Richmond’s Street Art Segway Tour

Richmond’s Street Art Segway Tour: An Up-Close Look at Urban Creativity

If you’re visiting Richmond and want to see a side of the city beyond its historic sites, this Street Art Segway Tour is a lively way to explore. For just under $80 per person, you get approximately two hours of glide-time through the city’s murals created by both rising stars and well-known artists. Starting at 1301 E Cary St, the tour is designed for those who like a bit of adventure, a splash of culture, and a guide who can make the city’s modern art scene come alive.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines easy, eco-friendly transportation with the chance to see over 150 vibrant murals across the city. Riding a Segway allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour, without feeling rushed. Plus, the guides’ insights add a layer of local knowledge that turns a simple mural crawl into a story about Richmond’s contemporary culture. On the flip side, since the tour is limited to six travelers, it’s quite intimate—great for personalized attention but something to book early to secure your spot.

This tour is ideal if you’re someone who values visual art, local stories, and a fun, relaxed pace. It’s also suitable for travelers who are comfortable on a Segway (or willing to try), and for those between ages 14 and up. If you love discovering authentic city scenes with a bit of a modern twist, this could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Vibrant Murals: Richmond boasts over 150 murals, many of which are covered on this tour.
• Guided Experience: A professional guide shares engaging stories and insights into the artworks and city history.
• Fun Transportation: Riding a Segway makes covering a larger area more enjoyable and less tiring.
• Authentic Culture: The art reflects Richmond’s dynamic contemporary scene, blending local culture with urban creativity.
• Limited Group Size: A small, personalized tour with just six travelers maximizes interaction and safety.
• Weather Friendly: Tours are best on clear days—make sure to dress casually and comfortably.

Exploring the Richmond Street Art Scene

Richmond is well-known for its historical significance, but in recent years, its street art scene has blossomed, turning blank walls into canvases for colorful murals. The Richmond Mural Project has played a pivotal role, painting more than 100 murals around the city. These artworks vary from bold, large-scale pieces to more intricate, subtle designs—each telling a story or capturing a moment in Richmond’s modern life.

This Segway tour offers a unique vantage point to see this vibrant collection. The experience begins at the meeting point on Cary Street, where a professional guide takes charge. What sets this tour apart is the combination of visual exploration and storytelling—the guide shares insights into the artists, the themes, and how these murals reflect Richmond’s evolving identity.

The program’s core is a roughly two-hour ride through the city, stopping frequently to admire murals painted by well-established and emerging artists alike. While the murals are the focus, the tour also weaves in snippets of Richmond’s history, giving a nuanced picture of a city that honors its past while embracing its present.

What Makes It Stand Out

We loved the expert guidance, especially the way the guide, Henry in the reviews, made the murals come alive with stories and context. We also appreciated the comfortable pace—a Segway allows you to soak in the sights without feeling hurried or exhausted, unlike a walking tour.

Possible Drawback

Because the group size is capped at six, booking early is essential if you want a spot. Plus, since the tour involves riding a Segway, you should be comfortable balancing on one—though the experience is designed to be accessible for beginners.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits art lovers, urban explorers, and anyone interested in modern culture. It also appeals to those who prefer a fun, active way to see the city, especially if you enjoy guided narratives and vivid visuals.

Detailed Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

The tour kicks off at the main meeting point on Cary Street, where you’ll receive a brief safety orientation and instructions on riding the Segway. Once ready, the journey begins, heading toward areas dense with murals.

The first stop involves exploring many of Richmond’s stunning murals—with over 150 spread across the city, there’s plenty to see. You’ll glide past works that vary in style and subject, from abstract pieces to portraits, all created by artists who have contributed to the Richmond Mural Project. The guide will share background stories that breathe life into these images, turning a simple wall into part of the city’s living story.

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit murals painted by both well-known artists and rising talents, offering a snapshot of Richmond’s current street art scene. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the artistic techniques, themes, and messages embedded in each mural.

Stop 1: Richmond’s Murals

This is the heart of the tour, where you’ll be immersed in an outdoor gallery. Expect to see a variety of styles—some murals are large and bold, perfect for photo ops, while others are more detailed and subtle, inviting closer inspection.

What You’ll Experience

• Close-up views of murals, with enough time to admire details
• Insights into the artist’s intentions and the story behind each piece
• An understanding of how urban art reflects Richmond’s culture and community

Final Segment

The tour ends back where it started, with a chance to discuss what you’ve seen and perhaps plan to explore more murals on your own. Many travelers find themselves eager to revisit areas or look for murals not covered in the tour.

The Experience Provider and Booking Details

Operated by RVA on Wheels, this tour is a mobile ticket experience, with all taxes, fees, and handling charges included in the price of $75.90 per person. The tour starts at 2:00 pm, and it’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to get fitted for the Segway and review safety instructions.

The tour’s small group size (max 6) ensures a more personalized experience, and the ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility. The meeting point on Cary Street is accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

While $75.90 isn’t a bargain-basement price, it includes a guided experience, all taxes, and the fun of riding a Segway—adding value for an activity that combines transportation, art, and local culture. Compared to walking tours, the Segway allows you to cover more murals comfortably, especially in a city with more than 150 murals to see.

The expert guiding, combined with the unique vantage point, makes this a worthwhile option for those wanting more than just a checklist of sights. Plus, the small group size means you’ll receive more tailored commentary and better interaction with the guide.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This street art Segway tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate art and culture but prefer a relaxed, engaging way to see a city. It’s well-suited for first-timers in Richmond who want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to its modern murals. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group or family, given the small group size and casual dress code.

On a beautiful day, this tour becomes an active, colorful journey through a city that’s blending its historic roots with a vibrant contemporary edge. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to explore Richmond, this experience offers a fresh perspective on the city’s evolving story.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners on a Segway?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible, with safety instructions provided beforehand. You don’t need prior experience, but you should be comfortable standing and balancing on a Segway.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Dress for the weather, as the tour is outdoors, and comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

How many murals will I see?
While the tour focuses on key murals, Richmond has over 150 murals, so this is a curated view rather than a complete tour of all artworks.

What is the group size?
A maximum of six travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, hotel pickup is not included; you’ll meet at the designated starting point on Cary Street.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 2:00 pm. Arrive 30 minutes early to get fitted and ready.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, including time for stops and commentary.

To sum it up, the Richmond Street Art Segway Tour offers a lively, insightful way to experience the city’s colorful murals while enjoying a fun, eco-friendly ride. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want an authentic, artistic glimpse into Richmond’s modern identity—especially those who appreciate a guided story and a relaxed pace. If you’re ready to see some of the city’s best urban art while gliding smoothly through its streets, this tour might just be the highlight of your visit.