What to do in Charleston, WV

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

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


Stay near popular Charleston attractions

Where to stay in Charleston

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

Downtown Charleston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Charleston, Charleston Town Center and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences are top sights worth seeing.

East End Historic District

East End Historic District is well-liked for its casinos, and you can visit sights like West Virginia State Museum and West Virginia Culture Center if you have time to explore the area.

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

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

 

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

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.