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 Scott Junction Plaza and Teays Valley Lakes.

Teays Valley
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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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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
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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

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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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 P7,540 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,540
P8,520 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (1,209 reviews)
Great . Parking Not so great
"Beautiful hotel. Parking was the worse part. So go knowing you'll have to either pay $20plus for valet of $12. Or park in the mall and walk. Eating options are great and in walking distance. Hotel has 2 free drinks in the evening. Omelette bar at breakfast. Now far as room service( from the bar/grille), ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P6,922 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P6,922
P7,821 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,486 reviews)
"I did not like that there was NOT coffee in the room. Also the breakfast are not good."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Charleston Marriott Town Center

3.5 out of 5
200 Lee St E, Charleston, WV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,398 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P6,398
P7,230 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay, clean room, comfortable bed, nice staff. The room we stayed in was very clean and had a new tv. The breakfast buffet was very good and the server was the best! I upgraded parking and breakfast and worth it. I was hesitant after reading negative reviews but happy that we booked anyway! ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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 Jun 25, 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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