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 Valley Lakes and Sleepy Hollow Golf Club.

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
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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
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Institute

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

Institute
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Ruthdale

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Ruthdale. You might consider a stop by Southridge Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Ruthdale
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Jefferson

Jefferson 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.

Jefferson
Embassy Suites Charleston
Embassy Suites Charleston
3.5 out of 5
300 Court St, Charleston, WV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,252 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P7,252
P8,195 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
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! (1,119 reviews)
Great hotel
"The hotel was very nice. Quiet, clean, comfortable. Love the 2 rooms concept. Pool and exercise room were nice. The only problem was that the 3 elevators they have only one or two would work at a time. Very annoying and wait times were up to 10 minutes before you were able to get on an elevator. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Embassy Suites Charleston
Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes Charleston
Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes Charleston
2.5 out of 5
102 Racer Dr, Cross Lanes, WV
The price is P5,926 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P5,926
P6,637 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cross Lanes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and the stay was nice"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes 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
The price is P6,854 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P6,854
P7,745 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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! (1,066 reviews)
"PROVIDE ALMOND MILK FOR BREAKFAST"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
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! (45 reviews)
"Cabin is cozy and very clean. Hot tub was very clean."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 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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