Charleston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

West Virginia State Capitol Building showing an administrative building and heritage architecture
West Virginia State Museum which includes interior views
Charleston showing a city
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative building and interior views
West Virginia State Capitol Building which includes an administrative building, 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 theatre 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-carat 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 Centre and State Museum, also located in the State Capitol Complex. Discover facts about West Virginia from prehistoric times to present day. The Cultural Centre has a theatre and exhibition space that regularly host events. 

Visitors of all ages will love the Avampato Discovery Museum in the Clay Centre for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia. Learn about science through interactive exhibits or see a planetarium show in the domed theatre. The centre’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 kilometres) 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 Centre.

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 Teays Center Plaza.

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 Blackwell Field.

Kanawha City
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Downtown Charleston

While visiting Downtown Charleston, you might make a stop by sights like Mountain Stage and Charleston Town Center.

Downtown Charleston
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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

If you're spending some time in West Side, Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park are top sights worth seeing.

West Side
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East End Historic District

East End Historic District is noteworthy for its casinos, and you can plan an outing to Laidley Field and West Virginia State Capitol Building while you're in town.

East End Historic District
Embassy Suites Charleston

Embassy Suites Charleston

3.5 out of 5
300 Court St, Charleston, WV
The price is ₹11,141 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹11,141
₹12,589 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,221 reviews)
"Everything but parking was great. Not enough on-site parking."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Embassy Suites Charleston
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

4 out of 5
#1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV
The price is ₹8,444 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹8,444
₹9,542 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cross Lanes. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,459 reviews)
"Staff upgraded us to an executive suite because they ran out of kings."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Charleston Marriott Town Center

3.5 out of 5
200 Lee St E, Charleston, WV
The price is ₹9,424 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,424
₹10,649 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Went to the hotel to stay for a Heart Concert. Although the hotel was crowded the staff was very efficient and helpful. Liked that is was right across the street from the show."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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.
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! (47 reviews)
"Very clean and accommodating"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Opossum Creek Retreat
Country Road Cabins

Country Road Cabins

3 out of 5
1508 Sunday Road, Hico, WV
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hico. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ansted Public Library and New & Gauley River Adventures are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Loved the hottub on the deck and having 2 bathrooms for 6 people. Lots of room to relax. We had to request dish towels and bedding for the sleeper sofa."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Country Road Cabins
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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