About Roanoke
Roanoke is an independent city in Virginia, United States. It lies in Southwest Virginia along the Roanoke River, within the Blue Ridge range of the greater Appalachian Mountains. Roanoke is about 50 miles (80 km) north of the Virginia–North Carolina border and 250 miles (400 km) southwest of Washington, D.C., along Interstate 81. At the 2020 census, Roanoke's population was 100,011, making it the most populous city in Virginia west of the state capital, Richmond. It is the primary population center of the Roanoke metropolitan area, which had a population of 315,251 in 2020.
Places to visit in Roanoke
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Mill Mountain Star
Viewpoint · 1 mi from centreA huge illuminated star atop Mill Mountain with an overlook giving panoramic views of Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, lovely at dusk. A small zoo shares the summit.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
NatureThe scenic mountain road passes right by Roanoke, offering overlooks, hiking trails and fall color drives, with easy access just minutes from downtown. Autumn color peaks in October.
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McAfee Knob
Viewpoint · 10 mi from centreA rock ledge on the Appalachian Trail jutting over the Catawba Valley, among the most photographed spots on the trail, reached by a moderate day hike.
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Taubman Museum of Art
MuseumA downtown art museum in an angular glass and steel building, with American art and changing exhibitions that make for a good indoor stop. General admission is free.
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Virginia Museum of Transportation
MuseumHoused in a former freight station, the museum displays steam and diesel locomotives, including Norfolk and Western engines tied to the city's railroad history. Railfans can climb aboard several of the engines.
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Historic Roanoke City Market
MarketA long-running farmers market at the center of downtown, surrounded by restaurants and shops in the market building and nearby streets. Weekend mornings bring the most vendors, with local produce, baked goods and crafts.
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Smith Mountain Lake
Nature · 24 mi from centreA large reservoir southeast of the city with marinas, boating, fishing and a state park offering a beach and lakeside hiking trails. Boat rentals are widely available along the shore.
Where to stay in Roanoke
Popular hotels in Roanoke, out of 99 properties you can book.
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Christiansburg Blac
From $75 per night
Econo Lodge Christiansburg-Blacksburg I-81
From $59 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Christiansburg
From $128 per night
Hampton Inn Christiansburg/Blacksburg
From $99 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Blacksburg University
From $102 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke
From $132 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Blacksburg
From $102 per night
Comfort Inn Blacksburg University Area
From $83 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Roanoke Near I-81
From $67 per night
Hampton Inn Roanoke/Hollins - I-81
From $116 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Christiansburg I-81
From $77 per night
The Liberty Trust
From $167 per night
Best time to visit Roanoke
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Roanoke is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Roanoke weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 70° 42° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 44° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 67° 44° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 63° 40° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 68° 40° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 44° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Roanoke
These are the airports closest to central Roanoke. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ROA Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Roanoke
The city layout of Roanoke does not lend itself well to effective mass transit, and in fact most locals never use mass transit at all.
By bus
The city does operate a fairly extensive bus system, Valley Metro, that serves most commonly-visited points in the valley. The main transfer points in downtown are along Campbell Ave SW near 1st street. A trolley called The Star Line Trolley runs in downtown along South Jefferson Street between Campbell Ave SW and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on the other side of the Roanoke River. Valley Metro operates a bus service called The Smart Way that connects Blacksburg and the New River Valley with Roanoke.
Roanoke travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Roanoke?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Roanoke is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Roanoke?
July is usually the warmest month in Roanoke, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 26°F (-3°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 126 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Roanoke?
Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Roanoke.
What time zone is Roanoke in?
Roanoke uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Roanoke?
The city layout of Roanoke does not lend itself well to effective mass transit, and in fact most locals never use mass transit at all.
What are the best places to visit in Roanoke?
Top sights in Roanoke include Mill Mountain Star, Blue Ridge Parkway, McAfee Knob and Taubman Museum of Art. A huge illuminated star atop Mill Mountain with an overlook giving panoramic views of Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, lovely at dusk. A small zoo shares the summit.
Where should I stay in Roanoke?
Popular areas for hotels in Roanoke include Roanoke Area and Christiansburg. Well-reviewed options include SureStay Hotel by Best Western Christiansburg Blac and Econo Lodge Christiansburg-Blacksburg I-81.
How many hotels can I book in Roanoke?
Destina Holidays currently lists 99 properties in and around Roanoke, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
