Things to Do in West Virginia
West Virginia is a state of rugged mountains, winding rivers, and small-town charm, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and local culture. Known as the Mountain State, it’s a destination where natural beauty and history come together in unforgettable ways.
I’ve hiked trails with sweeping views, explored historic towns that feel frozen in time, and enjoyed peaceful days along rivers and lakes. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, cultural discoveries, or simply a quiet escape into nature, West Virginia has plenty to offer. Here are the things I recommend doing, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Step Into Pioneer Life at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village
We drove just under an hour west from Charleston, West Virginia (where our flight landed from Austin, TX) to Huntington, home of Heritage Farm Museum and Village.
Spread over 500 acres, this Smithsonian-affiliated site brings Appalachian history to life with restored log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and museums covering transportation, toys, and industry. Admission was $12 for adults.
We stayed overnight in downtown Huntington at the DoubleTree by Hilton ($135).
When I first discovered Heritage Farm Museum and Village near Huntington, West Virginia, I knew I had found one of the most underrated gems in the state. This place is the absolute best mix of history, culture, and hands-on fun, making it a dream destination for a family weekend or even a romantic getaway.
Walking through the village, I felt like I had stepped into the past, with vibrant old buildings, unique artifacts, and unusual exhibits that told stories of Appalachian life. The coolest part for me was seeing the blacksmith at work—it was such an exciting and authentic experience.
I loved exploring the museums, each one packed with interesting and affordable exhibits that gave me a joyful appreciation for how people lived generations ago. My favorite was the Country Store, where I could imagine what it must have been like to shop in a simpler time.
There’s also an amazing petting zoo and playground, which made it one of the best family-friendly attractions I’ve seen in West Virginia. I found it awesome how the place blends history with fun for all ages.
The Appalachian craft demonstrations were another highlight, and I thought it was a brilliant idea to preserve these traditions in such a vibrant, interactive way. It felt like stepping into living history rather than just visiting a museum.
What I loved most was the magic of wandering the grounds, surrounded by the hills near Huntington. It’s one of those places where every turn reveals something cool and unexpected, making it an exceptional spot to see in my photos and a must for any West Virginia getaway.
2. Layers of Quiet in Beckley, WV
The drive east from Huntington (1 hour 20 minutes) brought us to Beckley, a gateway to outdoor fun near the New River Gorge National Park (over 70,000 acres).
When I think of an underrated West Virginia getaway, Beckley always comes to mind as one of the coolest destinations in the state. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem yet still offers some of the absolute best experiences for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.
My favorite stop was the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where I hopped on a real mine car and traveled deep underground. It was an unusual, exciting, and truly unique way to learn about the state’s coal heritage, and I thought it was one of the most interesting attractions I’ve ever visited.
I also loved exploring Tamarack, a vibrant arts and crafts center filled with the best of West Virginia’s handmade goods. From pottery to quilts, I found it joyful to wander the galleries, and it felt like a brilliant idea to showcase local creativity in such a spectacular way. The food court even served regional favorites, which made the experience even better.
For outdoor lovers, Beckley is a dream. Just a short drive takes you to the New River Gorge National Park, one of the most amazing spots in the entire region. Whether I was hiking trails, crossing the famous bridge, or just soaking in the mountain views, the experience felt magical and unforgettable.
What makes Beckley special is how affordable and welcoming it feels. It’s not just a stop along the way—it’s an exceptional destination where history, culture, and natural beauty come together for the ultimate Appalachian getaway.
3. River Turns & Pizza Crust in Morgantown, WV
We drove just over 3 hours north from Beckley to Morgantown, a lively college town on the Monongahela River.
Our day started downtown, with stops at the WVU Art Museum (free admission) and a stroll through the 91-acre WVU Core Arboretum (over 3 miles of trails). Dinner on High Street gave us the classic college-town energy.
We stayed at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place ($169, riverfront views).
Morgantown, West Virginia, quickly became one of my favorite destinations in the state—it’s vibrant, exciting, and filled with some of the coolest things to do for both families and couples. Tucked along the Monongahela River and home to West Virginia University, the city has that lively college-town energy mixed with the beauty of the Appalachian hills, making it such a unique and underrated getaway.
One of the best parts of Morgantown is the outdoors. I loved exploring Coopers Rock State Forest, just a short drive away, where I found spectacular overlooks, unusual rock formations, and some of the most magical hiking trails I’ve ever been on. It’s the absolute best place to see in my photos from the trip.
Downtown Morgantown was another highlight for me. The streets are filled with affordable eateries, cool coffee shops, and interesting boutiques. I especially enjoyed discovering spots that blended college-town vibes with Appalachian charm—it felt like a joyful and welcoming community everywhere I went.
If you’re a sports fan, catching a Mountaineers game is a must. The energy is electric, and I thought it was such an awesome experience to be part of that crowd—it’s easily one of the most exciting things to do in Morgantown.
What I loved most, though, was the balance of adventure and relaxation. From riverfront strolls to unique cultural events, Morgantown offers something for everyone. For me, it’s one of the best hidden gems in West Virginia and an exceptional choice for a weekend escape or even a longer stay.
4. Wander Through Blossoming Trails at the West Virginia Botanic Garden
We drove just 15 minutes east from downtown Morgantown to the West Virginia Botanic Garden, spread across 85 acres of woodlands and wetlands.
One of my most amazing discoveries in Morgantown is the West Virginia Botanic Garden—a hidden gem that feels surprisingly magical despite being right within the city’s reach.
Covering a scenic 85 acres with 4.5 miles of interwoven trails, this is the best place to wander through meadows, wetlands, and virgin hemlock forest—an underrated oasis that’s perfect for a joyful family outing or a romantic escape in nature.
We loved the themed gardens, like the Butterfly Garden, which bursts with color and feels like the coolest spot from spring through fall, and the Rhododendron Garden, so lush and vibrant it’s become one of my favorite places to see in my photos.
It’s also one of the most affordable escapes around—admission is free every day from dawn to dusk, though a small donation is welcomed.
The garden’s educational programs, from summer nature camps to delicious seasonal dinners and community walks, make each visit unique and enriching—it’s such an exciting way to connect with nature.
I thought it was brilliant how pet-friendly the trail system is (just keep them leashed!), and how accessible many paths are—even the Reservoir Loop is soothing and peaceful for all ages and mobility levels.
The natural beauty, especially around the wetlands and streams filled with birds and butterflies, is absolutely breathtaking—it’s one of the most spectacular spots in Morgantown to escape into for a serene, joyful nature experience.
If you ever dream of a weekend getaway that’s both peaceful and uniquely beautiful, the West Virginia Botanic Garden should top your list—it’s a vibrant destination that sneaks right into your heart with its quiet charm.
5. Explore Hidden Underground Wonders at Lost World Caverns
We drove about 2 hours 15 minutes southeast from Morgantown down Interstate 79 and Rt. 64 to Lewisburg, then turned onto Fairview Road to Lost World Caverns.
Exploring Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg was one of the most unusual and exciting adventures I’ve ever had in West Virginia. Tucked underground, this hidden gem feels like stepping into a magical dream world filled with towering formations and a cool, mysterious atmosphere that made the whole experience unforgettable.
I loved wandering through the half-mile loop trail that takes you past massive stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. My favorite was “Snowy Chandelier,” one of the largest stalactites in the country—it’s absolutely spectacular and looks even cooler in my photos than I imagined.
The caverns have an affordable self-guided tour, which gave me the chance to explore at my own pace. I thought it was brilliant how the lighting illuminated the most unusual and unique formations, making each turn of the trail feel like a joyful discovery.
For thrill-seekers, the four-hour Wild Cave Tour is the absolute best way to experience the caverns. Crawling, climbing, and squeezing through hidden passages was both challenging and exhilarating—definitely one of the coolest adventures in West Virginia.
What I found most exciting is how the caverns balance natural wonder with family-friendly fun. It’s a romantic escape for couples, yet still a perfect family outing where kids can marvel at the underground magic.
Above ground, the gift shop and natural history museum added an interesting touch, with fossils, gems, and even a life-size replica of a prehistoric cave bear. It was the perfect way to end a spectacular day exploring one of West Virginia’s most underrated treasures.
6. Ride Historic Steam Locomotives at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
About 1 hour 53 minutes to the northeast later, we arrived in Cass, a former company town now frozen in time with just 38 residents.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is hands down one of the most magical and unique places I’ve ever visited in West Virginia. Nestled in Pocahontas County, this hidden gem took me back in time with its authentic steam-driven locomotives and historic logging town atmosphere—it felt like stepping into a living postcard of the Appalachian past.
My favorite experience was riding the train up to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in the state. The journey itself was absolutely spectacular, winding through lush forests and offering the coolest panoramic views of the mountains. It was one of the most joyful and exciting rides I’ve ever been on, and the photos I took from the open-air cars were just stunning.
I thought it was brilliant how the park preserved the historic company town of Cass. Strolling past the old company houses, I loved seeing how the village has been transformed into a vibrant destination where you can actually stay overnight in charming, affordable cottages that once housed lumber workers.
The whole experience was unusual in the best way—it wasn’t just about a train ride, but about living history. I found the museum and exhibits interesting and enriching, giving me a deeper appreciation for the heritage of the region.
What I loved most was how the park felt perfect for both a romantic weekend escape and a family adventure. Between the nostalgic train whistles, the mountain air, and the exceptional scenery, Cass Scenic Railroad truly is one of the best destinations in West Virginia—a dream for anyone who loves history, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
7. New River Gorge National Park, Glen Jean
We drove about 2 hours 15 minutes southwest from Cass to Fayetteville (population around 2,800).
New River Gorge National Park in Glen Jean is easily one of the most spectacular and exciting destinations in all of West Virginia. As America’s newest national park, it’s an absolute dream for outdoor lovers and one of the best hidden gems in the Appalachian region. Every time I visit, I feel the magic of those rugged cliffs, wild rapids, and sweeping vistas that make this place unforgettable.
My favorite moment was standing at the Canyon Rim Overlook, where the view of the New River Gorge Bridge—one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world—was breathtaking. Seeing it framed by vibrant mountain ridges was one of the coolest sights I’ve ever captured in my photos.
For adventure, nothing compares to whitewater rafting on the New River. It’s exciting, unusual, and absolutely exhilarating, whether you’re tackling Class V rapids or enjoying a more relaxed family-friendly float. I thought it was brilliant how the river offers both thrilling challenges and joyful escapes for every skill level.
Hiking the endless trails was another highlight for me. From the serene Endless Wall Trail to the underrated Grandview Rim, I found each path to be uniquely beautiful. The mix of wildflowers, towering cliffs, and sweeping views made every step feel magical and rewarding.
What I love most about New River Gorge is its balance of adventure and serenity. It’s an affordable, vibrant park where you can climb, bike, paddle, or simply relax by the river. For me, it’s the absolute best Appalachian getaway—a place where every visit feels fresh, exciting, and deeply connected to nature.
8. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
We drove about 1 hour 50 minutes southwest from Fayetteville to Matewan (population around 400). We stayed the night in nearby Williamson at the Mountaineer Hotel ($109, historic 1920s vibe).
The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum in Matewan is one of the most unusual and underrated gems I’ve found in the state. Tucked in the heart of coal country, this small but powerful museum gave me one of the most interesting and emotional experiences of my travels—it’s living history brought to life in the most authentic way.
Walking through the exhibits, I was struck by how vibrant and detailed the stories were. I loved learning about the struggles of coal miners, the labor battles, and the incredible fight for union rights during the early 1900s. It felt like stepping into a time when courage and resilience shaped an entire community. The displays, artifacts, and personal stories made it one of the coolest and most meaningful museums I’ve ever visited.
One of my favorite things was how affordable and accessible the museum is. For just a small admission fee, I got an exceptional experience that was both educational and emotional. It’s the best stop for anyone who wants to understand the roots of West Virginia’s identity and heritage.
I thought it was brilliant how the museum sits right in Matewan, the site of the historic 1920 Matewan Massacre. Standing outside, I could almost feel the history echoing in the town itself—it made the visit even more spectacular and unique.
What I loved most is how the museum honors the everyday families and workers who risked everything for better lives. For me, it’s not just a museum, it’s a hidden gem of Appalachian history—an absolute must-see for anyone seeking a meaningful and unforgettable West Virginia getaway.
9. Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center
We drove about 5 hours northeast from Matewan to Harpers Ferry (population around 300). For the night, we stayed at the Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry ($135, with mountain views).
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry is easily one of the most unique and exciting stops in West Virginia. Often called the “psychological halfway point” of the Appalachian Trail, this spot is a hidden gem for hikers, families, and anyone curious about the legendary 2,190-mile footpath. I thought it was brilliant how this small town hub manages to feel both welcoming and inspiring at the same time.
My favorite part of the visit was looking through the hiker photo albums. Every thru-hiker who passes through Harpers Ferry gets their picture taken here, and flipping through those books felt like stepping into a living history of dreams and determination. It was absolutely one of the coolest experiences I’ve had at any visitor center.
The exhibits inside were fascinating and gave me a joyful appreciation for the trail’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. I loved seeing the interactive maps and displays—it made me feel connected to the bigger Appalachian adventure, even if I was only there for the day.
Another highlight for me was how affordable and accessible the center is. It’s free to enter, and the staff and volunteers are some of the most vibrant and knowledgeable people I’ve met—they happily shared trail stories, safety tips, and even recommendations for unusual local hikes nearby.
What I loved most, though, was stepping outside and realizing how close I was to the trail itself. Harpers Ferry is a spectacular town where history and nature collide, and the visitor center is the absolute best starting point for exploring it all. For me, it was a magical and inspiring getaway I’ll never forget.
Conclusion
After exploring so many hidden gems across West Virginia I can honestly say this state offers some of the absolute best and most underrated experiences in the country. Each destination felt unique, joyful, and filled with its own kind of magic, whether it was outdoor adventure, living history, or peaceful natural beauty.
What I loved most was how affordable and welcoming everything felt. From family-friendly attractions to romantic weekend escapes, West Virginia truly has something for everyone. Every stop added a new layer to my appreciation for the Mountain State, and I left with photos, memories, and stories that I’ll treasure forever.
For me, the real beauty of West Virginia lies in its balance of adventure and simplicity—spectacular landscapes, cool small towns, and a vibrant culture that makes every visit feel both exciting and meaningful. If you’re dreaming of a getaway that’s unusual, authentic, and unforgettable, West Virginia is without a doubt the place to be.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
