25 of the BEST things to do in Roanoke, Virginia
By Anne Weber + Genya Kalinina
Roanokers know that Star City is a special place, filled with outdoor adventures, foodie forays, and plenty of small-town charm. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here all your life, there’s a fun activity for every interest, age, and ability. Keep reading for some of the top things to do in Roanoke, Virginia (in no specific order).
Outdoors + Nature
1. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
With eight different entry points throughout the Roanoke region, it’s easy to find your way onto the world-famous road spanning 469 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of our favorite stops is the Great Valley Overlook, located at milepost 99.6. Here, you can catch amazing views without needing to hike. See more places we’d stop.
2. Hit the greenway
The Roanoke River Greenway, which is part of the Roanoke Valley Greenway System, is a 10-mile stretch of paved trail weaving through the city adjacent to the Roanoke River. There are multiple trailheads so it’s easy to hop on and off the pedestrian- and biker-friendly trail. Some of our favorite stops are Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. and The Green Goat. If you’re looking to cycle the trail or float down the river, Roanoke Mountain Adventures rents tubes, bikes, and more.
Did you hike McAfee Knob if you didn't get a picture at the peak?
3. Take a picture on McAfee Knob
This bucket-list hike is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Although the parking lot usually fills up quickly (it’s currently closed due to the construction of a new pedestrian bridge), visitors can grab the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for $10 round-trip. The 7.8-mile out-and-back trek is worth the view.
4. Hike around Read Mountain Preserve
Read Mountain is visible from most parts of Roanoke and is accessible from Read Mountain Preserve, a 243-acre park with 4.5 miles of natural surface trails. We especially enjoy the Loop hike (4.1 miles) at sunset; there’s a conveniently-situated bench on Buzzards Rock with a great view. The preserve is also a great spot for a picnic with its shelter, tables, and grassy areas at the trailhead.
5. Expand your horizons during GoFest
This annual festival celebrates all things outdoors every third weekend in October. Held in downtown Roanoke, GoFest features shows (including film festivals, Lumberjack demonstrations, BMX stunts, and live music), interactive demonstrations (like rock climbing and kayaking), races, vendors, and more.
6. Hike Virginia’s Triple Crown
Calling all experienced hikers. This 34.5-mile loop connects three of Virginia’s most iconic trails: McAfee Knob (7.8 miles), Tinker Cliffs (7.3 miles), and Dragon’s Tooth (4.6 miles). It’s possible to complete the trek in one day, but many people choose to backpack and camp along the Appalachian Trail over a few days. If you’re not super into a multi-day adventure, each hike has its own trailhead and can be completed on its own.
Natural Bridge State Park is an easy and fun day trip with nearby shops in Lexington, Virginia.
7. Walk under Natural Bridge
This natural wonder sits in the center of Natural Bridge State Park, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1988. The 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge sits in a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek, and is an excellent photo op (no hiking required).
8. Catch a sunrise at Peaks of Otter
Just under an hour from downtown is the Peaks of Otter, a group of three summits around Abbott Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For a leisurely stroll, there’s a one-mile paved trail around the lake that’s ADA accessible. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, we highly recommend the Sharp Top Trail. The 3-mile trek is challenging, but the panoramic views are worth it (especially at sunrise and sunset). If you want to spend the night, check out the lakeside Peaks of Otter Lodge.
9. Explore Carvins Cove
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve has a 630-acre reservoir surrounded by 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding among its 12,000 acres of hardwood and mixed pine forests. The reservoir is perfect for activities like kayaking (you can rent one from the boat landing), stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing, but swimming is prohibited. Why? The reservoir’s water is filtered for drinking water. Note: All visitors must pay to park.
Cascade Falls is a sight to behold in all seasons.
10. Chase local waterfalls
Cool off at one of the region's beautiful waterfalls, like Roaring Run Falls (1.7-mile trail) or Bottom Creek Gorge (4.7-mile trail; one of Virginia’s tallest waterfalls). One of our very favorites is Cascade Falls (3.7-mile trail) — it’s beautiful in summer when the water is rushing and the pool is the perfect temperature for swimming. It’s also gorgeous in the winter, when the flow is frozen into cascading icicles.
11. Spend the day (or night) in Explore Park
From hiking and mountain biking trails to aerial obstacle courses and camping (we’re a fan of the cabins), Explore Park has an adventure for everyone on its many acres. Plus, a trip isn’t complete without a burger and brew at Twin Creeks.
12. See exotic animals on a mountain
Situated near the top of Mill Mountain is the Mill Mountain Zoo — one of our favorite hidden gems in the region. The non-profit conservation zoo is a refuge to animals that are critically endangered, vulnerable, or otherwise non-releasable due to injury or captive birth. Who would have thought a red panda or snow leopard would be our neighbors?
Local neighborhoods
Grandin Theatre is located in Roanoke's historic Grandin Village.
Lunch, brunch, or dinner at Crystal Spring Grocery is a must. Ask about the Chicken Sandwich Club.
13. Discover Crystal Spring
This beautiful, tree-shaded neighborhood is a foodie’s haven. Get caffeinated at Sweet Donkey Coffee House; pick up fresh and local meats from Yard Bull Meats, Roanoke’s only whole animal butcher; indulge in lunch or brunch and shop gourmet food, wine, and local specialties from Crystal Spring Grocery Co.; and savor a delicious dinner at the award-winning restaurant, The River and Rail.
14. Walk in Wasena
Conveniently located near the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena is a walkable neighborhood filled with good eats (we love Bloom for date night, Wasena City Tap Room for trivia and brews, and Hang 10 for Hawaiian ice and hot dogs) and fun activities, like indoor rock climbing at River Rock and easy river access.
15. Admire architecture in Old Southwest
This historic neighborhood is home to elegant and beautifully-detailed houses that date back centuries. No two structures are alike, and no single architectural style dominates. Every December, a handful of residents open their homes for the Parlor Tour of Homes to showcase their unique houses and holiday decor. Hungry? Try Evie’s Bistro & Bakery for delicious eats (a slice of cake is a must) and The Albemarle for coffee and pastries.
16. Wander around Grandin Village
This charming, historic neighborhood near downtown is home to must-visit spots like the Grandin Theatre, Cardinal Bicycle, and New To Me Consignment. Some of our favorite eats include Falafel House, Pop’s Ice Cream & Soda Bar, and Scratch Biscuit Company. Check the calendar for the Farmers Market on select Saturdays + Grandin Chillage, a street festival featuring live music, vendors, food, and drinks.
Arts, Culture & Sports
17. Hunt for treasures at Black Dog Salvage
Yes, you may have seen this icon on TV. From architectural salvage and home decor to local art and consignment, you never know what you may find in this 40,000-sqft treasure trove. They even have an outdoor music venue + makers market on Sundays. Need a place to stay? Check out The Stone House, Black Dog’s fully renovated, upscale guest house located adjacent to the shop.
18. See a show at The Grandin Theatre
This historic theater and Roanoke landmark shows new and throwback movies on the big screen, and also hosts live music concerts on its stage. If you want your film to be a surprise, check out Star City Secret Cinema.
The elevaTOURS Elevator Museum is a fun place to learn something new.
19. Learn something new
Roanoke is full of history and culture, which is reflected in its many museums. A few of our favorites include the Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, and elevaTOURS Elevator Museum.
20. Spend an afternoon at Center in the Square
What isn’t in Center in the Square? If you’re looking for lots to do in one place, head to the heart of downtown to see a performance at the Mill Mountain Theatre, play around at the Roanoke Pinball Museum, bring the little ones to explore Kids Square Children’s Museum, and drink a cocktail with a view at rooftop restaurant and bar Six and Sky. Pro tip: It’s free to visit the rooftop, which is open to the public and great for photos.
Going out to a game is one of our favorite pastimes — we're lucky to have the Salem Red Sox.
21. Get sporty with the pros
The Roanoke region is home to the Salem Red Sox, a Minor League Baseball Team, and the Rail Yard Dawgs, a Minor League Hockey Team. Be on the lookout for special events, including fireworks, Bark in the Park, and jersey auctions.
22. Go behind the scenes with local artists
Every last weekend in April, local artists invite the public into their studios (many of which are in their homes) to get an inside look at their creative process during the annual Open Studios Tour. From sculpture and painting to jewelry and photography, the talent stemming from our region is incredible.
Just Roanoke things
The Roanoke Star is pretty hard to miss.
23. Visit the Roanoke Star
Perched on top of Mill Mountain is the Roanoke Star, the largest, free-standing, man-made illuminated star in the world. You can hike to it (3.7 miles) from the base of the mountain, or drive right up to its scenic overlook.
Celebrating at the Rockledge Mansion is always a memorable time.
24. Attend an event at Rockledge
The Rockledge on Mill Mountain is nearly as visible as the Roanoke Star. Makes sense, because it's located right under it on a literal rock ledge. Although the private residence is not open to the public, it hosts a number of events, such as the annual Hello Roanoke fundraiser, “A Night to Say Hello to Roanoke.” Stay tuned for next year’s date.
25. Grab a burger at an obscure hour
It doesn’t matter what time your craving hits; this historic gem is open 24/7. Texas Tavern was founded in 1930 and has been serving its “World Famous Chile,” hamburgers, hot dogs, and more in its 10-stool location on West Church Avenue ever since. Be sure to hit the ATM, because it’s cash only.
Anne Weber, originally from Annapolis, MD, is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. She works full-time at 6AM City as a Campaign Strategist and has contributed to publications including Garden & Gun, Washingtonian, and The Roanoker. When Anne’s not writing, she’s most likely hiking, cooking a new dish, filming content with Hello Roanoke, or practicing hot yoga.
Genya Kalinina is a content creator and the founder of Hello Roanoke, where she shares her passion for highlighting the people and places that make Roanoke stand out. You’ll probably find her exploring a new outdoor adventure, trying a tucked-away restaurant, or browsing through a local shop.
