Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Roanoke?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Roanoke?
Many travelers spend one to three days in Roanoke during their visit. After all, the outdoorsy town has plenty to explore such as the hiking, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.
Roanoke is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers access to hiking trails, museums, and parkland. It's also one of the largest cities in western Virginia and has a diverse selection of restaurants and activities.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Roanoke? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Roanoke?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Roanoke, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to get out into nature, wander through the museums, take advantage of the local nightlife, and browse the shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Roanoke as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.
How to spend 3 days in Roanoke
Known for it's hiking, Roanoke sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.
This town offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.
Shopping in Roanoke is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.
Is 4 days enough time in Roanoke?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Roanoke has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the hiking, the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for couples. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Roanoke, Virginia
How to spend 4 days in Roanoke
With 4 days in Roanoke, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Roanoke, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Is 5 days enough time in Roanoke?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Roanoke, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Roanoke as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to get out into nature, wander through the museums, take advantage of the local nightlife, and browse the shops over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.
How to spend 5 days in Roanoke
If you have more than 5 days in Roanoke, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Roanoke, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Roanoke, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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