Craving Blue Ridge beauty, mountain trails, and cultural charm? Head to Roanoke, Virginia! Nestled in a scenic valley, Roanoke is a dynamic city filled with outdoor adventure, vibrant arts, and rich railroad history. Whether you're hiking the Appalachian Trail, browsing museums, or enjoying craft brews, Roanoke blends nature and culture in the heart of Virginia’s mountains.
Roanoke, VA Highlights:
- Snap a photo at the Roanoke Star: Climb Mill Mountain for views of the city and its iconic neon-lit landmark.
- Explore the Taubman Museum of Art: Enjoy bold architecture and a diverse collection of American and regional art.
- Wander through the Historic Roanoke City Market: Shop local produce, crafts, and grab tasty bites in a vibrant downtown setting.
- Learn at the Virginia Museum of Transportation: Discover rail history with massive locomotives, vintage cars, and aviation exhibits.
- Hike or bike the Blue Ridge Parkway: Access incredible mountain views and trails just minutes from downtown.
Best Time to Visit Roanoke, VA
The best time to visit Roanoke is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–November). Enjoy mild weather, blooming trails or colorful foliage, and a lineup of seasonal festivals and outdoor events.
How to Get to Roanoke, VA
- If you are traveling by car: Roanoke is accessible via I-81 and US-220, located about 3.5 hours from Washington, D.C., and 2.5 hours from Charlotte, NC.
- By Air: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) offers regional flights through several major airlines.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line connects Roanoke to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City.
Where to Stay in Roanoke, VA
- Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center – If you want historic elegance with modern comfort, walkable to downtown and the Amtrak station.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown – Centrally located with easy access to the market, dining, and museums.
- Black Lantern Inn – A cozy, charming B&B perfect for a romantic escape or mountain getaway vibe.
Best Things to Do in Roanoke, VA
1. Taubman Museum of Art
Rating: ★★★★★
The Taubman Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in downtown Roanoke. The museum building is a significant feature of the city skyline, and the uniquely modern façade, built in 2005, is a Roanoke attraction in and of itself.
The museum’s mission is to provide art to the community in order to encourage and foster discovery, learning, and enjoyment.
The museum features primarily American artists, including a large collection of local pieces specific to West Virginia and the Appalachian region.
Featured artists include Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, and Winslow Homer. Throughout the year, the museum hosts several events, workshops, and family and children centered attractions. More info
110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, Virginia, Phone: 540-342-5760
2. Roanoke Valley Greenways
Roanoke Valley Greenways is a network of trails through urban green space located throughout of the city. Within the Greenway’s space, nearly 26 miles of various trails are available for biking, walking, and cycling.
The trails converge throughout important landmarks in the city, including Mill Mountain, Carvins Cove, and Read Mountain, offering trekkers the opportunity to extend their outdoor time and engage in further vigorous activities. The paths vary based on location, but are primarily gravel or pavement.
Some paths may be wheelchair accessible, but others might be more challenging. If you are wondering what to do in Roanoke with kids, this is a great place to visit.
3. Mill Mountain Star and Park
The city of Roanoke sits at the base of the majestic Mill Mountain, home to Mill Mountain Star and Park. This nearly 600-acre wilderness park is open to the public for a variety of recreational activities. The park is home to two scenic overlooks with views of the surrounding landscapes, and it also features the Discovery Center, Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, a playground, the Mill Mountain Zoo, 10 miles of trails, picnic areas, and general usable green space.
The park is also home to the notable Roanoke Star, a nearly 90 foot tall landmark that lights up the mountainside overlooking downtown. Built in the 1950s, the star was originally a Christmas decoration that is now a permanent fixture with special red, white and blue lighting. It is used during significant holidays or commemorations.
4. Virginia Museum of Transportation
The Virginia Museum of Transportation highlights the history and significance of the development of transportation technology.
The museum features several permanent galleries with both interpretive and interactive educational features. The oldest gallery is the automobile gallery, which is entitled From Mud to Mobility: A History of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Interestingly, this gallery features a dirt-painted floor to give a fully immersive experience.
A railroad exhibit features five subsections detailing local and regional use and development while an aviation gallery demonstrates both historical and modern aircraft, including an authentic, historical hot air balloon, a gyrocopter, a hang glider, and two airplanes.
303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, Phone: 540-342-5670
5. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve covers over 12,000 acres, making it the second-largest municipal park in the country. The reserve is located just 8 miles from Roanoke, where it offers a treasure trove of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, horse-back riding and mountain biking. The reserve borders a 14 mile stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail and boasts more than 60 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The 600 acre reservoir is ideal for boating – you can use the boat ramp at the marina, where you will also find picnic tables, boat rentals and more. Paddle boats, row boats and kayak rentals are available on site.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, 3644 Reservoir Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019, 540-853-2236
6. O. Winston Link Museum
The O. Winston Link Museum highlights the story and work of the 20th century American photographer, O. Winston Link. Link is widely known for his artistic niche in railroad photography. Located in downtown Roanoke, the museum itself is housed the historic Norfolk & Western railway station, a restored passenger train station. Inside, a gallery containing a collection of hundreds of prints, photographs, and displays showcases Link’s work, which is primarily printed in large scale, black and white formatting.
Alongside the photographs, the museum illustrates the stories of the subjects, which range from rural families to famous train rides. Throughout the museum, interactive and interpretive displays provide information on the artist’s background and history, including his early life, career, and success.
101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, Virginia, Phone: 540-982-5465
7. Roanoke Food Tours
Inspired by local foodies, Roanoke Food Tours provides visitors with an outlet to explore everything the Roanoke food scene has to offer while learning about the city’s rich cultural history. Roanoke Food Tours is centered on what it considers to be some of the most distinct and notable food in the city, and it simultaneously highlights the historical and cultural facts that make the city unique.
The 3-hour walking tour provides anecdotes and stories referencing the city’s past while passing by significant city landmarks. The tour visits a variety of local eateries, focusing on notable, original, and historical contributions to the city’s food scene, and tasting samples are provided at every stop. The departing location varies based on the tour, and transportation to and from the tour may be available depending on the location.
Phone: 540-309-1781
8. Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium
The Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium is a large educational complex in Roanoke. Open throughout the year as an educational post and local attraction, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to engage with science and learning through interactive and engaging activities.
The Science Museum hosts a variety of permanent exhibits that touch on topics like the Earth, the human body, the development and utilization of steel, science labs, and more.
A center specifically for young children is available for kids under five, and a butterfly garden hosts an annual event in which visitors can engage with live butterfly species. The planetarium hosts daily educational programs specifically on space, stars, and space travel.
1 Market Square SE #4, Roanoke, Virginia, Phone: 540-342-5710
9. Roanoke Mountain Adventures
The only full service outdoor sports outfitter in the city, Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers tours, guides, transportation, and more for a variety of outdoor pursuits. The activities available range by season but can include kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, cycling, paddle boarding, and more.
The company offers both group and custom trip options, allowing visitors to personalize their experience as needed. Mountain Adventures provides necessary equipment to renters along with instruction on usage and round trip transportation. If the trip is guided, they also provide expert recommendations throughout the activity.
Roanoke Mountain Adventures is dedicated to helping the community enjoy the outdoors and become acquainted with the region’s beautiful landscape and recreational opportunities.
806 Wasena Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia, Phone: 540-525-8295
10. Center in the Square
Center in the Square is a community-based regional arts and cultural organization located in the center of downtown Roanoke. The Center is an expansive campus of various attractions, including an aquarium, five museums, and a live performance theatre company, The Mill Mountain Theatre, which features acting, dance, and opera performances throughout the year.
The Center offers a variety of historical and museum based attractions, including an African American culture museum, a West Virginia history museum, the Roanoke Pinball Museum, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. The aquarium features a living coral reef exhibit, a seahorse and jellyfish exhibit, a fresh water exhibit, and a turtles of Virginia fresh water exhibit.
1 Market St SE, Roanoke, Virginia, Phone: 540-342-5700
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