Charleston, WV

Travel Guide

West Virginia State Capitol Building showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
West Virginia State Museum showing interior views
Charleston which includes a city
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative buidling and interior views
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative buidling, interior views and heritage architecture
The capital of West Virginia has cultural attractions dating back to the 1700s and the largest capitol dome in the country. Surrounded by scenic forest, it’s also a place to enjoy outdoor activities. 

Charleston is the state capital and largest city of West Virginia. Watch comedy, visit museums and see theater and art exhibitions downtown. Go hiking, biking and fishing in state forests just outside the city limits.

The West Virginia State Capitol has the largest state capitol dome in the country. Photograph the iconic dome, which is decorated in 23-karat gold leaf.

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds to see statues and other monuments. Enjoy the classical architecture on tree-lined Capitol Street as you walk between boutiques, restaurants and bars on the city’s main thoroughfare. 

Visit the West Virginia Cultural Center and State Museum, also located in the State Capitol Complex. Discover facts about West Virginia from prehistoric times to present day. The Cultural Center has a theater and exhibition space that regularly host events. 

Visitors of all ages will love the Avampato Discovery Museum in the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia. Learn about science through interactive exhibits or see a planetarium show in the domed theater. The center’s gallery space has a comprehensive collection of art dating back to 1600s, when the city was first settled.

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Kanawha State Forest, 7 miles (11.26 kilometers) south of downtown. Go hiking, biking or horseback riding along its many trails. Bring your own rod to go fishing in the lake. Bring a tent to stay in a campsite for a small fee.

Go back into the city for a night of live entertainment. Stop by the Comedy Zone Charleston in downtown for an evening of laughter. It’s the longest running comedy club in the state. Listen to the musical talent of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, which plays at the Clay Center.

Several major highways run through Charleston. Yeager Airport is located just outside the city and Amtrak provides rail service several days a week. See the city’s downtown cultural attractions on foot and then rent a car to explore the incredible natural scenery outside the city limits.

Where to stay in Charleston

West Virginia which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

Downtown Charleston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Charleston, Mountain Stage and Charleston Town Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Charleston
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Teays Valley

While visiting Teays Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Scott Junction Plaza and Teays Valley Lakes.

Teays Valley
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Kanawha City

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Kanawha City. You might want to make time for a stop at Kanawha Mall Shopping Center or The Shops at Kanawha.

Kanawha City
The excellent selection of in house gelato at caffe romeo.

South Hills

While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve and Cox-Morton House.

South Hills
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West Side

While visiting West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park.

West Side
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Institute

Institute might not have many top sights, but Venture Lanes and Dunbar Village Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Institute
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

4 out of 5
#1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV
The price is ¥16,641 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
¥16,641
¥18,806 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cross Lanes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,497 reviews)
"Beds were so comfortable. Room was spacious and nice. Was still remodeling so breakfast was sparing but ok."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Dunbar - Charleston

Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Dunbar - Charleston

4 out of 5
1007 Dunbar Ave, Building A, Dunbar, WV
The price is ¥13,012 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥13,012
¥14,702 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dunbar. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Dunbar Village Shopping Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (446 reviews)
"We would have rated our stay higher but we were awoken at 4:15 am by a very loud sonic “boom” and the sound of back up truck warnings, probably a garbage truck? Don’t you have sound ordinances that prevent this kind of noise at 4:15 am? Unbelievable! Woken up out of a dead sleep! We packed our things ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Dunbar - Charleston
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Charleston Marriott Town Center

3.5 out of 5
200 Lee St E, Charleston, WV
The price is ¥16,140 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
¥16,140
¥18,237 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Very friendly and accommodating!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Charleston Marriott Town Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 ADULT ONLY Naughty Pines log cabin located in South Charleston, WV

ADULT ONLY Naughty Pines log cabin located in South Charleston, WV

South Charleston
Stay at this cabin in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Dunbar Village Shopping Center and Dunbar Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Very thought out
"Perfect stay! Host was very communicative from the start. Looks exactly like the pictures. Place was clean, organized, and perfectly decorated and set up. Kitchen had everything we needed and could think of. Grocery store wasn't far away and great restaurants in Charleston about 15 min drive."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

ADULT ONLY Naughty Pines log cabin located in South Charleston, WV
Sparrows Nest   Luxurious newly built home overlooking woods and mountains.

Sparrows Nest Luxurious newly built home overlooking woods and mountains.

Charleston
Stay at this vacation home in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Coonskin Park and Schoenbaum Stadium are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
Sparrowhawk
"Great stay. Wonderful hosts! They went above and beyond . So many extra personal touches."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Sparrows Nest Luxurious newly built home overlooking woods and mountains.
Royal Retreat Downtown-Convention Center

Royal Retreat Downtown-Convention Center

Charleston
Stay at this vacation home in Charleston. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Laidley Court Shopping Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
"The condo was centrally located for our visit to Charleston. The home was neat, clean, quiet, welcoming and comfortable. We felt right at home!"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Royal Retreat Downtown-Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Charleston