Things to do in Roanoke

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Roanoke showing street scenes and heritage elements
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Roanoke featuring heritage elements
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

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What to do in Roanoke

Discover the most popular places to visit in Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke is an awesome hangout with some great bars and restaurants

Center in the Square

Find out about the history of Roanoke when you spend time at Center in the Square. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

Center in the Square
Mill Mountain Star which includes outdoor art

Mill Mountain Star

Visit this iconic mountaintop landmark and admire panoramic views over the city of Roanoke. Look up at the symbol from the city at night when it shines bright.

Mill Mountain Star
One of the many trains on display. It's not the best museum by any means but for $8, you can't complain.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke. Attend a sporting event or discover the area's mountain views.

Virginia Museum of Transportation
Lovely entrance to a wonderful museum to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit.

Taubman Museum of Art

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Taubman Museum of Art during your trip to Roanoke. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

Taubman Museum of Art
Mill Mountain Star showing landscape views and a city

Mill Mountain Park

Enjoy the mountain views and explore Mill Mountain Park, a lovely green space in Roanoke. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Mill Mountain Park

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Though Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Roanoke while you are here.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Valley View Mall

During your trip to Roanoke, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Valley View Mall. Attend a sporting event or discover the area's mountain views.

Valley View Mall

Berglund Center

Catch an event at Berglund Center during your trip to Roanoke. Attend a sporting event or discover the area's mountain views.

Berglund Center

Tanglewood Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Tanglewood Mall during your visit to Cave Spring. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Tanglewood Mall

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Roanoke

Roanoke which includes interior views

Downtown Roanoke

While visiting Downtown Roanoke, you might make a stop by sights like Center in the Square and Taubman Museum of Art.

Downtown Roanoke
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Old Southwest

Boasting a mix of architectural styles like Queen Anne and Colonial Revival, this historic district home to Roanoke's first public park, Highland Park, and the Beth Israel Synagogue, with commercial areas concentrated along Franklin Road.

Old Southwest

Popular day trips from Roanoke

Photo by Kaylee Spinhirn

Salem

Photo by Mary Pat Collins

Troutville

Frequently asked questions

Is Roanoke worth visiting?
Roanoke offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Roanoke?
Mill Mountain Zoo and Splash Valley at Green Ridge Recreation Center are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Roanoke while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Roanoke?
You can't go home without visiting Taubman Museum of Art, rated the top tourist attraction in Roanoke.
Is three days enough to stay in Roanoke?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city attractions, including Taubman Museum of Art, Mill Mountain Zoo and Splash Valley at Green Ridge Recreation Center. The average stay in Roanoke is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Salem isn't far away.
Is Roanoke a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Roanoke. Several top sights, like Taubman Museum of Art and Mill Mountain Zoo, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Roanoke's neighborhoods, Old Southwest is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Downtown Roanoke is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Roanoke with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Roanoke with kids.
What to do in Roanoke for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Roanoke for adults including Berglund Center and Civic Center.
Are there free things to do in Roanoke?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Roanoke is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Art Museum of Western Virginia is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.