What to do in Charleston, WV

Activities, attractions and tours

West Virginia State Capitol Building showing an administrative building and heritage architecture
West Virginia State Museum showing interior views
Charleston which includes a city
West Virginia State Capitol Building which includes interior views and an administrative building
West Virginia State Capitol Building showing an administrative building, heritage architecture and interior views

Charleston Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Charleston has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Charleston is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Charleston to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Charleston Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Charleston.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Charleston attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Charleston

Discover the most popular places to visit in Charleston

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Mardi Gras Casino

4/5(2 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Mardi Gras Casino during your time in Cross Lanes? Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Mardi Gras Casino
West Virginia State Capitol Building showing an administrative building and heritage architecture

West Virginia State Capitol Building

Take a guided tour around West Virginia’s seat of government and marvel at its dazzling dome, which is covered in 23.5-karat gold.

West Virginia State Capitol Building
DJI Mavic 3 aerial drone footage of the University of Charleston in West Virginia

University of Charleston

4/5(2 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Charleston, during your travels in Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

University of Charleston
Aerial Elevating Up Over Chruch Clocktower and Charleston West Virginia

Charleston Town Center

5/5(1 review)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Charleston Town Center during your visit to Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

Charleston Town Center
Storm Over the Capitol

Haddad Riverfront Park

Haddad Riverfront Park is just one of the places to see in Charleston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

Haddad Riverfront Park
West Virginia State Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements

West Virginia State Museum

5/5(1 review)

Familiarize yourself with the story of West Virginia at this nicely laid-out museum, which covers such diverse topics as coal and the Civil War.

West Virginia State Museum

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the events happening at Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center during your trip to Charleston. Visit the casinos and shops in this family-friendly area.

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Southridge Center

4.5/5(4 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Southridge Center during your stay in Charleston. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this relaxing area.

Southridge Center

CAMC General Hospital

Though CAMC General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Charleston while you are here.

CAMC General Hospital

Explore areas of Charleston

Storm Over the Capitol

Downtown Charleston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Charleston, Mountain Stage and Charleston Town Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Charleston
Aerial View of the West Virginia State Capitol Complex

Teays Valley

While visiting Teays Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Teays Center Plaza and Teays Valley Lakes.

Teays Valley
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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 Kanawha Landing.

Kanawha City
Aerial view of Charleston, West Virginia skyline and South Side Bridge. Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia and the seat of Kanawha County

South Hills

While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve and Sunrise Bird Sanctuary Museum.

South Hills
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West Side

While visiting West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park.

West Side
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Institute

Institute might not have many top sights, but Mardi Gras Casino and Dunbar Village Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Institute

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Charleston

West Virginia State Capitol and skyline, in Charleston along Kanawha river. Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia and the seat of Kanawha County

Dunbar

Charleston WV Field work 2017

Sissonville

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
With a mix of culture and history, there are many things to do in Charleston. When you're here, check out West Virginia State Museum, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
West Virginia State Museum and Venture Lanes are two excellent places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Charleston while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
The top tourist attraction in Charleston is West Virginia State Museum, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city attractions, including West Virginia State Museum, East End Historic District and Charleston Stage Company. The average stay in Charleston is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Cross Lanes isn't far away.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Charleston. Several top sights, like West Virginia State Museum and East End Historic District, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Charleston's neighbourhoods, East End Historic District is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown Charleston is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Charleston with kids.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
West Virginia State Capitol Building and Cabin Creek Quilts are just a couple of the things to do in Charleston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Charleston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. East End Historic District is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.