2-Day Itinerary: St. Louis, MO → Richmond, VA

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Catch an early flight from St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Richmond International Airport (RIC), then transfer to your hotel in the historic district. After checking in, enjoy a quick coffee at a local café.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Richmond Canal Walk, taking in the riverfront scenery and historic murals. Stop for a light lunch at River City Bistro before exploring the Virginia State Capitol and its surrounding gardens.

Evening: Dine at The Boar, a popular spot for farm-to-table cuisine, then wander through the vibrant Shockoe Bottom district, enjoying live music at a local venue.

Day 2: Culture, Gardens, and Riverfront

Morning: Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, admiring its extensive collections from American to Asian art, followed by a coffee break at the museum’s garden café.

Afternoon: Explore the stunning Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, wandering through the conservatory and the historic Rose Garden. Grab a light snack at the garden’s café.

Evening: Head back to the riverfront for a sunset walk along the James River Park System, then enjoy a dinner cruise on the James River for a memorable finale.

Time and Cost Estimates

• St. Louis International Airport (Flight) – 3 hrs – $250
• Richmond International Airport (Transfer) – 30 min – $30
• Richmond Canal Walk – 2 hrs – Free
• Virginia State Capitol – 1 hr – Free (tour)
• The Boar (Dinner) – 1.5 hrs – $60
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – 2 hrs – $20
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – 2 hrs – $15
• James River Dinner Cruise – 2 hrs – $80
• Accommodation (2 nights) – 2 nights – $250
• Meals & Snacks (overall) – 2 days – $120
• Total Estimated Cost: $940

Tips

To extend your stay, consider adding a day to explore the historic Maymont estate and its beautiful gardens, or take a day trip to the nearby Williamsburg colonial sites. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the evening dinner cruise and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a downtown restaurant instead; the core attractions can be covered in a single day, but you’ll miss the river sunset experience.