby
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My experience
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