Charleston

Travel Guide

West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
West Virginia State Museum showing interior views
Charleston featuring a city
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring interior views and an administrative buidling
West Virginia State Capitol Building which includes interior views, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
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

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Teays Valley

While visiting Teays Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Teays Center Plaza and Hurricane Lake.

Teays Valley
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Kanawha City

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Kanawha City. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Kanawha Mall Shopping Center and Cabin Creek Quilts, a few notable attractions nearby.

Kanawha City
West Virginia which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

Downtown Charleston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Charleston, Charleston Town Center and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Charleston
The excellent selection of in house gelato at caffe romeo.

South Hills

While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Cox-Morton House and Sunrise Bird Sanctuary Museum.

South Hills
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Institute

Institute might not have many top sights, but Tri State Racetrack and Gaming Center and Mardi Gras Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Institute
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East End Historic District

East End Historic District is well-liked for its casinos, and you can visit sights like Laidley Field and West Virginia State Capitol Building if you have time to explore the area.

East End Historic District
Embassy Suites Charleston
Embassy Suites Charleston
3.5 out of 5
300 Court St, Charleston, WV
The price is P7,110 per night from 18 May to 19 May
P7,110
P8,035 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,118 reviews)
"Overall the hotel was nice and the suites were spacious and comfortable. It was very clean and the area felt fairly safe. Unfortunately, the pool was completely out of commission which was not stated anywhere before arriving at the hotel and the staff members were not honest about the condition of ..."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Embassy Suites Charleston
Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
2.5 out of 5
100 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, WV
Fully refundable
The price is P6,400 per night from 11 May to 12 May
P6,400
P7,232 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,058 reviews)
"Clean, up to date. Ample parking."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
4 out of 5
#1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,150 per night from 11 May to 12 May
P6,150
P6,950 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,356 reviews)
"food could have been better"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
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.
Opossum Creek Retreat
Opossum Creek Retreat
3 out of 5
239 Opossum Creek Retreat Rd, Victor, WV
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Victor. Enjoy free parking, 9 hot tubs, and a garden. Popular attractions New River Gorge Bridge and New & Gauley River Adventures ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Cozy cabin in the woods
"Beautiful cabin with hot tub that was super kid friendly and the owner was so sweet and amazing with answering any questions I had, we will definitely be back!!"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Opossum Creek Retreat
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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