10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Roanoke, Virginia for Weekend Getaways

10 Easy Road Trips From Roanoke, VA: Unforgettable Things To Do Just Outside The County

Looking for fun day trips from Roanoke, Virginia that don’t require a long drive? You’re in the perfect spot. is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and small towns packed with character. The best part? You can hop in the car after breakfast, explore somewhere new, and still be back in your own bed that night. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Roanoke (Roanoke County) that highlight the best things to do in nearby , , , , , , , and .

1. Explore Peaks of Otter & The Blue Ridge Parkway (Bedford County)

If you’ve ever seen a postcard of the , there’s a good chance it was taken near the Peaks of Otter in Bedford County. It’s one of the most iconic spots off the Blue Ridge Parkway and makes a perfect day trip from Roanoke. Drive time from Roanoke: About 45–60 minutes What to do:

Hike Sharp Top – A steep but rewarding 1.5–mile hike (one way). The views from the summit feel like you’re on top of the world. On a clear day, you can see for miles over the mountains and valleys.
Stroll around Abbott Lake – If you’re not in the mood for climbing, walk the easy loop around the lake. It’s flat, peaceful, and perfect for photos.
Have lunch at Peaks of Otter Lodge – Grab a bite with a lake view. Sitting by the big windows with a cup of coffee is worth the trip alone.

This area is especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees around the lake turn bright orange and red. If you’re looking for a classic Blue Ridge Parkway road trip from Roanoke, this is it.

2. Ride the James River & Visit Buchanan (Botetourt County)

Head north into Botetourt County and you step into small-town Virginia at its best. The historic town of Buchanan sits along the James River and feels like a throwback in all the right ways. Drive time from Roanoke: About 30–40 minutes Things to do:

Float or paddle the James River – Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube in season and enjoy a lazy float with mountain views all around.
Walk the Buchanan Swinging Bridge – This old footbridge gives you a great view of the river and town. It sways just enough to be fun.
Antique shopping downtown – Pop into local shops for vintage finds, old signs, and furniture that all seem to have a story.

If you like gentle adventure with a side of history, a day trip to Buchanan from Roanoke will hit the spot.

3. Get Off the Grid in Craig County & Paint Bank

Craving quiet? Craig County might be your new favorite escape. With its winding country roads, forests, and remote valleys, it feels a world away from city life. Drive time from Roanoke: About 1–1.25 hours (depending on your route) Highlights:

Visit Paint Bank – A tiny, picturesque community surrounded by national forest land. There’s a historic general store, a charming lodge, and just enough going on to feel special—but not crowded.
Scenic drives – The roads here twist through mountains and farmland. Take your time, roll the windows down, and enjoy the views.
Wildlife watching – Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkey, and maybe even black bear at a distance.

This is the kind of place where your phone might lose signal—and that’s exactly the point. A Craig County day trip from Roanoke is perfect when you need a mental reset.

4. Discover Artsy, Laid-Back Floyd (Floyd County)

If you love live music, local art, and a laid-back vibe, Floyd, Virginia, is a must. It’s known for its mountain music and creative community. Drive time from Roanoke: Around 1 hour What to experience:

Friday Night Jamboree (seasonal) – The famous bluegrass and old-time music jam at the Floyd Country Store draws folks from all over. It’s lively, friendly, and very local.
Explore downtown Floyd – Browse art galleries, craft shops, and coffee spots. There’s a lot of character packed into a small area.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby – Combine Floyd with a Parkway cruise for a full mountain day.

A road trip from Roanoke to Floyd feels like slipping into a slower rhythm for a few hours—music, conversation, and fresh mountain air.

5. Spend a Day at Smith Mountain Lake (Franklin & Bedford Counties)

When summer hits and the temperature climbs, locals head for Smith Mountain Lake. With over 500 miles of shoreline, it’s one of the most popular lakes near Roanoke. Drive time from Roanoke: About 45–60 minutes (depending where you go on the lake) Fun things to do:

Rent a boat or jet ski – Even a half-day rental is enough to explore coves, stop for a swim, and soak up the sun.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park (Bedford County) – Enjoy a sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, picnic spots, and great lake views.
Waterfront dining – Several marinas and restaurants offer lakeside patios—perfect for a burger or seafood with a view.

Whether you’re into fishing, paddling, or just floating on a tube, this Smith Mountain Lake day trip will make you feel like you took a mini-vacation.

6. Walk Campus & Downtown in Blacksburg (Montgomery County)

Home to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg has that classic college-town mix of energy and charm. It’s a fun, easy short drive from Roanoke and works in every season. Drive time from Roanoke: About 45 minutes Don’t miss:

Virginia Tech campus – Stroll the Drillfield, admire the Hokie Stone buildings, and walk around the Duck Pond.
Downtown Blacksburg – Grab coffee, pizza, or a local beer; check out shops and bookstores; and enjoy the people-watching.
Nearby hikes – If you want more nature, popular trails like McAfee Knob (accessed from Catawba) are within driving distance of town, though note the trailhead itself is in a different county from Roanoke’s.

Blacksburg makes a great rainy-day option too, thanks to its cafes, museums, and campus landmarks.

7. Chill Out in Christiansburg & Huckleberry Trail (Montgomery County)

Just down the road from Blacksburg is Christiansburg, another easy day trip from Roanoke. It offers small-town charm plus modern shopping and dining. Drive time from Roanoke: About 35–45 minutes Ideas for your visit:

Walk or bike the Huckleberry Trail – This paved path connects Christiansburg and Blacksburg, passing through woods and open areas. It’s perfect for a relaxed ride or stroll.
Shop and dine – Christiansburg has a mix of big-name stores and local restaurants, so you can combine errands with a little exploring.
Check out local parks – Pack a picnic and let the kids burn off energy on the playgrounds and open fields.

If you like the idea of a low-key day—some walking, some eating, maybe a bit of shopping—this is a simple but satisfying outing.

8. Play Tourist in Downtown Roanoke (Independent City)

Even though you might live nearby, have you really spent a full day as a tourist in Roanoke City? The independent city has a different jurisdiction from Roanoke County, and it’s loaded with things to do. Drive time from Roanoke County: Often 15–25 minutes, depending where you start Top picks:

Downtown Roanoke – Wander the historic market area, browse local shops, and grab a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Mill Mountain Star & Park – Drive up to the famous Roanoke Star overlook for stunning views of the city and mountains.
Museums – Explore local history, art, and trains (including the Virginia Museum of Transportation) all within a compact area.

This is one of the easiest short road trips from Roanoke County—you might discover places you’ve driven past for years but never stopped to see.

9. Enjoy Small-City Comforts in Salem (Independent City)

Right next door (but legally separate from Roanoke County) is the small independent city of Salem, Virginia. It feels like a friendly town, with walkable streets and a proud local sports scene. Drive time from Roanoke County: Around 15–25 minutes What to do in Salem:

Stroll Main Street – Check out the local shops, restaurants, and bakeries. It has that classic main-street feel.
Catch a game or event – Depending on the season, you might find college games, local sports, or special events happening around town.
Relax in parks – Bring a blanket, a book, and enjoy some green space with mountain views in the background.

If you want something close, calm, and easy, a Salem day trip from Roanoke County is a simple win.

10. Taste Wine & Country Views in Botetourt & Franklin Counties

For a mellow, adults-focused day, consider a mini Virginia wine country road trip through Botetourt and Franklin Counties. The rolling hills and farmland make a beautiful backdrop for tastings. Drive time from Roanoke: Usually 30–60 minutes, depending on which winery you visit What to expect:

Scenic drives – The journey is half the fun, with winding two-lane roads and mountain backdrops.
Local wineries – Sip regional wines, sit out on patios, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Many spots welcome picnic snacks.
Photo ops – Vines, barns, and sunsets over the hills make for great pictures.

Always plan a safe ride home and drink responsibly, but if you’re looking for a low-key, grown-up outing, this style of Roanoke area road trip is tough to beat.

Tips For Planning Your Roanoke-Area Road Trips

To make these short getaways even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:

Check the weather – Mountain weather can shift quickly. Layers are your friend.
Bring snacks and water – Especially for hikes and scenic drives where options are limited.
Confirm hours – Seasonal attractions, lodges, and restaurants may adjust their schedules.
Start early – You’ll beat crowds, enjoy cooler temps, and have more time to explore.

With Roanoke County as your home base, you’re surrounded by easy adventures in every direction—lakes, mountains, music, small towns, and scenic roads all within about an hour’s drive.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Roanoke

Have you taken any of these short road trips from Roanoke, VA?

Which one was your favorite?
Did I miss a great hike, small town, or hidden spot in Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Montgomery, Roanoke City, or Salem?

Drop your experiences and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy weekend ideas near Roanoke. Your share might inspire someone’s next great day trip.

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