Best attractions and places to see around Bon Air include a blend of historic charm and convenient access to natural and cultural sites. Originally developed as a Victorian-era resort, Bon Air features a preserved historic district. The area provides access to the James River, numerous parks, and a variety of cultural institutions within the surrounding Richmond metropolitan area.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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The Virginia State Capitol in Richmond has served as the seat of the Virginia General Assembly for over two centuries. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by classical Roman architecture, it stands on Shockoe Hill overlooking the James River. The building witnessed major events, including Virginia’s declaration of independence and its role as the Confederate capital during the Civil War. Expanded in 1904, it remains a symbol of Virginia’s political legacy and architectural heritage.
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In Richmond’s Capitol Square, a striking statue of George Washington rises above the crowd. Cast in bronze, Washington sits tall on horseback, while figures like Jefferson and Patrick Henry stand nearby, honoring Virginia’s role in the Revolution. Beneath them, symbolic female figures reflect ideas like liberty and justice. The monument took decades to finish—its foundation was laid in 1850, but it wasn’t completed until 1869. Jefferson Davis’s second inauguration even took place here during the Civil War.
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The Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge takes U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 301 across the James River. It offers great views and includes a separate bicycle lane for safe bike crossing separate from cars.
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The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge is built on a former hydroelectric dam. It links Brown’s Island to the north and Manchester to the south and gives great views of the James River. The bridge is open to walkers, runners and cyclists.
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This is one of the three original parks in Richmond's park system. The view from this area is said to have influenced the city's name, as from this point, the James River historically resembled that of Richmond-upon-Thames, England.
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The Tyler Potterfield Bridge is built on the remains of an old hydroelectric dam. It's named for a former city planner and is open to pedestrians and cyclists and is wheelchair accessible.
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Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol is America's oldest elected representative legislature, first organized in 1619. The impressive building was also used for Confederate Congress meetings during the Civil War. Today, you can visit the Capitol on a free guided tour that take place daily. There's also a cafe and lovely grounds.
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19th-century neoclassical statue of George Washington located on the public square in Richmond, Virginia. It was designed by Thomas Crawford (1814-1857) and completed under the supervision of Randolph Rogers (1825-1892) after Crawford's death. It is the terminus for Grace Street. The cornerstone of the monument was laid in 1850 and it became the second equestrian statue of Washington to be unveiled in the United States (following the one in Union Square, New York City, unveiled in 1856). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Washington_Monument
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Bon Air itself is home to the Bon Air Historic District, featuring Victorian-era architecture, and the Hazen Memorial Library, a privately restored 1902 building. Nearby in Richmond, you can explore the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, and The White House of the Confederacy, which served as Jefferson Davis's executive mansion during the Civil War.
You'll find several excellent parks. Robious Landing Park offers trails and James River access for kayaking and fishing. Huguenot Park is great for families with playgrounds and open fields. For more extensive outdoor adventures, the James River Park System, including spots like Buttermilk Trail and Pony Pasture Rapids, is nearby, as is Pocahontas State Park, Virginia's largest state park with lakes, trails, and an aquatic center.
Yes, there are many options for hiking and walking. You can find easy trails at Huguenot Park and Larus Park. The James River Park System offers legendary trails like the Buttermilk Trail and Pony Pasture Rapids. For more detailed routes, explore the easy hikes around Bon Air guide, which includes routes like the Loch Lothian Trail and Pony Pasture and Wetlands Loop.
Absolutely. The area offers great routes for both running and cycling. For runners, the Pony Pasture and Wetlands Loop and the Buttermilk and North Bank Trail Loop are popular choices. Cyclists can enjoy the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, which is open to pedestrians and cyclists and offers scenic views of the James River. You can find more running routes in the Running Trails around Bon Air guide and gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Bon Air guide.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Huguenot Park is a popular community park with multiple playgrounds and picnic areas. The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond offers hands-on exhibits. Additionally, Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate with gardens, a historic mansion, and wildlife exhibits that children often enjoy. Many of the historical sites, like the Virginia State Capitol, are also considered family-friendly.
Beyond the historical sites, you can visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive art collection. The Science Museum of Virginia provides interactive exhibits focused on science and technology. The Bon Air Library also serves as a community hub with events and children's story times.
Yes, some attractions are designed to be accessible. The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge is wheelchair accessible, offering great views of the James River. The Virginia Washington Monument in Capitol Square is also wheelchair accessible.
The Bon Air Historical Society organizes various educational and social programs throughout the year. One notable event is the annual Victorian Day Festival and Parade, typically held in May, which celebrates the community's rich history and Victorian heritage.
For stunning views of the James River, visit the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, which connects Brown's Island to Manchester. Another excellent spot is Libby Hill Park, one of Richmond's original parks, offering panoramic river views that are said to have influenced the city's name.
The Virginia Washington Monument is a 19th-century neoclassical statue of George Washington located in Richmond’s Capitol Square. It features Washington on horseback, surrounded by figures like Jefferson and Patrick Henry, honoring Virginia’s role in the Revolution. Its foundation was laid in 1850, and it was completed in 1869.
Yes, Powhite Park is known for its mountain biking opportunities, offering flowing singletrack trails. Additionally, the broader Richmond area, accessible from Bon Air, provides various routes for gravel biking, as highlighted in the Gravel biking around Bon Air guide.


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