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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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
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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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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
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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
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

4 out of 5
#1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV
The price is P6,783 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P6,783
P7,664 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (1,501 reviews)
"Love the size of hotel and casino. Can’t wait to see what looks like when Reno is done"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
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 P5,914 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,914
P6,683 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,090 reviews)
Overnight
"The hotel is clean and the breakfast is plentiful."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Charleston Marriott Town Center

3.5 out of 5
200 Lee St E, Charleston, WV
The price is P6,270 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P6,270
P7,085 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,009 reviews)
"We came forbthe Luke Bryan Concert, they was absolutely amazing. Room cleaned amd ready at check-in."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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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