Places to Visit in West Virginia
Searching for the best places to visit in West Virginia? Well, you are in the right place! Here are the places I recommend from my four week road trip in The Mountain State, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
- Best Places to Visit in Northern West Virginia
- - #1. Wheeling - #2. Morgantown
- Best Places to Visit in West Virginia - Eastern Panhandle
- - #3. Martinsburg - #4. Harpers Ferry
- Best Places to Visit in West Virginia - Central & West
- - #5. Parkersburg - #6. Charleston - #7. Huntington
- Best Day Trips in Southern WV
- - #8. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum - #9. New River Gorge - #10. Bluefield - #11. Princeton
Best Places to Visit in Northern West Virginia
I visit this area when I'm in the mood for scenic state parks, winding country roads, historic river towns and lively college communities.
Morgantown
I first visited Morgantown decades ago while visiting West Virginia University. Nicknamed "Mo-Town" (or Motown), Morgantown is also known as the heart of "Mountaineer Country".
You will find it along the Monongahela River at the Appalachian hills. To get the feel for the land, start along the riverfront rail-trail enjoying the bridges and water views.
Next, I recommend riding riding the 8.7-mile Personal Rapid Transit system that connects West Virginia University to downtown Morgantown. It's supper affordable at just 50 cents per ride for the general public. The cars are automated and hold about 20 passengers.
Enjoy Downtown Morgantown for lunch, browse shops and rest at a local cafe. I recommend tasting hearty Appalachian-inspired food since it's very delicious.
Farm-to-table dinner at Table 9, right on the riverfront, was a highlight at the end of the day.
Wheeling
Driving over the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge will bring you to one of my favorite day trips in West Virginia: Wheeling. I recommend starting downtown, enjoying riverfront views, West Virginia Independence Hall (free admission), and the Artisan Center.
One of my favorite stops was Oglebay Park just minutes outside the city. Visit the gardens, the zoo, and scenic overlooks.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was browsing the Centre Market District with antiques, art, and local food.
Oglebay Park’s Winter Festival of Lights was my favorite highlight during our winter visit.
Best Places to Visit in Northern West Virginia
I loved taht West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is easy reach of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
Martinsburg
In the mood for a day trip from D.C. where you can enjoy small town atmosphere and Civil War history? Just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., we arrived in Martinsburg felt easygoing, perfect for exploring with my husband and son, and it instantly became one of my favorite places to visit in West Virginia.
Now, first things first, walk downtown and enjoy the atmosphere with brick buildings and local shops. Pause to admire the historic train station, then stop for lunch at a local cafe.
Being so close to Harpers Ferry made it easy to add it to our weekend plans.
If you have more time, you can check out Roundhouse & B&O Railroad Complex, Belle Boyd House, and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area a short drive from town.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was strolling through the Martinsburg Roundhouse, a rare piece of railroad history.
We stayed at Bavarian Inn Resort in Shepherdstown just 20 minutes from Martinsburg. It's the only AAA Four Diamond winner in West Virginia so you can trust that's is a great place to stay.
Hillbrook Inn and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
What's most special about Harpers Ferry? Be sure to visit Living History in Lower Town where you can see costumed interpreters, blacksmith demonstrations, and old general stores from 1800s (NPS ranger-led tours).
Need a place to stay? Spend a romantic weekend at Hillbrook Inn, a real standout! In the evening, I indulged in a 60-minute classical massage at the spa and then we dined at the inn’s fine restaurant, The Redbook. The food tasted so great with its heirloom vegetables and locally sourced meats.
Our suite for two days overlooked a creek which was especially romantic. I loved the breakfast too with brioche French toast with blackberry compote and freshly brewed Appalachian coffee.
Best Places to Visit in West Virginia - Central & West
We love the way this area showcases the state’s adventurous spirit and cultural heart.
Parkersburg
Looking for an easy day trip from Charleston, WV where you can enjoy river views and diverse attractions? I think that Parkersburg is a solid idea and one of my favorite road trip stops! You'll find it where Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers meet.
Now, first things first, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (Open May to October) is a great place to kick off your visit. You can reach it via a 20-minute Island Belle sternwheeler. Once there, explore the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, go on a guided tour, stop at the gift shop, and enjoy a family picnic.
Next head to Downtown Parkersburg for lunch, visit the Oil & Gas Museum, which was a hidden gem. Sunset over the Ohio River is worth waiting for as well.
Charleston, WV
No list of the best places to visit in West Virginia would be complete without West Virginia's capital city. Chris and I love Charleston and have been many times.
I love that the city is so walkable. First, enjoy walking along the Kanawha River waterfront which has peaceful walking paths. Next, explore Capitol Street with its local shops, cafés, and restaurants.
A visit to the West Virginia State Capitol is also a must. The building and surrounding grounds are absolutely beautiful and free to explore (heads up, you have to pass through security screening).
Charleston is also a great place to eat your way through the city. You’ll find everything from classic Appalachian comfort food to modern farm-to-table spots. I’ll warn you that Charleston is easy to underestimate how much there is to see. That's why a tour with a local guide can save you time.
What I loved best:
Visiting Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences with my son was my personal highlight.
Huntington
I thought this lively city just 1-hour drive west from Charleston was one of the best places we visited with our son. We loved that there was plenty of space to play, and a good selection of kid-friendly museums.
You can spend some time in Ritter Park which has plenty of space to run around. There are rose gardens and many paths. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
Next, explore Downtown Huntington with historic buildings. Pullman Square is a great place to explore local shops.
I thought the Huntington Museum of Art was a hidden gem above the city. You can explore galleries and enjoy the views tii.
Other great places to include on your itinerary are Camden Park, Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Harris Riverfront Park, and Museum of Radio & Technology.
Best Day Trips in Southern WV
This region offers plenty to explore in just one day—whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both.
The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
This is one of the most unusual and underrated gems I’ve found in the state. We drove about 1 hour 50 minutes southwest from Fayetteville to Matewan (population around 400). The museum is right downtown and the location alone made it feel like an authentic step back in time.
Inside, we saw exhibits about the early coal mining days. Next, you can learn about the Battle of Matewan which was an important turning point towards securing miners' rights.
New River Gorge
Looking for a scenic day trip about an hour from Charleston, WV? Chris and I both absolutely love New River Gorge, and have been many times. I thought it was one of the best places to visit in West Virginia when I moved to the South.
Enjoy dramatic views of the the river far below. It feels like standing in a postcard.
After taking lots of photos, visit nearby Fayetteville for coffee and pastries.
What I loved best:
Hiking along the Endless Wall Trail was my personal highlight.
Bluefield
If you drive further south from New River Gorge, you will reach a friendly small town nicknamed "Nature’s Air-Conditioned City." You'll find it in the Appalachian Mountains near the Virginia border.
My highlights included Lotito City Park & Ridge Runner Train, East River Mountain Overlook, Railroad Museum, Bowen Field at Peters Park, and Bluefield City Park Splash Pad in the summer.
Exploring history and art at the Bluefield Arts Center completely won me over.
We checked into 5-star Baker's Hill Inn for two nights
Princeton, WV
A great stop on your road trip is Princeton, WV, just about 15 minutes from Bluefield.
You can begin in downtown Princeton and admire historic buildings along Mercer Street. I though that locally owned shops and artisan crafts gave the town a lived-in feel. Downtown cafés and bakeries will entice you with all sorts of treats.
If you are a history buff like me, head to the Princeton Railroad Museum where you can learn how the railroads shaped the region. As evening settled in, downtown lights and live music brought a relaxed buzz. We strolled again, hand in hand, enjoying the cool mountain air and the sense of calm that wrapped around the town.
For me, Princeton is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia.
You can also visit Chuck Mathena Center, Downtown Murals & Mercer Street Grassroots District, Princeton City Park, and Camp Creek State Park just 15 minutes away.
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
