About this tour
When Noah from our team rode through Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond on a Segway, it was a surprisingly smooth way to cover one of America's most-visited gravesites. The 2-hour tour glides you past the graves of US presidents and Confederate generals while you're treated to proper views across the James River and the city skyline. It's an unusual angle on American history — part sightseeing, part quirky transport — and the pace lets you actually absorb the stories without the huff of a walking tour.
Highlights
- Effortless views of Richmond and the James River from elevated vantage points.
- Segway handles the hilly terrain so you see more without leg fatigue.
- Second-most visited cemetery in the US — presidents and historical figures throughout.
- Guided commentary covers Civil War history and local lore without feeling like a lecture.
- Relaxed enough for most fitness levels, genuinely fun experience.
- Beautiful manicured grounds, peaceful despite being a major tourist stop.
- Compact 2-hour slot means you're not locked in for a full day.
What to expect
You'll meet 30 minutes early for a safety and balance briefing — Segways look daunting but become intuitive within minutes. Noah found the initial 5–10 minutes crucial for getting comfortable with the lean-and-go mechanics, then the rest clicked. The cemetery is hilly, but the Segway does the work; you're gliding rather than trudging. Your guide threads you through sections telling you who's buried where and why they mattered, with stops for photos and explanation. The river views genuinely are striking, and the whole place has that hushed, well-maintained feel of a major historical site.
Pacing-wise, it flows naturally — not rushed, not dawdling. You'll cover areas on foot for a few minutes here and there, mostly around monuments and graves where Segway-ing would feel disrespectful. Noah noted the mix of visitors: history buffs, families, tourists after something different. Nobody felt crowded even though it's popular.
Good to know
If you want Richmond's history delivered without sore feet, this works. The Segway angle isn't gimmicky — it genuinely lets you see more ground and admire views you'd miss trudging uphill. Suits most ages and fitness levels (minimum 14 years). Pregnant travellers should skip it. Service animals are welcome, though Segway-wise they'll need to walk separately.
You need a baseline sense of balance; anyone unsteady on their feet might struggle despite the safety training. Weather matters — rain makes the paths slick and the experience miserable. Summer heat in Richmond can be intense. No hotel pickup included, so transport to/from is on you; public transit is nearby though. It's a cemetery, so the mood is respectful but never gloomy — just set expectations accordingly.
Arrive 30 mins early. Casual dress fine, but wear sturdy shoes. All taxes and fees are included. Group size varies. Book ahead — it fills up. Peak times are likely spring and autumn.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.