Henrico, VA

Henrico County is one of the largest and most populous counties in Virginia, home to roughly 340,000 residents across nearly 250 square miles that wrap around the north, west, and east sides of the state capital, Richmond. As the suburban backbone of the Richmond metropolitan area, the county is defined by a blend of established residential neighborhoods, busy commercial corridors in places like Short Pump and Glen Allen, and pockets of preserved green space. It is best known for offering visitors a quieter, more spacious alternative to staying in downtown Richmond while remaining within easy reach of the capital's museums, restaurants, and historic sites. Henrico sits roughly two hours south of Washington, D.C., and about ninety minutes northwest of Virginia Beach.

Just inside the county's western edge, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden anchors a 50-acre landscape of themed gardens, a glass-domed conservatory, and walking trails set around a central lake. Often cited among the top public gardens in the mid-Atlantic, it draws both casual strollers and dedicated horticulture enthusiasts. Most of the county is within about a 15-minute drive of the gardens, making it an easy add-on for travelers based in the Lakeside or Short Pump areas.

About 30 miles to the north, in neighboring Hanover County, Kings Dominion is a sprawling amusement park featuring more than 60 rides, a dedicated water park, and seasonal events that pull families from across the region. Drive times from most of Henrico to the park run roughly 35 to 45 minutes, which keeps day trips feasible for guests who want a high-energy outing without committing to lodging near the park itself.

Richmond Raceway sits within Henrico and is one of the few remaining short tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. Beyond the major race weekends, the venue hosts concerts, car shows, and other events year-round, and its central location makes it a convenient draw for visitors who prefer to avoid downtown traffic. Travel times to the track are typically under 20 minutes from anywhere in the county.

Outdoor recreation benefits from the James River, which forms much of Henrico's southern border and provides public access points, riverside trails, and scenic overlooks. Pocahontas State Park, a short drive south across the river in Chesterfield County, adds nearly 8,000 acres of forested parkland with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, a small museum honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps, and a sizable lake for fishing and paddling.

All told, Henrico offers short-term rental owners a broad appeal: the comfort and square footage of a modern suburban county, a strong inventory of dining and shopping in its commercial nodes, and quick access to both the cultural amenities of Richmond and the larger weekend destinations of central and northern Virginia.