Best Places to Visit in West Virginia

Searching for the best places to visit in West Virginia? Well, you are in the right place! I’ve found that The Mountain State offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, making it one of the most truly rewarding places to visit in the U.S...Here are the places I recommend from my recent four week road trip, and I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we did.

1. Morgantown

I was completely charmed by the delightful blend of mountain-town vibes and college-town energy here!

Tucked into the Appalachian hills along the Monongahela River, for me, Morgantown is one of the most unexpectedly charming day-trip destinations in West Virginia.

We started along the riverfront rail-trail, where the water, bridges, and surrounding green hills made for a peaceful walk that instantly slowed us down and pulled us into the moment together.

My favorite part was riding the Personal Rapid Transit system—something so quirky and local—gliding quietly above town, laughing at how it felt like a little adventure all its own.

Downtown Morgantown had a laid-back energy, with brick buildings, bookstores, record shops, and cafés that felt lived-in and welcoming rather than polished.

We stopped for coffee and pastries, then later shared a hearty Appalachian-inspired meal that felt warm and grounding—simple food done really well, perfect after a day of wandering.

I loved browsing the small local shops and art spaces, finding handmade goods and WV-themed pieces that felt meaningful to bring home.

A hidden highlight was heading up to Cooper’s Rock State Forest nearby, where the overlook opened up to sweeping valley views that took our breath away and made us pause, quietly taking it all in together.

We also picked up bits of local history (from coal to college-town traditions) which gave Morgantown a depth that made it feel more special the longer we stayed. Farm-to-table dinner at Table 9, right on the riverfront, was a highlight at the end of the day. That evening in Morgantown, we also strolled along part of the 6-mile Caperton Trail, watching the sun dip below the wooded hills watching rowers across the water during my warm July vacation.

Chris and I spent two cozy nights at the 3-star Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, which offered beautiful river views and was within walking distance of the Wharf District’s restaurants and trails. We found that prices at Morgantown were generally more affordable than many other scenic towns we’ve visited (which made it even more appealing!).

What I loved Best

Riding the cheap (just 50 cents to ride) Personal Rapid Transit system was my personal highlight as the quirky, driverless monorail whisks you from campus to the riverfront. The city's Personal Rapid Transit's definitely the one secret you need to know to get around the town efficiently and cheaply!

2. Wheeling

I fell for the mix of historic charm, outdoor adventure, and family fun in this unique city along the Ohio River!

After just over an hour’s drive west from Pittsburgh, we arrived in "The Friendly City" that was both laid-back and packed with kid-friendly surprises. We stayed at 3-star Oglebay Resort for two stress-free days.

First thing we did was drive over the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and honestly it felt like a dream and such a cool historic experience.

After that we walked around downtown, which felt like an underrated gem full of old architecture, murals, and vibrant streets with lots of local character.

One of my favorite stops was Oglebay Park just minutes outside the city, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of the trip.

We spent hours there exploring the gardens, zoo, and scenic overlooks, and it was such an amazing and affordable way to enjoy nature.

Later we checked out the Good Zoo, which was surprisingly interesting and perfect for a family or romantic weekend getaway.

For lunch we found a small local spot downtown, and it was one of those hidden places that just felt authentic and joyful.

In the afternoon we visited the Capitol Theatre, which is a spectacular historic venue and one of the most unique things to see in Wheeling.

Walking along the riverfront afterward was pure magic, especially with the views of the hills and bridges.

That evening we grabbed dinner nearby and loved how relaxed yet exciting the city felt compared to bigger destinations.

The next morning we explored more local neighborhoods and realized how much history is packed into this underrated city.

Wheeling felt like the absolute best kind of hidden gem, mixing culture, scenery, and charm without the crowds.

By the time we left, we agreed it was one of the best places in West Virginia for a unique and memorable trip.

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was browsing the Centre Market District, filled with antiques, art, and local food.

Oglebay Park’s Winter Festival of Lights was my favorite highlight during our winter visit.

3. Martinsburg

This town, tucked into the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, wone me over with Civil War history, train adventures, and small-town charm. Just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., we arrived in a place that felt peaceful, historic, and easygoing, perfect for exploring with my husband and son. 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.

First thing we did was walk the downtown streets and i loved how vibrant yet calm it felt with brick buildings and local shops everywhere.

This town felt like one of those underrated places you never expect much from but end up having the best experience.

After that we explored the historic train station which was interesting and kind of unusual and honestly one of my favorite surprises.

Martinsburg is close to the Appalachian Mountains so later we drove a short distance to enjoy spectacular views and some quiet nature magic.

We stopped for lunch at a cozy local cafe and it was one of the best meals of the trip simple food but joyful and real.

Then we headed to a nearby farm which felt like a dream afternoon and such a cool idea for our family trip.

Being so close to Harpers Ferry made it exciting because you can easily add another amazing town to your weekend plans.

We spent the afternoon walking in parks and along trails and it felt like the most relaxing experience ever and totally underrated.

At night Martinsburg felt cozy and we found this little bar that felt like a hidden local gem.

The whole vibe was chill affordable and authentic which made the town feel like the absolute best surprise.

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.

4. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

When I visited this month, I felt like I had stepped into a place where history and natural beauty meet in the best possible way. Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry’s one of the most spectacular destinations in the state and a true window into America’s past.

We drove just over an hour 15 minutes from D.C. to my stay at Hillbrook Inn & Spa, a romantic English country-style estate tucked into the woods. My suite for two days overlooked a creek, and breakfasts were an event in themselves — think brioche French toast with blackberry compote and freshly brewed Appalachian coffee. 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, where every dish felt like a love letter to the region with heirloom vegetables, locally sourced meats, and thoughtful wine pairings.

What I loved best:

Living History in Lower Town where you can see costumed interpreters, blacksmith demonstrations, and old general stores from 1800s.

5. Parkersburg

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, this place felt like one of the state’s most underrated destinations. We started at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, which quickly became my favorite experience.

We checked into an affordable vacation rental for seven days and explored from there. You can also visit the elegant 18th-century Blennerhassett Mansion, stroll through Downtown Parkersburg, visit the Oil & Gas Museum, which was a hidden gem.

I also enjoyed spending time along the riverfront, where trails and parks made it easy to relax with a view of the water. Sunset over the Ohio River was absolutely spectacular and gave me one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Some good hotel options are 3-star Blennerhassett Hotel ($140) and 3-star Hampton Inn ($110)

What I loved best:

What I loved most about this town was how it mixes history, river scenery, and small-town warmth. To me, it’s one of West Virginia’s best places to visit, offering both cultural depth and joyful outdoor beauty.

6. Charleston, WV

What I love about visiting West Virginia's capital city is that it’s compact, easy to navigate, and offers a great mix of local culture, history, and outdoor scenery without feeling rushed. It’s a perfect place for a relaxed day of exploring. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and starting your day earlier rather than later so you can really take your time enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Getting to Charleston is straightforward if you’re already in the region, and once you’re downtown, most of the highlights are within walking distance or a short drive. Downtown Charleston is especially easy to explore on foot, and parking is generally affordable and much less stressful than in larger cities. If you’re staying nearby, walking is often the best way to get around and take in the local atmosphere.

If you make the trip to Charleston, I think you should consider spending time along the Kanawha River waterfront and exploring Capitol Street. The riverfront offers scenic views and peaceful walking paths, while Capitol Street is lined with local shops, cafés, and restaurants that give you a real feel for the city. A visit to the West Virginia State Capitol is also a must—the building and surrounding grounds are beautiful and free to explore.

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, along with cozy coffee shops and bakeries that are perfect for a midday break. There are also several museums, art galleries, and live music venues if you want to dive a little deeper into the local culture.

I’ll warn you that Charleston may seem small at first, but it’s easy to underestimate how much there is to see if you don’t have a loose plan. On our first visit, we wandered around without much direction and realized later that we’d missed a few highlights. Since then, we’ve found that guided experiences and themed tours can be a great way to make the most of a short stay.

One of our favorite experiences was a local history and food-focused walking tour, which introduced us to small, locally owned businesses and shared stories about Charleston’s past that we never would have learned on our own. It only took a few hours but gave us a much deeper appreciation for the city and its community.

• Where to Stay: The Ryder Hotel ($237), The Vendue

What I loved best:

Visiting Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences with my son was my personal highlight.

7. Huntington

I thought this lively city (just 1-hour drive west from Charleston!) with a mix of outdoor adventures, kid-friendly museums, and plenty of space to play was one of the best places to visit in West Virginia.

We started our day at Ritter Park, where winding paths, rose gardens, and towering trees created the kind of peaceful setting that makes conversation slow down naturally. Walking side by side beneath the leaves, everything felt calm and unhurried.

My favorite part was sitting near the river, watching the water move steadily past while trains rumbled in the distance—one of those simple moments that felt grounding and quietly romantic.

Downtown Huntington had a warm, lived-in charm, with historic buildings, local murals, and small businesses that made it feel authentic rather than polished. We wandered through Pullman Square, popping into shops and stopping whenever something caught our eye.

We shared a meal at a local spot and tried classic Appalachian-inspired comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and made even better by splitting bites and talking over the table.

I loved browsing the bookstores and artisan shops, finding locally made goods and little pieces of Huntington’s creative spirit to take home with us.

A hidden highlight was visiting the Huntington Museum of Art, perched above the city. The mix of galleries and scenic overlooks gave us both culture and quiet views, all in one place.

As evening came, the city softened. Lights reflected off the river, music drifted from nearby patios, and everything felt slower, warmer, and more intimate.

What I loved best:

My highlights include Camden Park, Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Harris Riverfront Park, Museum of Radio & Technology, Pullman Square and Ritter Park.

8. 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). We stayed the night in nearby Williamson at the Mountaineer Hotel ($109, historic 1920s vibe).

Walking up to the museum first thing felt exciting because it’s right in downtown Matewan, and the location alone made it feel like an authentic step back in time.

Inside, we took our time reading exhibits in order, starting with the early coal mining days, and it felt like the best way to understand why this place is such an important experience.

The photos, artifacts, and stories were powerful, and some of the images you can literally see in my photos later because they stuck with me that much.

One of my favorite parts was learning about the Battle of Matewan, which happened right here, making this museum a truly unique and unusual stop.

As we moved room to room, the story unfolded sequentially, and it felt like a brilliant idea to lay everything out so clearly and emotionally.

The museum is small but packed with vibrant history, and it’s honestly one of the most affordable and meaningful attractions in West Virginia.

We talked quietly while reading, feeling the weight of the labor movement and realizing how this underrated place shaped workers rights.

There was something joyful but also heavy about learning together, which made the experience feel real and human.

After finishing the exhibits, we stepped back outside and looked around town, realizing how close everything still feels to the past.

This museum is the absolute best stop for history lovers, families, or anyone wanting a cool and educational adventure.

9. New River Gorge

Chris and I both absolutely love New River Gorge, and have been many times. One of the best places to visit in West Virginia when I moved South was this unique town.

Driving into the gorge, we were immediately struck by the dramatic views—endless forested hills, steep cliffs, and the river winding far below, making every overlook feel like a postcard moment.

Our day began with a slow morning in Fayetteville, a charming little town just outside the park, where we grabbed coffee and pastries at a cozy local café before heading out to explore.

We spent hours wandering along scenic trails, stopping often to take in sweeping views of the gorge and listen to the quiet rush of the river beneath us—it felt grounding in the best possible way.

One of my favorite moments was standing together at an overlook near the bridge, watching rafters drift along the water far below and feeling completely removed from everyday stress.

In the afternoon, we explored shorter hikes through wooded paths and rocky outcrops, where sunlight filtered through the trees and everything felt calm, spacious, and unrushed.

We stumbled upon tucked-away picnic spots that made perfect places to sit, snack, and talk about future adventures while surrounded by nothing but nature.

What I loved most about New River Gorge was how it balanced adventure and stillness—you could seek adrenaline or simply slow down and breathe, all in the same place.

As the sun dipped lower, we made our way back toward town and ended the day with dinner at a relaxed local restaurant, sharing comfort food and reflecting on how refreshing it felt to spend the day so fully present together.

What I loved best:

Hiking along the Endless Wall Trail was my personal highlight.

10. Bluefield

I loved this mountain hideaway with sweeping views, friendly small-town charm, and plenty of family fun. Known as “Nature’s Air-Conditioned City” for its cool mountain breezes, this place is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains near the Virginia border.

After about a 2-hour drive south from Charleston (or a little over 1 hour from Blacksburg, VA), we arrived in a town surrounded by rolling hills, winding roads, and that crisp mountain air that makes everything feel fresh and adventurous. We checked into 5-star Baker's Hill Inn for two nights where 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.

My personal highlight was exploring the blend of history and art at the Bluefield Arts Center which completely won me over.

11. Princeton, WV

Set in the scenic mountains of southern West Virginia (About 1.5 hours day trip south of Charleston), we adored this colorful little town with a creative streak.

We started in downtown Princeton, strolling along Mercer Street where historic buildings, colorful murals, and locally owned shops gave the town a welcoming, lived-in feel.

One of our first stops was the Princeton Railroad Museum, where we learned how the railroads shaped the region and got a deeper appreciation for the town’s roots and resilience.

Downtown cafés and bakeries drew us in next. We lingered over coffee, chatted with friendly locals, and enjoyed the slow pace that made it easy to lose track of time.

We wandered through Princeton’s art scene, popping into galleries and creative spaces that reflected the town’s growing energy and love for local expression. Lunch at a cozy diner turned into one of those simple, perfect moments—comfort food, warm service, and the feeling that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

In the afternoon, we drove just outside town to take in the rolling mountain views, pulling over more than once just to admire the scenery and snap photos together.

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.

My personal highlight next day was browsing vintage finds and artisan crafts along Mercer Street.

For me, Princeton is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia.

Family highlights include Princeton Railroad Museum, Chuck Mathena Center, Downtown Murals & Mercer Street Grassroots District, Princeton City Park, and Camp Creek State Park 15 minutes away. You can stay at the 2-star Hampton Inn Princeton or the 3-star Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and turn this day trip into a great weekend getaways.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.