Roanoke Things to Do

Things to Do in Virginia's Blue Ridge

There are so many fun things to do in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. From galleries and museums to sports and shopping, there's always a new experience just moments away where you can be a #Trailsetter.

Roanoke has earned the nickname "Star City of the South" by being the recreational, cultural and business hub of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The nickname is also attributed to the iconic Roanoke Star, which sits atop Mill Mountain and overlooks the entire region.

The star can be easily reached via the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic roadway that winds through the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge. Don't miss Roanoke County's Explore Park at Milepost 115 on the Parkway, featuring camping & cabins for overnight lodging, trails for hiking & mountain biking, river access for tubing & paddling, and an aerial adventure course.

The region boasts a unique railroad heritage, serving as home to the Virginia Museum of Transportation and its incredible collection of locomotives.

Roanoke and the surrounding cities and counties that make up the Roanoke Valley host more festivals and cultural events than any place west of Richmond, and there's a vibrant nightlife scene that continues to grow.

You'll also want to take advantage of the collection of outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains, such as the amazing mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as blueways and water trails for paddling.

As the first destination on the East Coast to be named a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Virginia's Blue Ridge is America's East Coast Mountain Biking Capital!

The region boasts over 1,000 miles of trails for trailsetters of all types!

Following your adventure, quench your thirst with some local beer, wine & spirits. Each local spot is part of the Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail, and if you sign up for the Cheers Trail Passport Program, you can check in at various locations to receive exclusive special offers and a receive a free Cheers Trail t-shirt! Learn more >

From a relaxing time at the spa to the excitement of live sporting events or a shopping spree, it's all part of the fun in Virginia's Blue Ridge!

If you're planning a family vacation, take full advantage of our collection of kid friendly things to do in Roanoke!

When you begin your day in the Roanoke Valley, a Blue Ridge Day full of adventure and excitement awaits you.

Visitors to Virginia's Blue Ridge have all kinds of variety of things to see and do.

Check out the sections below to get more information!

We also feature a great assortment of FREE things to do & activities.

You can plan fun things to do with the kids, have a romantic getaway, learn about the area's unique culture and history by meeting our friendly locals, and enjoy all the outdoor adventures of being in a mountain destination.

Most importantly, it all happens amid the stunning natural beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge.