Are you planning things to do in Roanoke Virginia as part of your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip? Well, you’re in the right spot!
After road-tripping down the East Coast and into Virginia’s Blue Ridge, I’ve put together this guide with what you need to know to explore Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Keep reading to discover why Roanoke is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
12 Fun Things to Do in Roanoke Virginia
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, Roanoke combines local culture, museums, good food, and breweries with easy access to all things outdoors. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail take you into the mountains in minutes whether you want to hike, bike, or go for a scenic drive.
If you’re driving the entire Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia into North Carolina, Roanoke makes the perfect stopping point to stretch your legs and use as a base to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a couple of days, you’re sure to see what makes Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge popular with travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, alike.
1. See the Roanoke Star up close.
When you tell anyone you’re visiting Roanoke who’s familiar with the area, the first thing they say is, you have to go up to the Roanoke Star! Also called the Mill Mountain Star because it sits on top of Mill Mountain in Mill Mountain Park, the star is the symbol of the city and one of the biggest (no pun intended!) Roanoke attractions.
You can drive, hike, or bike up to the Roanoke Star to get a closer look at the landmark made entirely of neon tubing and standing nearly 90 feet tall. This trail map can help you plan your trip if you’d like to hike or bike up Mill Mountain or just explore some of the trails once you’ve driven to the top.
We loved how dog-friendly the area was and even though one of our pups is not as active as she once was, she had fun getting a ride on the trail in her doggie backpack! Overall, you’ll find Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a super pet-friendly destination.
Once you reach the top of Mill Mountain and the Star, you’ll also be rewarded with an impressive view of the city of Roanoke with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop. The area on top of Mill Mountain surrounding the Roanoke Star is also a great public space with the Mill Mountain Zoo for families and plenty of green to enjoy the outdoors all while still being just a few minutes from downtown Roanoke.
If want to see some real magic, make sure to swing by here after sunset! Trust me, it’s a whole different vibe when the Roanoke Star is all lit up. Plus, seeing the city lights of Roanoke is a pretty sight with the sun’s rays disappearing behind the mountains in the background! It’s like the whole place comes alive with a glow.
2. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you’ve flown, taken the train, or arrived in Roanoke from a route other than the Blue Ridge Parkway, rent a car to drive along this scenic byway. At 469 miles long, the Blue Ridge Parkway spans from the southern edge of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Popular spring, summer, and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway is dubbed America’s favorite drive and one of the most visited areas protected by the National Parks Service. Driving through in mid-spring, we got to see the young bright green leaves on the trees and purple and white flowers blooming in the lower elevations and along the river valley.
Roanoke sits in a sweet spot in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, with access points to the Parkway from all corners of the city. The drive is marked by mileposts and the scenic overlooks and stops in between them.
If you’re on a road trip like we were, pack your road trip essentials and plan to pull off into an overlook every couple of miles because of the camera-worthy views, like we did.
A few of our favorite spots were Pine Tree Overlook in between milepost 95 and 96, the Roanoke River Gorge just near milepost 115, and Cahas Mountain Overlook a bit further south near milepost 139.
ProTip: If you need to rent a car for the Blue Ridge Parkway, search for rental cars on Kayak. I always start my rental car searches with them because they search multiple sites at once. This makes it so easy to compare prices and choose the best deal.
3. Go Hiking in Roanoke.
For nature lovers and adventurers, a trip to Roanoke isn’t complete without diving into Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, where you’ll find plenty of entry points to the legendary Appalachian Trail. And if you’re up for an adventure, prepare to conquer the Triple Crown– a trio of must-do hikes along this iconic trail: McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Roanoke, you’ll find the trailhead to McAfee Knob otherwise known as one of the “most photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail” and one of the best hikes in all of the United States. Its iconic rocky ledge overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains offers spectacular panoramic views.
The hike is medium to difficult because it climbs steadily in elevation. Round trip on the trail is roughly 8 miles and should take about 4-5 hours, especially when you factor in time to take photos or stop for a bite.
The trail is popular, particularly in the peak fall season because of the fantastic foliage. Start your hike early to avoid the biggest crowds and to have an easier time finding parking in the lot. Best of all the trail is dog-friendly so if you’re in Roanoke with your fur babies like I was, it’s no problem to take them along.
If you’re up for a tougher hike, the Dragon’s Tooth is the perfect trail for you. The initial leg of the hike is mostly dirt with a sprinkling of rocky patches along the stream.
Once you hit that 1-mile mark, get ready for some serious scrambling over rocky steps and steep boulder crossings. But don’t fret – the payoff at the summit is unbeatable: a 360-degree panorama of the majestic Appalachian mountains.
Tinker Cliffs is the final leg of the Triple Crown. This hike is medium to difficult with its fair share of steep ascents. It kicks off with a stroll through farm fields and level terrain before the climb starts to ramp up. Midway through the hike, you’ll catch a breather on a plateau before tackling the final push to the cliffs. Once you crest that summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valleys below.
When it comes to choosing which trail to tackle, it ultimately boils down to your appetite for adventure and your hiking capacity. McAfee’s Knob is the most popular of the 3 hikes. But no matter what, always remember to respect your own hiking abilities.
4. Mountain Bike in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Did you know Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the Mountain Biking Capital of the east coast? It’s named an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center for mountain biking! There are more than 400 miles of biking trails in the Roanoke area including the popular Carvins Cove and Explore and Mill Mountain Parks.
If you’ve traveled light, mountain bikes and gear are available to rent and buy from shops throughout the Roanoke area. Not to mention, the pros in the shops can make recommendations about trails and give advice no matter if you’re an experienced mountain biker or have only been out riding a handful of times.
Looking to make a day of it? Kick things off with some trails at Mill Mountain in the morning. Then, refuel with a satisfying lunch in town before gearing up for your next biking adventure.
Next stop: Carvins Cove. Choose your starting point wisely based on your skill level. If you’re up for a challenge, head to Timberview for some advanced trails. But if you prefer something more moderate, Bennett Springs is your go-to spot for a more relaxed ride.
If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands while in Roanoke, consider swinging by Explore Park for a change of scenery. While it might be smaller than the other parks, it’s worth a visit if you want to squeeze in some additional biking time.
5. Savor a breakfast sandwich from Scratch Biscuit.
Being from the northeastern corner of the U.S., I’m hardly a connoisseur of the classic southern biscuit. What I do know is a delicious breakfast sandwich when I taste one! My only regret is ordering just one.
Scratch Biscuit is full of the friendly local vibe you’ll feel all over Roanoke. Not to mention, a packed restaurant full of locals eating is always a sure sign you’ve stumbled on something special.
Serving up breakfast sandwiches on a biscuit with eggs, cheese, and meat, Scratch Biscuit might just be the best made-to-order southern biscuit sandwich you’ve ever eaten.
6. Find treasures at Black Dog Salvage.
Whether you were a fan of the show Salvage Dawgs or not, this is a must-stop in Roanoke. Black Dog Salvage is an architectural salvage paradise! The 40k(!) square foot warehouse is covered wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor with antiques from decades past, all restored to complete your home design vision with one-of-a-kind vintage gems.
We spent nearly an hour walking through the store (with our pups who were showered with love from the staff!) trying to figure out how we could make room in our car for everything from gorgeous stained glass windows to cleverly repurposed lockers perfect for an entryway or mudroom.
And even if you’re someone who prefers a modern look, you’re guaranteed a walk through the past and a history lesson with the scope of artifacts easily spanning at least 100 years. Your list of what to do in Roanoke, VA must include a stop at Black Dog Salvage!
ProTip: The Roanoke region has one of the best clusters of antique shops I’ve ever seen. It’s a true antiquing destination! In addition to Black Dog Salvage, you’ll find shops in downtown Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Floyd, and Rocky Mount.
7. Embrace the outdoors along the Roanoke Valley Greenways.
Nothing embodies Roanoke’s outdoor lifestyle like its 30+ miles of greenway paths connecting the city with the mountains and nature right at its doorstep.
Used for walking, running, biking, and even in some cases, canoeing, visitors can easily combine active outdoor fun and nature while still staying in and around all the city has to offer. There are Greenway paths along the Roanoke River and even connecting to the trails leading up to Mill Mountain.
The greenways are pet-friendly, too, which is great for travelers on an East Coast road trip with their fur babies like I was! Choose a Greenway through city parks, wooded areas, along the river, or even in neighborhoods around the city to explore Roanoke from all angles and with all members of the family.
8. Taste local brews on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail.
Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge are home to many breweries, wineries, and craft spirit tasting rooms.
You can be in a revitalized neighborhood sipping on a local brew inside a renovated industrial space. Or outside of town, tasting a freshly brewed beverage while sitting on a terrace with views of the hills and beyond. You choose.
Or better yet, make some time to visit a few of them by following Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail to explore the craft flavors locally produced in the Roanoke area.
Big Lick Brewery right in Roanoke is a popular spot to sit out or in…even if you’re traveling with your dog! It’s not often that we can sit indoors with our pups while out for drinks or food so we greatly appreciated Big Lick’s dog-friendly policy.
I’m a big fan of red ales and lagers. Big Lick Brewery didn’t disappoint! We also took advantage of the restaurants nearby to order some food for delivery right to our table at the Brewery. Of course, we also stopped at Unleashed Dog Bakery & Boutique in downtown Roanoke for a few pup snacks, too, before heading to the brewery!
9. Shop and eat at the Historic Roanoke City Market.
The Historic Roanoke City Market has been operating since 1882, making it the oldest market of its kind in the entire state of Virginia. Farmers and vendors set up every day to sell their locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, preserved foods, and crafts at the outdoor stalls in downtown Market Square.
The farmers market in the heart of Roanoke’s Market District is an institution unto itself. When you stroll, shop, and eat here, you’re not only getting deliciously fresh food and artisan goods but also a first-hand feel for the city and the surrounding area. Whether you’re chatting with a farmer or planning your own farm-to-table dinner, you’re taking part in the culture and traditions of Virginia’s Blue Ridge that have gone on for hundreds of years.
We spent about an hour and a half walking through the market and the surrounding city blocks which are home to delicious eateries and boutiques. We came away with some fresh fruit for the road, some baked goods, and a hearty breakfast from Scrambled located inside the City Market Building just across from the open-air market.
10. Visit one of the museums in Roanoke Virginia.
Downtown Roanoke has several museums to learn about local history and culture or even just to take a break from the endless outdoor activities in the area.
The O. Winston Link Museum is located in the same building as the Virginia Blue Ridge Visitor’s Center and next to Roanoke’s train station. To be honest, I’d never heard of O. Winston Link and was curious about who he was and why the city had a museum in his honor. Plus, I like to visit unique museums that can only be visited in a particular destination so this fit the bill perfectly!
The museum tells the story of his life and works as a photographer, who dedicated time documenting steam engine trains, the people and cargo who worked and rode on them, and what the industry did for Roanoke and the region.
The photography is also a testament to his skills as a photographer! I couldn’t believe the preparation he needed to undergo to take night train shots. He mapped out the location and positioned hundreds of flashbulbs to capture the moment at the exact time a steam engine train passed with no margin for error.
When the moment was right, he captured his photo hoping all the work he had put into setting up his shot paid off. Completely the opposite of today’s digital photographers who can take multiple shots in a blink without worry!
There are several other Roanoke museums to consider depending on your interests.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
This museum complements the O. Winston Link Museum with actual steam trains and other locomotives on display, in addition to a fantastic classic cars exhibit. You can really grasp the history of the subjects he was trying to capture, as well as how important the industry was to the Roanoke area.
Taubman Museum of Art
This art museum has over 2,000 works in its collection, including creations by local Roanoke artists and famous American artists like Thomas Cowperthwaite. In addition, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions of the works of various artists.
Roanoke Pinball Museum
If you’re up for a nostalgic experience, visit the Pinball Museum located at the heart of downtown! For just a fixed price, you get unlimited access to dozens of retro pinball machines from the 1930s. And that’s not all – they also have slightly newer machines, classic arcade games like Pac-Man, and even a Nintendo Switch setup.
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
This museum is located in City Square and is dedicated to showcasing the culture, arts, and history of African-American citizens. While admission to the museum is free, donations are greatly appreciated to support its mission.
Science Museum of Western Virginia
For families traveling with kids, the Science Museum in downtown offers a fun, immersive experience. Catch a mesmerizing astronomical show at the planetarium, and don’t forget to visit the parakeet garden, where you can get up close and personal with up to 250 parakeets.
11. Visit Grandin Village in Roanoke.
Whenever I visit a new city, I always set aside some time to explore different neighborhoods to get a taste of local life. That’s how I find hidden gems – from quirky specialty stores and antique shops to cozy cafes, and even those small art galleries.
That’s how I stumbled upon Grandin Village and then learned it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Unfortunately, we were dealing with some rain when we were here and it was impossible to get a good photo.) This vibrant village only 2 miles from the heart of downtown Roanoke is lined with boutiques, restaurants, a weekend farmer’s market, and a historic movie theater.
The village always has something happening, too, from outdoor live music gigs to special events. You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering around, soaking up the local vibe of Grandin Village and discovering all it has to offer.
12. Take a Roanoke Day Trip to George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
The George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is about 1 hour from the downtown area of Roanoke. It’s a combination of 2 separate national forests, the George Washington National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest that were joined in 1995 and remain in the care of the National Forest System.
With over 2,000 miles of trails leading to fountains, streams, woodlands, and scenic campgrounds, you’ll have plenty of outdoor recreation options to spend your day. Among these trails, you’ll inevitably land on the Appalachian Trail. Hundreds of miles of the famous path wind through the National Forest.
No matter what type of outdoor enthusiast you are, you can easily fill a day by hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, swimming, or simply picnicking for a fun day trip surrounded by nature.
Where to Stay in Roanoke
From the historic Hotel Roanoke to the family-friendly Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown, there are plenty of hotels in Roanoke for all types of travelers and budgets.
We had a comfortable stay at the Home2 Suites by Hilton. The hotel is pet-friendly, which was a must since we were road-tripping with our fur babies. We loved the spacious apartment-style layout of the room with sleeping and living areas, as well as a kitchenette complete with a full refrigerator. We easily stored and prepared snacks and meals for both people and pets.
The hotel also has free breakfast, an outdoor grassy space to walk your dog, a pool, and an exercise room. Even better, if you’re a Hilton Honors member, you can earn Hilton points or redeem points for your stay.
Directions to Roanoke Virginia
We began our road trip from the northeast and made a few Virginia stops, including Alexandria just outside of Washington, D.C. and Shenandoah National Park.
From the southernmost point of Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Milepost 120 and go in the direction of Mill Mountain. From this point, you are just a few miles from downtown Roanoke.
In total, the drive will from the end of Skyline Drive to Roanoake along the Blue Ridge Parkway will take about 90 minutes. But factor in some additional time if you plan to stop and take photos.
Ready to Explore Roanoke, Virginia?
Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of mountain landscapes and a bustling urban hub.
Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures like hiking along the Appalachian Trail or prefer to immerse yourself in the city’s antiquing and craft beverage scene, Roanoke is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable place to visit!
So, which things to do in Roanoke, VA would you like to do?
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