FAQs & What To Expect
We've got answers to all of your questions. Come join us!
We believe in creating a welcoming space where everyone can embrace wellness – whether you’ve never had a communal sauna experience before, or you’ve been part of the community for years!
Read on below to find answers to things such as what to expect, what to bring, and general answers to common questions and concerns.
Don’t see the answer to your question? Call us at (804) 433-9533, or email us at contact@rivercitysaunaco.com.
What To Expect
From parking to how your session will end, read on to learn what to expect from the River City Sauna experience! Click here if you just need to know what to bring, or have other general questions.
There is a free lot here at 4009 MacArthur Ave. Richmond VA, 23227. Free street parking is also available on MacArthur Ave. and the surrounding neighborhood.
You will see us in the back lot of Once Upon A Vine. Carefully read and sign your waiver. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to fully enjoy your chosen session. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time. Check-in will ensure that the waiver and payment are complete.
Storage cubes are available. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CELL PHONE USE OR PICTURES ARE PERMITTED DURING SAUNA SESSIONS TO PROTECT PRIVACY AND TO ENSURE ENJOYMENT OF THE COMMUNAL EXPERIENCE.
THE SAUNA IS A SHARED SPACE WITH UP TO 11 PEOPLE. Before entering the sauna, remove footwear and clean your feet in the water basin next to the door. Enter the sauna in your swimwear and bring your towel to sit on. For hygiene, place your towel on the bench beneath you. The sauna can reach up to 180°F, so your time inside should not exceed 15 minutes. Gradually warm up and enjoy the sweat! If you feel unwell at any time, step out and sit down.
- Cool Down: Exit the sauna and relax for roughly the same amount of time you spent inside. Depending on the weather and location, cold water bucket showers may be available.
- Rehydrate & Relax: Drink plenty of water before entering the sauna and during your cool-down cycles.
- Repeat: Enjoy the sauna cycle of Heat Up, Cool Down, Rehydrate & Relax, Repeat!
Your sauna guide will announce when 10 minutes remain. Continue to hydrate and make sure to collect all of your belongings. Leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
What To Bring
Make sure you bring these items for the best River City Sauna experience possible! Click here to learn what to expect, and for all other general questions, click here.
A small changing tent is available, but it's best to arrive in your swimsuit with layers of clothes to remove upon arrival. Swimwear is required in the sauna. No nudity in the sauna or on-site.
One for sitting on while inside the sauna, and one to keep outside for drying off.
You may wish to bring a robe to wear between sauna rounds.
While walking outside of the sauna, footwear is required at all times.
We highly recommend drinking a full bottle of water before entering the sauna, a second bottle of water during your 1.5-hour sauna cycle, and a third bottle of water on your way home.
We recommend having a light meal 3-4 hours before your sauna session. Consuming large meals before or during your session may detract from your experience. We do not sell snacks, but you may bring your own if you'd like. Listen to your body. You know it best!
General FAQs
Still have questions that aren’t answered above? You’re in luck – we have the answers! If you just want to know what to expect, click here. Just need to know what to bring? Click here.
Drink plenty of water before showing up. You will be sweating a lot and need to be hydrated. Do not eat large amounts before coming – it’s kind of like exercising on a full stomach. Please bring a full water bottle with you.
At booking, you will get a list of what to bring and what NOT to bring. All are common items you should already have.
Swimwear is required to enter the sauna. You may also wrap a towel over your swimwear if you wish. Swimwear must be worn outside of the sauna at all times. Nudity is not permitted.
While walking to the sauna from parking, wear whatever you like. Upon arrival you will be required to wear flip flops, crocs, or sandals around the site. Immediately before entering the sauna, please remove your footwear.
We suggest using the restroom before your visit, but we do have a private porta potty on site.
Depending on the weather, we may have a "bucket shower" available for the cool down process. We do not, however, have shower stalls or running water for bathing.
We suggest arriving in your swimwear with layers of comfortable clothing that you can remove when you arrive. However, we do have a small changing tent available.
Yes, all sessions will be co-ed unless otherwise stated at the time of booking.
The sauna is for ages 18+ and over. At this time, children are not permitted on site. Sorry, parents! Please leave the kiddos with loved ones.
You should consult your physician and discuss your particular risk factors prior to entering the sauna. There are many research papers, podcasts, and documentaries that highlight the many benefits – far too many to list here. At our sauna, we focus on the benefits one feels by being in a novel communal setting while making new friends or reconnecting with old, not to mention the little break you get from your electronics.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.