Charleston West Virginia Travel Guide: 18 BEST Things To Do In Charleston WV

Charleston West Virginia Travel Guide: 18 BEST Things To Do In Charleston WV

So you want to know what are the best 
things to do in Charleston, West Virginia? Great, you’re in the right place.
In this video, we’re gonna discuss the top things to do in Charleston.
Number 18: West Virginia State Capitol This is the seat of West Virginia’s government 
and home to its Legislature and Governor’s office. You will notice the striking 300-foot 
(90 m) dome covered in 23.5-karat gold, standing taller than the U.S. Capitol’s dome.
Inside, you can walk through halls lined with Indiana limestone, marble from Vermont, France, 
and Italy, and a chandelier weighing 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) that hangs beneath the dome.
Other highlights include the Supreme Court chamber with white Vermont marble columns, carved 
decorations of bison heads and mining picks, and Roman-inspired porticoes that 
give the building its grandeur. The building stands by the Kanawha 
River, giving you wide river views as you walk around its grounds.
Number 17: Kanawha State Forest Covering 9,300 acres (3,765 ha) near 
Charleston, Kanawha State Forest offers over 60 miles (97 km) of trails for 
hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You will find picnic areas, shelters, and 
playgrounds scattered throughout the forest, making it easy to enjoy a meal 
outdoors or relax in nature. The forest is home to diverse wildlife 
and serves as nesting grounds for many bird species, providing excellent 
opportunities for birdwatching. Each season offers something different, with 
bright leaves in fall, blooming wildflowers in spring and summer, and snow-covered 
trails in winter for cross-country skiing. You can also fish, hunt in designated areas 
with a license, or camp under the trees. Number 16: West Virginia State Museum
Located within the Capitol Complex, the West Virginia State Museum takes you through 
the state’s history in an easy-to-follow way. You will walk from prehistoric displays 
like fossils and the Coal Forest to exhibits on Native American life, early 
settlements, and the coal mining era. Artifacts from the 1893 World’s Columbian 
Exposition in Chicago are also on display, adding rare pieces to the collection.
The museum includes rotating exhibits that bring new subjects each year and interactive 
displays that children and adults can enjoy. You can also see art and traditions 
of the Appalachian region, with knowledgeable staff available to 
share deeper details about the exhibits. Number 15: Clay Center
If you want a mix of art, science, and live shows in one place, 
the Clay Center is worth your time. You can walk through the Juliet Art Museum, which 
rotates exhibits from local and national artists. The Avampato Discovery Museum keeps kids busy with 
hands-on activities in science and technology. Families enjoy the planetarium shows, where 
you see the stars and planets in a vivid way. Music fans will find concerts, symphony 
performances, and even opera on stage at the Maier Foundation Performance Hall.
Broadway shows, dance events, and ballet are also part of the schedule, giving 
you plenty of choices for entertainment. Number 14: West Virginia Veterans Memorial
Also part of the State Capitol Complex, the West Virginia Veterans Memorial honors 
more than 10,000 men and women from the state who died in 20th-century wars.
The two-story oval monument is built with four tall limestone monoliths, each 
representing World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Inside, you will see polished black granite walls etched with the names 
of every fallen service member. Walking between the towering monoliths, 
you also pass bronze statues that depict soldiers from different eras, adding 
a personal touch to the tribute. If you visit at the right time, you can witness 
ceremonies that bring together families, veterans, and communities in remembrance.
Number 13: Capitol Market For a taste of local life, head to Capitol Market.
This lively indoor-outdoor marketplace sits in a former train station and has been a 
community favorite for more than two decades. You will find fresh fruits, 
vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods from local farmers and vendors.
There are also flowers, plants, seafood, and handmade products that give you 
a real feel of the region’s culture. Inside the market, you can enjoy a 
meal at Soho’s Italian Restaurant, grab a coffee at Mea Cuppa Coffeebar, or try 
handmade sweets at Holl’s Swiss Chocolates. The market also hosts events with 
cooking demonstrations, live music, and artisan showcases, making it a lively place 
to experience Charleston’s food and craft scene. Number 12: Haddad Riverfront Park
Haddad Riverfront Park sits along the Kanawha River in Charleston and is known for 
its amphitheater with seating for 2,500 people. You can come here for free summer concerts 
like the “Live on the Levee” series, car shows, and the 4th of July Celebration. If you are with kids, there’s a playground where 
they can play while you enjoy the river view. You can walk, jog, or bike along the riverfront 
trails, have a picnic, or sit and watch the water. The park also has a docking area 
for boaters and offers beautiful sunrise views over the Kanawha River.
Number 11: West Virginia Governor’s Mansion Built by Charleston architect Walter Martens, 
the West Virginia Governor’s Mansion stands on the shore of the Kanawha River and has been the 
home of West Virginia’s governors since 1893, with the current red-bricked Georgian 
Revival building completed in 1925. You will see rooms furnished with antiques, 
silver, porcelain, and crystal chandeliers. The mansion features a ballroom, library, 
drawing-room, and a dining room with a 14-foot (4 m) mahogany table that seats 24.
You will also notice the foyer, designed like the White House with checkered 
marble floors and grand staircases. Outside, you can walk through carefully designed 
gardens and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Number 10: Craik-Patton House
Visit the Craik-Patton House, a preserved 1834 Greek Revival home listed 
on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see rooms with period furnishings, 
like Queen Anne tables and Windsor chairs, a formal boxwood garden, and a 
reconstructed log cabin showing early life. Guided tours share Charleston’s history, 
ideal for those curious about the past. Open April–October, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 
p.m., with Saturday tours by appointment, it offers a glimpse into West Virginia’s heritage 
through its artifacts and stories, making it a great stop for families and history enthusiasts.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on 
saving money while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Charleston.
Number 9: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center From live shows to large events, Charleston 
Coliseum & Convention Center has a lot to offer. You can attend concerts, theater performances, 
sporting events, or community gatherings. The main auditorium has excellent sound, 
making every show clear and enjoyable. The Little Theater is smaller and seats up to 
738 people, giving a more personal experience. The Grand Convention Hall has over 50,000 
square feet (4,650 m²) for trade shows, exhibitions, or big events.
Meeting rooms can host groups of 20 to 750 guests, with comfortable 
spaces for work or social gatherings. On-site catering by Distinctive 
Gourmet makes meals easy. The center also provides friendly staff and 
modern facilities to make your visit smooth. Number 8: Coonskin Park
Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Coonskin Park spans 
over a thousand acres (405 ha) of woodlands and offers many activities for visitors.
You can hike or bike along miles of paved and unpaved trails, or play sports 
on basketball and tennis courts. Families can enjoy picnic 
areas with tables and grills, a modern playground, and pedal boat rentals.
The park also has an Olympic-size pool, a par-three golf course, a 2,000-seat 
soccer stadium, and a Wedding Garden. Throughout the year, you will find concerts, 
nature programs, birding events, golf tournaments, children’s activities, and seasonal 
light displays adding energy to the park. Number 7: Magic Island Park
Magic Island Park is another waterfront spot on the Kanawha River where 
you can enjoy different outdoor activities. You can walk along the trails that circle 
the five-acre (2 ha) island and take in views of the river and city skyline.
The park has beach volleyball courts, a playground for children, and picnic 
areas where you can bring lunch. During warmer months, the splash park provides 
a fun way to cool off, and shaded areas with umbrellas make it comfortable to rest.
You can also join in community events and festivals held at the park, such as SportsFEST, 
WV Games, and family movie nights, which add energy and excitement to your visit.
Number 6: South Charleston Mound In South Charleston, about 4 
miles (6 km) from Charleston, is South Charleston Mound, or Criel Mound, 
one of West Virginia’s largest burial mounds. It stands about 33 feet (10 m) tall and was built 
by the Adena people between 1000 and 200 B.C. Archaeologists found multiple burials, 
including a central figure surrounded by 10 others, lying on a bark bed with ashes and 
accompanied by shell beads and copper remnants. Over the years, its top was modified 
and it was used for farming. You can walk up a sidewalk to reach 
the peak and see the mound closely. Number 5: Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum
Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum offers the best view of Charleston’s Capitol 
Building and the Kanawha River. The arboretum spreads across 179 acres (72 ha) on 
a ridge and contains over 1,500 trees representing 109 species, including many native Appalachian 
trees and unusual non-native varieties. The grounds combine a historic 
cemetery with a living tree museum, and five miles (8 km) of paved paths 
make it easy to walk among the trees. You can use a mobile device to scan 
QR-coded labels and learn about each tree. The arboretum also features sculptures, 
a fountain, and educational programs that highlight the plant life and history of the park.
Number 4: Heritage Towers Museum & Culture Center To learn more about the history and culture 
of Black people in West Virginia, visit the Heritage Towers Museum & Culture Center.
The museum displays a wide collection of artifacts, from the slavery era to 
modern artwork by Black artists. You will see exhibits inspired by 
the slave ship Henrietta Marie and learn about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The museum also offers a Heritage Tour along the Kanawha River Valley, stopping at Booker 
T. Washington’s childhood home, the remains of a plantation at West Virginia State University, 
and historically African-American neighborhoods. For even more insight, consider taking 
a guided tour to hear detailed stories and historical context.
Number 3: GoMart Ballpark Formerly known as Appalachian Power Park, GoMart 
Ballpark is home to the Charleston Dirty Birds. You will like to be here, especially if you enjoy 
minor-league baseball with unique traditions. The stadium blends modern and historic 
features, including a 1913 warehouse incorporated into its design.
As you watch the game, you can see the downtown skyline and surrounding hills.
The seating offers clear views from nearly every angle, and the open concourse allows 
you to walk around the entire stadium. There are also picnic areas where you 
can gather while enjoying the game. For visits with kids, there are inflatable 
games, speed-pitch activities, and mascots that entertain throughout the park.
Number 2: Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Don’t hesitate to join the Charleston Sternwheel 
Regatta if your visit coincides with the festival. The event takes place along the Kanawha 
River at Haddad Riverfront Park and features a variety of entertainment for all ages.
You will enjoy live concerts, riverboat cruises, carnival rides, and games.
Feasting is part of the fun, with food vendors offering local dishes 
and snacks along Kanawha Boulevard. Children can spend time in the Family 
Fun Zone with inflatables and crafts. The highlight is the parade of 
sternwheeler boats gliding along the river, followed by fireworks that light up the night sky.
Additional activities include barbecue challenges, skateboarding clinics, and community art projects.
Number 1: New River Gorge National Park Take a day trip to New River Gorge National 
Park, located about an hour from Charleston. The park stretches over 70,000 acres 
(28,330 ha) along the New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America.
You will see misty valleys, ancient trees, and Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall 
on the river, perfect for photos or a picnic. Another highlight is the New River Gorge 
Bridge, rising 876 feet (267 m) above the river, the largest steel span 
bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Outdoor activities include whitewater 
rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided fishing trips.
On land, you can try mountain biking, rock climbing, or ziplining, with one 
zipline reaching speeds of 65 mph (105 km/h). Click here to watch this video.

This Charleston travel guide shares the best things to do in Charleston.

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Welcome to Charleston, West Virginia, the state capital and a city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty along the Kanawha River. With its scenic setting and mix of attractions, Charleston offers visitors plenty to see and do in the heart of Appalachia.

Start your visit at the West Virginia State Capitol, an impressive building with a gold-domed roof designed by architect Cass Gilbert. The surrounding Capitol Complex includes fountains, monuments, and the West Virginia State Museum, which highlights the state’s history, culture, and natural resources.

Take a stroll through downtown Charleston, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the Capitol Street Historic District with its charming brick storefronts. Local cafés, bookstores, and galleries make this a lively area to explore.

For art and culture, visit the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, which houses an art museum, a performance hall, and an interactive science museum. It’s a favorite for families and culture lovers alike.

Enjoy the outdoors at Haddad Riverfront Park, located along the Kanawha River. The park hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year and is a great place for a riverside walk.

Food is another highlight in Charleston. From Appalachian-inspired dishes to international cuisine, the city’s dining scene offers something for everyone. Be sure to try pepperoni rolls, a West Virginia favorite.

Nature lovers will appreciate Charleston’s easy access to outdoor recreation. Nearby Kanawha State Forest features hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown.

For history buffs, the Cultural Center inside the Capitol Complex provides exhibits on West Virginia’s heritage, while the Governor’s Mansion can be toured by appointment.

Seasonal events bring the city to life, such as FestivALL Charleston, a multi-day arts and culture festival, and the Sternwheel Regatta, which features boat races, music, and family entertainment.

With its mix of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and outdoor beauty, Charleston, West Virginia, offers visitors a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re exploring museums, enjoying riverfront views, or hiking in the nearby forests, Charleston is a welcoming city that reflects the charm and spirit of the Mountain State.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Charleston, top attractions in Charleston, places to visit in Charleston and West Virginia travel guides.

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