Free things to do in Roanoke

Outdoors

Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Outdoors

Natural Bridge State Park

Rugged state park known for its 215-ft. bridge-shaped gorge, karst landscape, valley & forest.

Outdoors

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

The state's second largest freshwater lake hosts swimming & boating, plus miles of nearby trails.

Outdoors

Fairy Stone State Park

Named for cross-shaped staurolite found here, the forested park has a lake, cabins & hiking trails.

Outdoors

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Arts & Culture

Mill Mountain Star

100 ft. neon-lit star & regional landmark overlooking Roanoke from the top of Mill Mountain.

Outdoors

Green Hill Park

Expansive park with an open field, riverfront area, walking trails, picnic shelters & playgrounds.

Outdoors

Fishburn Park

Expansive nature park offering hike & bike trails, a playground, tennis, disc golf & picnic areas.

Outdoors

Mill Mountain Park

Mountaintop hiking & biking trails with scenic overlooks, plus a zoo & discovery center.

Outdoors

River's Edge Park

Park featuring baseball diamonds, tennis courts & football & soccer fields, plus a playground.

Wasena

Wasena Park

City park, connected to the Roanoke River Greenway, with recreational fields, courts & playgrounds.

Outdoors

McAfee Knob Trailhead

Arts & Culture

Jefferson Center

Grand facility with 1920s stylings hosts live performances including opera, jazz & popular music.

Shopping

Black Dog Salvage - Main Showroom

Acclaimed warehouse carrying an eclectic variety of antiques & restored furniture in an airy space.

Outdoors

Huff Lane Park

Amenities such as a playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds & an inline skating rink.

Family

Splash Valley

Summertime spot for outdoor swimming with 2 water slides, a children's spray area & a lazy river.

Outdoors

Read Mountain Preserve

Forested recreation area with 5 mi. of hiking trails & a summit with panoramic valley views.

Old Southwest

Highland Park

Hilly park featuring a disc-golf course, a playground, a dog park, sports fields & restrooms.

Downtown Roanoke

Elmwood Park

Park with play areas, fountains & an amphitheater, plus occasional festivals & community events.

Outdoors

Sharp Top Trail

Food & Drink

Sweet Donkey Coffee

Hip, local nook in a historic house with gourmet coffees, lattes & teas, plus pastries & light fare.

Outdoors

Explore Park

Reserve with 9 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, plus boat launch & visitor center.

Outdoors

Dragon's Tooth Trailhead

Outdoors

Garst Mill Park