Road Trips from Roanoke, VA
Roanoke, VA is a great starting point for trips that mix highway driving with exploration of historical sites. You have options that keep you within a 3-4 hour window, featuring gently rolling terrain and access to significant national parks. For those looking for a longer excursion, there are also destinations over 300 miles away that offer a different kind of experience. This list gives you a range of day trips and potential longer drives, all within Virginia.
Total Routes
19
Shortest
2.9h
With Parks Nearby
19
Full-day getaway
Bellwood, VA
3h 33m161 mi one way
This route is a solid choice if you want a shorter drive of about 3.6 hours, covering 161 miles. The terrain is gently rolling, and it offers access to three parks: Appomattox Court House, Petersburg National Battlefield, and Booker T. Washington National Monument, making it a historically rich option.
Bon Air, VA
3h 25m153.7 mi one way
At 153.7 miles and 3.4 hours, this is one of the closer options. The terrain is mostly flat, and like Bellwood, it provides access to Appomattox Court House, Booker T. Washington National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield. It's a good pick for a straightforward drive with historical park access.
Central Garage, VA
3h 57m206.8 mi one way
This trip is a bit longer, at 206.8 miles and 4 hours, with a 'mostly highway' profile. The terrain is gently rolling. It offers access to Booker T. Washington National Monument, making it a good choice if that specific park is your focus, and it's less driving than the coastal options.
Ashland, VA
3h 33m184.1 mi one way
Covering 184.1 miles and taking 3.6 hours, this route is primarily highway with gently rolling terrain. It grants access to Booker T. Washington National Monument. It's a bit further than Louisa but offers a comparable drive profile.
Louisa, VA
2h 52m149.7 mi one way
This is the shortest option at 149.7 miles and 2.9 hours, primarily on the highway with gently rolling terrain. It includes access to Booker T. Washington National Monument. It's a quick escape if you want to maximize your time at the destination.
Weekend trip
14 total in this range
Aquia Harbour, VA
4h 10m196.6 mi one way
This 196.6-mile drive takes about 4.2 hours and is mostly highway with gently rolling terrain. It stands out for its access to both Booker T. Washington National Monument and Shenandoah National Park, offering diverse natural and historical exploration.
Stafford, VA
4h 5m193.1 mi one way
At 193.1 miles and 4.1 hours, this mostly highway route features gently rolling terrain. It provides access to two significant parks: Booker T. Washington National Monument and Shenandoah National Park, similar to Aquia Harbour.
Cherry Hill, VA
4h 26m209.2 mi one way
This is one of the longer day trips, covering 209.2 miles and taking 4.4 hours, mostly on the highway over gently rolling terrain. It offers access to Booker T. Washington National Monument and Shenandoah National Park, providing a substantial drive for park exploration.
Cape Charles, VA
6h 10m317.4 mi one way
This is the longest excursion at 317.4 miles and 6.2 hours. The mostly highway drive over gently rolling terrain includes access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Booker T. Washington National Monument, making it a significant historical journey.
Exmore, VA
6h 34m334.8 mi one way
At 334.8 miles and 6.6 hours, this is the furthest option. It's a mostly highway drive across gently rolling terrain, offering access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Booker T. Washington National Monument, similar to Cape Charles but slightly longer.
Browse by Mood
Aquia Harbour, VA
4h 10m196.6 mi one way
Bellwood, VA
3h 33m161 mi one way
Stafford, VA
4h 5m193.1 mi one way
Cherry Hill, VA
4h 26m209.2 mi one way
Aquia Harbour, VA
4h 10m196.6 mi one way
Stafford, VA
4h 5m193.1 mi one way
Cape Charles, VA
6h 10m317.4 mi one way
Yorkshire, VA
4h 7m219.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good conditions for exploring the historical parks accessible from these routes, with gently rolling terrain providing pleasant drives.
Summer
The longer drives to the coast or Shenandoah National Park are viable in summer, though park access might be busier.
Fall
Fall foliage could enhance the gently rolling terrain, making drives to parks like Shenandoah particularly scenic.
Winter
Winter driving is feasible on these mostly highway routes, but park accessibility might be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Roanoke, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.