Top reasons to visit Roanoke
- Scenic Outdoor Adventures: Roanoke is nestled near the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a wealth of outdoor activities and picturesque landscapes.
- Cultural Richness: Explore diverse art museums, arts centres, and public art installations that reflect the region's vibrant culture.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The city caters to families with a variety of engaging activities suitable for visitors of all ages.
- Charming Accommodations: Roanoke provides a range of hotel options, including pet-friendly and boutique experiences in the historic downtown.
- Exciting Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant arena facility that ensures there's always something thrilling to experience during your visit.
Find great hotels in Roanoke
Discover the charm of Roanoke, Virginia, where a variety of hotel accommodations await to enhance your stay. Whether you seek a pet-friendly retreat, a welcoming space for LGBTQIA travellers, or a boutique experience in the historic downtown, Roanoke offers options to suit every preference. Enjoy convenient amenities for business travellers and indulge in the local hospitality while exploring the region's attractions. Your perfect getaway begins with the ideal hotel choice in this vibrant city.
- Spark by Hilton Roanoke Civic Center: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, Spark by Hilton Roanoke Civic Center boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This contemporary hotel offers a pet-friendly environment, making it a suitable choice for those travelling with furry companions. Amenities include a business centre and flexible meeting spaces, catering to business travellers. Guests will appreciate the convenience of onsite parking and a welcoming atmosphere that enhances their stay.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Roanoke, VA: A 3-star establishment with a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Home2 Suites by Hilton Roanoke, VA is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. This hotel features spacious suites equipped with kitchenettes, allowing for a home-away-from-home experience. Additionally, it offers pet-friendly accommodations and a variety of amenities, including a fitness centre and complimentary breakfast. Its location provides easy access to local attractions, making it a convenient base for exploration.
- Hotel Roanoke & Conference Ctr, Curio Collection by Hilton: Known for its historic charm, the 4-star Hotel Roanoke & Conference Ctr, Curio Collection by Hilton has an impressive guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. Set in a national historic building, this hotel offers a unique experience with adventure sports and recreational activities nearby, including hiking, kayaking, and rafting. Guests can enjoy elegant dining options and luxurious rooms, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both adventure and a taste of history.
Where to stay in Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and romantic escapes. Nestled near the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming city is perfect for weekend getaways. Explore the picturesque Stone House and discover great campgrounds that invite relaxation amidst scenic beauty. With its friendly atmosphere and convenient location, Roanoke is an ideal destination for families and travellers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
- Downtown Roanoke: Nestled in the heart of Roanoke, Downtown Roanoke is a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a blend of outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and family-friendly experiences. With its peaks in visitor numbers during May, August, and October, the area is bustling with activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy arena entertainment, explore educational facilities, and unwind in recreational areas. Notable attractions nearby include picturesque lakes, a national state park, and a historic college university, providing plenty of options for sightseeing and exploration.
- Hollins: Located within the Roanoke region, Hollins is a charming village that attracts tourists with its captivating outdoor scenery and family-oriented activities. Similar to Downtown Roanoke, Hollins sees its visitor numbers peak in May, August, and October. The village is home to an array of shopping centres and malls, making it a retail haven for those seeking unique finds. Additionally, its proximity to historic landmarks, serene lakes, and a national state park allows for a delightful mix of leisure and exploration amid nature.
- Cave Spring: A serene village in the Roanoke area, Cave Spring is known for its stunning natural landscapes and family-friendly attractions. Peak travel periods occur in July, August, and October, making it a popular destination during the warmer months. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas and partake in motor racing events, offering an exciting twist to their holiday experience. The local highlights include beautiful lakes, well-maintained parks, and a stadium that hosts various events, ensuring that there’s always something to see and do.
Things to do in Roanoke
Shopping
In Roanoke, explore the Valley View Center, featuring a mix of retail shops and dining options. If you're up for a drive, visit the Shops at 419, located about 19km away, offering a variety of boutiques and local stores for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
The Healing Waters Spa offers a tranquil environment with rejuvenating treatments, including massages and facials, designed to promote relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides scenic vistas and hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty and fresh air.
Adventure
Explore the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive offering stunning vistas and numerous hiking trails. For thrill-seekers, try white-water rafting on the James River, where you can navigate exciting rapids while enjoying the beautiful natural landscape surrounding you.
Nightlife
Visit The Cellar on Jefferson Street for a relaxed atmosphere and an extensive cocktail menu. For a lively night, check out The Grandin Theatre, where you can catch indie films or live performances while enjoying local snacks and drinks.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Roanoke
To save money during your visit to Roanoke, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays being the cheapest nights to stay. Take advantage of free attractions like Hollins University and Read Mountain Preserve. For public transport, consider using the bus or trolley. Use Expedia to compare accommodation prices, filter for eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Keep an eye out for flexible booking options and seasonal offers to maximise your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Roanoke are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Roanoke is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Roanoke is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your Roanoke hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Roanoke
Roanoke offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it ideal for romantic getaways. Visitors can explore local attractions such as art museums, arts centres, and public art installations. The area caters to those seeking family-friendly activities, a vibrant city atmosphere, and a taste of the region's rich culture, ensuring a memorable holiday for all types of travellers.
- Roanoke Pinball Museum: Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of arcade gaming at the Roanoke Pinball Museum. This unique venue showcases a collection of vintage pinball machines, allowing you to play and appreciate the artistry and mechanics behind these iconic games while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates gaming culture.
- Harrison Museum of African-American Culture: Discover the rich history and contributions of African Americans in the Roanoke area at the Harrison Museum. Through engaging exhibits and artefacts, visitors can gain insights into cultural heritage, community resilience, and artistic expression, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
- Mill Mountain Star: The Mill Mountain Star, one of the largest illuminated stars in the world, offers stunning panoramic views of Roanoke. A visit here provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area, alongside the vibrant cityscape, making it a perfect spot for photographs and relaxation.
Best time to go to Roanoke
The best time to visit Roanoke can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Roanoke falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Roanoke falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Roanoke
Accessing Roanoke, Virginia, is convenient via several nearby airports. Greensboro, NC (GSO-Piedmont Triad Intl.) is situated 130km away, with excellent hotels such as Grandover Resort & Spa and O.Henry Hotel, both offering various transportation services. Lynchburg, VA (LYH-Lynchburg Regional) is only 66km from Roanoke, featuring notable accommodations like The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection and Bella Vista Hotel & Suites, both providing easy access to the airport. For those considering Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional), located 143km away, options include the Doubletree by Hilton Harrisonburg and Batten Green Venue & Lodging, ensuring a comfortable stay close to your travel needs.