Charleston

Travel Guide

A large neoclassical building with a golden dome, wide steps leading up to the entrance, and symmetrical columns.
A museum exhibit with glass display cases and framed pictures on the walls.
A row of brick buildings with large windows and a green street lamp.
A grand legislative chamber with a large arched ceiling, red curtains, and rows of desks.
A street sign for Quarrier St. and a One Way sign.

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

Find the best Charleston areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Charleston

While visiting Downtown Charleston, you might make a stop by sights like Charleston Town Center and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

East End Historic District

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

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.

South Hills

While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve and Cox-Morton House.

West Side

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

Charleston Marriott Town Center

Charleston Marriott Town Center

3.5 out of 5
200 Lee St E Charleston WV
The price is S$114 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
S$114
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,005 reviews)
"It was an ok stay. Parking is confusing, you end up paying $15 just to find a closer parking lot for free because it was an exit only where you get in from the street. Rooms were not super clean. Bathroom had random hairs every where, bed sheets stained. Walls disgusting. Breakfast is expensive for ..."

Reviewed on 30 Aug, 2026

Charleston Marriott Town Center
Embassy Suites Charleston

Embassy Suites Charleston

3.5 out of 5
300 Court St Charleston WV
The price is S$164 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
S$164
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,458 reviews)
"Only one elevator made getting to and from your room trying. Trash from previous patrons was left in the trashcan in our room, but other than that the hotel was nice and clean. Bar area with the complementary drinks was nice and breakfast was very good with plenty of options."

Reviewed on 31 Aug, 2026

Embassy Suites 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 S$145 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
S$145
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,208 reviews)
"We had 3 people staying in the room. We had 2 bath towels and 2 face cloths. I went to call and the phone did not work. I had to call the front desk with my phone and told him about the problem. He said he was the only one there so I would have to come down and get them my self. Later I went to get ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sept, 2026

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 cabin in Victor. Enjoy free parking, 9 hot tubs and a garden. Popular attractions New River Gorge Bridge and New & Gauley River Adventures are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"The area was extremely quiet and made for a perfect relaxing weekend! The cabin was one of the cleanest we’ve stayed in and the screened in porch with the hot tub was amazing!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug, 2026

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.

Stay near popular Charleston attractions

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