Hopewell: River Views and History

The Hopewell Riverwalk is a 2,600-foot boardwalk along the Appomattox River, offering sweeping views of historic City Point. Hopewell thus combines a distinctive riverside landscape with places where the area’s history is reflected in its architecture, cityscape, and exhibits.

Riverside scenery and trails

City Park has a playground, a natural sandy beach, a fishing pier, and access to the Hopewell Riverwalk. From here, too, you can enjoy sweeping views of City Point and the Appomattox River. The park therefore brings together a variety of amenities in one place; the Riverwalk, by contrast, is a path along the riverbank. This distinction can help you choose between the two places based on the focus of your visit.

Hopewell City Marina is on the Appomattox River and about a mile from the James River. The two river references help situate the marina, without suggesting that the approximate distance is equivalent to a driving or walking time. For travelers interested in Hopewell’s waterways, this is another specific location to know about, alongside the Riverwalk and City Park.

City Point: layers of history

City Point was established as a settlement as early as 1613. Today, it is a tree-lined residential neighborhood with buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The City Point Historic District is also historically significant as the site of an important 18th-century port. The founding date and the port’s role represent different periods: the settlement was established in the early 17th century, while its significance as a port dates to the 18th century.

The City Point Early History Museum is housed in the restored St. Denis Chapel. Its exhibits include a Civil War encampment, Hopewell China, and “Contrabands, Colored Troops, and City Point.” These topics offer several ways to explore local history; exhibits may change over time.

Appomattox Manor also combines a historic site with a present-day institutional use: the house was first built in 1763 and is used as a historic house museum by the City Point Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield. If you’re planning a visit, check the Unit’s current visitor information in advance.

Historic homes and cultural venues

Weston Manor retains much of its original interior. Features include distinctive plasterwork or moldings, paneling, and chair rails. Tours of the house and grounds are offered from April 1 through December 15. Since seasonal hours may change, check the latest visitor information in advance.

The Beacon Theatre opened in 1928; its design combines Colonial Revival and Art Deco motifs. A new chapter began with its reopening in 2014 as a venue for performances, a conference center, and a special events venue. The dates mark different aspects of the building: its early architectural history and its later reopening for multiple event functions. If you’re interested in a performance, check the current schedule separately.

Hopewell in the regional context

The 5 & Dime route follows Routes 5 and 10 through Hopewell, Prince George County, Charles City County, Surry County, and James City County in Virginia. It provides a regional framework for a trip that extends beyond Hopewell. Since route details may change, check the current route before including it in your plans.

Find a hotel for your trip to Hopewell

Compare possible hotel locations based on the places you want to visit, rather than assuming a particular location or set of amenities. This way, you can tailor your search to your own itinerary and the different sides of Hopewell.

Discover more destinations: Hopewell, Hanover County, Falls Church, Caroline County, Dickenson County, Lancaster County, Wise County, Patrick County.

For the full travel overview: Virginia.