Flowing right through the heart of the city, the James River is an artery that provides an abundance of opportunities for summer relaxation and adventure.

Let our real estate agents be your guide to exploring the James River in Richmond this summer. These are some of the best ways to enjoy one of our greatest natural resources. 

• Kayak the James at Ancarrow's Landing - 1200 Brander St, Richmond, VA 23224
  You'll get a great view of the Richmond skyline from aboard a kayak. While there are many great put-in and take-out sites, Ancarrow's Landing is one of the most popular thanks to its well-maintained boat ramps, ample riverside parking, and access to a relatively tranquil and beginner-friendly section of the James River. Plus, it's just minutes from these Richmond homes for sale. Huguenot Flatwater Park is another popular launch site a few miles up the river. Local outfitters like RVA Paddle Sports rent kayaks and paddle boards if you don't have your own.
  
  
• Take a Swim at Belle Isle - 2100 Riverside Dr, Richmond, VA 23225
  As summer temperatures soar, Belle Isle becomes Richmond's unofficial beach. Part of the massive James River Park system that includes multiple units along the river, Belle Isle's abundance of flat, riverside rocks provides plenty of places to spread out a blanket and soak up some sun. And this section of the river is usually low enough in summer to make swimming and wading safe (though caution is always required). Belle Isle is also crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails. 
  
  
• Fishing at Floodwall Park - Manchester Rd, Richmond, VA 23224
  The James River offers excellent fishing for a variety of species, especially smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Floodwall Park is a great place to fish the river because it's located right at the fall line, where the tidally-influenced lower James River meets the rocky middle James River. There's even good striped bass fishing in this area when these migratory fish make their way up from the ocean each spring. Of course, Floodwall Park is just one of the many great places to fish the James; others include Huguenot Flatwater, Ancarrow's Landing, and William's Island.
  
  
• Take a Riverfront Canal Cruise - 139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Learn a little more about Richmond's history with a guided boat tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Riverfront Canal Cruises are offered seven days a week from May through September (hours vary during April, October, and November), and cruises depart from the Turning Basin in the heart of Downtown Richmond. Your expert guide will offer unique insights into the landmarks along the way, which include the Triple Crossing Railroad and Low Line gardens. 
  
  
• Float the James River - 8600 Southampton Rd, Richmond, VA 23235
  When the James River is running below 5 feet, as it usually is in summer, it's a perfect river for a leisurely float trip. Simply gather some friends, stock a cooler with beverages, and let yourself drift away. Float tubes are available for rent from Riverside Outfitters, and they'll even shuttle you to the river and back. Huguenot Flatwater Park is a common starting point for float trips, and the river from here down to the take-out at Pony Pasture—another unit of the James River Park system—is mostly flat. Some trips add in some mild rapids by continuing further to Reedy Creek. 

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