Things to do & places to visit in Roanoke, Virginia, United States

A 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around welcomes you to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your weekend getaway to this city rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theatre or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony. Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. There's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia city.

Roanoke city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 3:42.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Roanoke Food Tours (265 reviews)
- Fantastic time with Lynne
Thursday: Walking Tours • Beer Tastings & Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings

Lynne our tour guide was by far the best part of the whole experience. She is full of knowledge and clearly has a passion for what she does that makes the tour that much more enjoyable. The stops along the way, the history lesson, and the food were all amazing. The entire experience is well worth it. @lifeworthtrekking See more..
4.5 Mill Mountain Star & Park (1.295 reviews)
- Worth the Drive Up for the View
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo. See more..
4.5 Virginia Museum of Transportation (706 reviews)
- Historic collection of cars, trucks, rail, bus, planes and ships.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Antique automobiles and trucks, electric and deisel locomotives, and vintage steam, are all part of the nostalgic show at this historic freight station that doubles as a museum . See more..
4.5 Black Dog Salvage (601 reviews)
- " Great anniversary shopping trip!!"
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops

We are the home of DIY Network's "Salvage Dawgs" - episodes available on Amazon, Discovery Plus, iTunes, YouTubeTV, and streaming devices. Our inventory changes daily! We now have two warehouses located in Roanoke, Virginia. Discover architectural salvage, old house parts, custom upcycled designs, reproduction garden statuary, furniture paint, salvage inspired furniture, and decor in our main showroom. Curated regional artisans and vendors also add a constantly changing mix of new, vintage, and antique home decor. Shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, apparel, dog gear, and our expanded gourmet Market collection. Visit our nearby salvage warehouse for new arrivals and antique lumber. Explore outside for antique wrought iron, clawfoot tubs, and amazing art inspiration! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Work with our custom design team to create your vision! Staying in Roanoke? Inquire about The Stone House, our 1911 historic vacation rental property located next door. See more..
4.5 O. Winston Link Museum (301 reviews)
- Surprising amount of detail in a very small space
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Since we were in Roanoke for a few days, decided to purchase the joint ticket for the Transportation and O. Winston Link Museums. The photos were beautiful and there is a 30 minute film covering his photos, process and life. Note the film starts every hour on the hour if you go as the entire visit is not much longer than 1 .5 hours. It is well worth the visit and the joint ticket is a saving. See more..
4.5 Center in the Square (224 reviews)
- Something for everyone
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Adjacent to Market Square and the City Market, Center in the Square provides a home to four cultural arts and science non-profit organizations in our signature building in downtown Roanoke: Roanoke Pinball Museum, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Mill Mountain Theatre. Visit our website or call for individual museum admission pricing. Mill Mountain Theatre and Children's Theatre of Roanoke tickets are available through our full-service box office. Come inside to enjoy our aquariums in the atrium and green rooftop without charge. Building Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. [Note: Roanoke Pinball Museum is closed Mondays. History Museum is closed on Mondays October through April.] See more..
4.5 Roanoke Valley Greenways (218 reviews)
- Best for outdoor activities
Valleys

In addition to the project to revive the historic area of the city, the Roanoke Valley Greenways is another project to promote the city for healthy living. For those exercise enthusiast, the Roanoke Valley Greebways provide long stretch of jogging, and running path from the valley, the hills, and around the city. For people like me, just follow the path in the city to various parts to enjoy outdoor. Great way to go Roanoke. See more..
4.5 Roanoke Pinball Museum (156 reviews)
- Best Place in 3 States
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Roanoke Pinball Museum is an interactive showcase cultivating curiosity in science, art, and the history of pinball while preserving and honoring its role in American culture. We have over 55 playable machines with production dates ranging from the 1930's to the present day. Pay one price and play all day! School tours and party rentals are also available... inquire within! See more..
4.5 Big Lick Brewing Company (101 reviews)
- Fun, casual vibe with delicious brews & snacks
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Downtown Roanoke's premier craft brewery, taproom and beer garden specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety. See more..
4.5 Carvins Cove Natural Reserve (93 reviews)
- Beautiful, clean, relaxing
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Great quite place of relaxation. Great lake view, clean, nice hiking trails, there are options to rent kayak or boat, first come first serve. There are people fishing, kayaking, and the staff is friendly. Small fee per car per day, but worth it. See more..
4.5 St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church (90 reviews)
- A Majestic and Inspirational Church
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

We were just passing through Roanoke and it was such a blessing to visit St. Andrew's Church. On a Saturday morning, the main doors were locked but as we circled the building, luckily we found a back entrance door that was open for access to pray the rosary. While the exterior of this Gothic chuch is majestic, so too is its interior beautiful and inspiring. The lofty ceiling and stained glass windows are works of art. We also were able to see the small chapel with relics of the True Cross and many saints. St. Andrew Church was dedicated almost 120 years ago and is a real treasue. See more..
4.5 Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center (61 reviews)
- Veterans Day Parade
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

Get the inside scoop on what to see and do from the experts at the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center. Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Visitor Information Center is centrally located and easy to get to. Dogs welcome inside, water bowls available! Our trained travel counselors will provide maps/brochures, information on lodging, restaurants, area attractions, as well as things to do and local events during your visit. We are conveniently located inside a historic passenger rail station and offer accessible parking and restrooms. The building is also home to the Loewy Gallery, a free exhibit that focuses on the life and work of Raymond Loewy, the architect who designed the building. Motorcoach buses welcome, please call to arrange a step-on tour! See more..
4.5 Jefferson Center (39 reviews)
- Joey Alexander
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Theaters

Jefferson Center is a nonprofit organization that enriches and educates diverse Western Virginia communities by producing high quality performing arts programs, by providing long and short term rental space for community partners and individuals, and by providing educational outreach.Built in 1924, the Jefferson Center's historic facility originally served the community as Jefferson Senior High School. The high school was closed in the 70's and after sitting vacant for more than a decade, the Jefferson Center Foundation was formed to renovate the space into the beautiful arts venue that serves Roanoke and the surrounding region today. Jefferson Center offers world class concerts featuring a diverse array artists such as Wynton Marsalis, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Del McCoury, Esperanza Spalding, Rosanne Cash, Bobby McFerrin and so many more. Additional, Jefferson Center offers long term rental space to 20 non-profits and locally owned businesses, as well as short term rental space for community meetings, weddings, celebrations and many other events. See more..
4.5 Read Mountain Preserve (35 reviews)
- Great Hike for All Ages
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We hiked up to Buzzard's Rock, 2 miles in and 2 miles out. The trail is good with a few places to step up on rocks. It is well marked and even had signs warning you not to take wrong paths. It was a shady hike, and the trip to the top was a little over 1000 feet in elevation. There was port-a-potty at the parking lot. Nice hike, good view and said to be the best western-facing, vantage point of the area. Great at sunset. See more..
4.5 Mill Mountain Theatre (35 reviews)
- Some of the best plays
Theaters

40 years of Broadway quality theatre right here in Roanoke - the Valley's only Professional Live Theatre! Year-round season with two stages in Center in the Square. Family Entertainment on the Trinkle Main Stage (seats 400), Cutting-Edge Theatre on the Waldron Stage (seats 100.) See more..
4.5 Roanoke Antique Mall (35 reviews)
- Lots Of Area To Explore
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops

We offer a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, courtesy of over 130 dealers spread over 25,000 square feet. We encourage you to browse our website to see what we have available, then stop in and see for yourself! See more..
4.5 Jeter Farm (31 reviews)
- Great Pumpkin Patch
Farms

Jeter Farm is a 5th generation family farm right outside of Roanoke, VA in Botetourt County raising vegetables, beef cattle, custom hay, small grains, and offer a fall harvest festival with a corn maze, pumpkin patch and much more. For details about the Fall Festival visit our website and like us on Facebook. We're also available to host special events by reservation only. See more..
4.5 Blue Ridge Parkway (26 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery all year round.
Spent 2-3 hours Scenic Drives

When visiting Roanoke, Va. you must take a drive on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. You can enjoy the the scenery from your car or get out on one of the many overlooks and take an adventure. There are many hiking trails, just look for the signs. It is especially breathtaking in the fall when the leaves are turning. There are exits to take into town for a bite to eat or really anything else that you would like/need to do. See more..
4.5 Elmwood Park (26 reviews)
- Wonderful green space and venue
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Arenas & Stadiums

What a nice park and green space in the heart of the city. It is a 10 minute walk from the historic Market Square and visitors and sit to enjoy the themselves and the mountain view around the city. The Park is also part of the Roanoke Green Mountain Greenway. It has a huge outdoor stage for performance and the Rock garden on top of the hill. Nice place to visit. See more..
4.5 The Little Gallery (25 reviews)
- The Little Gallery with a LOT of charm
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

Open seven days a week, The Little Gallery is a fine art gallery and consultancy that provides art sourcing and art advisory services for residential, hospitality and corporate spaces. We feature a wide ranging collection of landscape, still life, and abstract paintings, as well as select photography and sculpture and specialty gifts. We believe there’s no substitution for the physical experience of art. As such, we host events and curate exhibitions. Visitors who attend our events or exhibitions can discover the art they love and learn about the talent behind the art. See more..
4.5 Bottom Creek Gorge (23 reviews)
- A peaceful place to spend the day
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The nature conservancy manages this place. The trails are nicely marked and provide for most levels of experience. the trail along the creek is spectacular and the view of the falls at the end id well worth the hike. There are never too many people there either. One note, they don't allow dogs- wish they did. See more..
4.5 Showtimers Community Theater (10 reviews)
- Hidden Gem!
Theaters
This is local community theater at its best. The ticket prices are low and the shows are well done and fun. The big secret is if you attend on opening night, they have wine, punch and food so you can eat, drink and visit with the cast and crew. See more..
4.0 Taubman Museum of Art (424 reviews)
- Much Appreciated Safety
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

See more..
4.0 City Market (110 reviews)
- Nice area to eat and shop
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

This open-air market is the oldest, continuous operation of its kind in Virginia. Year-round activities, including special holiday events, the annual chili cook-off and monthly Art by Night, as well as local color, characters and produce make it one of the city's most popular spots. See more..
4.0 Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium (94 reviews)
- Butterfly Exhibit a Must See!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums

Fun for the whole family, the Science Museum of Western Virginia features a tropical butterfly garden filled with butterflies from around the world; fun and interactive exhibits exploring Healthy Bodies, Healthy Earth and How It Works; live animals and the popular "FROGS"; the Living River & Touch Tank; and amazing traveling exhibits such as "TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things From The Pharaoh's Tomb," running June 14-Dec. 31, 2014. See more..
4.0 Green Ridge Recreation Center & Splash Valley Water Park (73 reviews)
- Small In Size, Big In Fun!
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Water Parks

Designed with family fun in mind, Green Ridge offers two great attractions in one convenient location! The indoor center is open year round, featuring family friendly activities like swimming, interactive games, a gymnasium and fitness area. Splash Valley Water Park is an outdoor aquatics area open Memorial Day to Labor Day, featuring two 34-foot high slides, a sprayground and a current river. Daily admission is available to either facility. See more..
4.0 Explore Park (29 reviews)
- OUTSTANDING visit for family with 3 kids!
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage, outdoor adventure and a visitor information center. Soar through the trees on the Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, featuring zip-lines and challenge obstacles for ages four and up.Stay overnight in a cabin, yurt or primitive campsite. Enjoy a craft beer or Virginia wine and cider at Twin Creeks Brewpub. Stop inside our visitor center to browse our gift shop featuring artisan crafts and parkway memorabilia. Explore Park is where adventure begins! See more..
4.0 Roanoke Railwalk (27 reviews)
- Still need work but worth time.
Historic Walking Areas

A good way to see and learn about railroad system and history of it through the walk (especially if you love history and train system). The walk is still a work in progress. At least you can see the old buildings and warehouses of the great railroad system running through Roanoke, plus standing close to the live trains go by. I walked from the Amtrak passenger platform to the area behind the Museum but preferred to be on the nice cover bridge to watch the trains from atop. See more..
3.5 Mill Mountain Zoo (305 reviews)
- Another Little Zoo in Need of Help
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Mill Mountain Zoo was founded in 1952 as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo that featured farm animals, birds, and native Virginia wildlife. For the first twenty-five years, we were operated by Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1978, the Roanoke Jaycees renewed the zoo and replaced old exhibits to create a place appealing to all ages. Governance was turned over to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. in 1988 (more commonly known as Mill Mountain Zoo). In the early 1990's, a citizens' committee created a master plan for exhibitions, visitor amenities, and expansion of the site to our current eight acres. Other improvements included new exhibits and an upgrade of infrastructure. Mill Mountain Zoo (MMZoo) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships with other conservation programs. Mill Mountain Zoo is currently home to more than 183 animals, representing 70 species from around the world. Through our admissions and donations, we support local and global conservation efforts. The Zoo is also restoring habitat on-grounds to benefit declining pollinator species and participates in a national monitoring program for amphibians -- Frogwatch. Keeper Chats The zoo keepers love sharing information about their animals. Kids (of all ages) love watching them interact with their charges and learning more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times.The schedule changes daily, so check with Guest Services when arriving or call in the morning to find out what will be happening during your visit. Zoo Choo Rides The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-16 train that operates seasonally at the Mill Mountain Zoo.The train leaves from the station every 30 minutes and follows a 16-inch wide track arou... See more..
3.5 Berglund Center (114 reviews)
- New Name!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Civic Centres

Western Virginia's premier full-service convention, exhibition and cultural complex, the center plays host to popular Broadway shows as well as big name music concerts. See more..