City centre Charleston combines business energy with historic charm, making it the beating heart of West Virginia's capital. The golden-domed State Capitol rises majestically beside the Kanawha River. Cultural attractions like the Clay Centre offer museums and performance venues that showcase Appalachian heritage. Visitors can stroll tree-lined streets with wide pavements past a mix of Art Deco buildings and modern glass towers. The Charleston Town Centre provides shopping options while Haddad Riverfront Park offers peaceful river views and walking paths.
Charleston's East End Historic District showcases architectural treasures beneath a golden-domed Capitol. Victorian mansions with wraparound porches and ornate details line peaceful, tree-canopied streets. Stained glass windows catch the afternoon light as you stroll through this authentic residential area. The neoclassical Governor's Mansion stands as another impressive landmark in this walkable area. Nearby boutiques offer authentic Appalachian pottery and regional crafts. Most visitors enjoy upscale restaurants serving Southern comfort food after exploring the district's historic blocks.
Kanawha City offers a quiet residential retreat with convenient shopping and dining options just minutes from city centre Charleston. This family-friendly area features tree-lined streets with modest homes and several strip malls along main roads. Travellers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and lower prices compared to the city centre. Stay here for budget-friendly accommodation without sacrificing accessibility to Charleston's attractions. The Kanawha Mall Shopping Centre provides everyday essentials while the nearby Kanawha River offers pleasant views. West Virginia's State Capitol Building and Museum are just a short drive away.
South Hills offers a peaceful escape in Charleston with tree-lined streets and stately homes. This upscale area provides scenic views of the Kanawha River Valley from its elevated position. Nature lovers can explore Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve or take leisurely walks on quiet streets. The area maintains an authentic residential feel with minimal tourist presence. Sunrise Bird Sanctuary Museum showcases local wildlife while Cox-Morton House highlights the neighborhood's historic character. Travellers should note that a car is essential as public transit is limited.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Charleston
Mardi Gras Casino
8.4/10 (557 reviews)
The Mardi Gras Casino & Resort offers a festive gaming atmosphere with nearly 1,000 slot machines and live greyhound racing. Join the player's club for rewards while enjoying diverse dining options.
University of Charleston
8.2/10 (300 reviews)
Perched along the Kanawha River, the University of Charleston campus offers stunning views of the West Virginia State Capitol. Wander the riverbank to appreciate both modern facilities and historic Riggleman Hall.
West Virginia State Capitol Building
8.8/10 (524 reviews)
The West Virginia State Capitol boasts a 293-foot gold-leafed dome that surpasses even the US Capitol in height. Explore its grand marble Rotunda and observe state government in action through free guided tours.
Charleston Town Center
7.8/10 (640 reviews)
This city centre shopping destination once reigned as one of the largest malls east of the Mississippi. Browse national brands and local boutiques while enjoying the urban convenience of Charleston's retail hub.
Photo by Rhonda Wileman
Open Photo by Rhonda Wileman
Haddad Riverfront Park
8.4/10 (39 reviews)
This riverside amphitheatre hosts Charleston's vibrant "Live on the Levee" concert series with Kanawha River views. Bring a blanket for evening performances when city lights shimmer on the water.
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
8.6/10 (536 reviews)
West Virginia's premier entertainment venue boasts a recent $100 million expansion with state-of-the-art amenities. Enjoy concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions in city centre Charleston's modernised cultural hub.
Southridge Center
8.4/10 (315 reviews)
Southridge Centre offers a diverse mix of national retailers and dining options along Charleston's US Route 119. Explore speciality shops like Cabela's or enjoy a meal at popular restaurants.
Shawnee Sports Complex
8.0/10 (72 reviews)
This premier multi-sport facility hosts national tournaments on state-of-the-art artificial turf fields. Watch future sports stars compete from steel bleachers that seat up to 1,000 spectators per field.
Charleston Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
"Everyone was very pleasant and ready to help at any moment we were there for the Billy strings concert It was a great crowd. everybody loved the show and all the staff was very welcoming later in the evening at the Marriott I will visit again."
"Not only did my room have mold in it my bathroom walls were little crumbling. My room was next to the utility closest and they slammed the door all every time someone went in or out. I asked for a new room and my new room did not have a working toilet. Highly disappointed and do not recommend."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Why should I book my Charleston holiday with Expedia?
Expedia has your back for all aspects of your Charleston getaway. You'll always get the best prices around, but when you bundle your airfares, accommodation and/or hire car into a holiday package, you can save even more. Want to truly make the most of your adventure? Add some exciting tours and activities to your package. Expedia offers flexible cancellation policies on almost all bookings, so there's no need to worry if your travel plans change. Head over to our Customer Service Portal link to find out more.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Charleston?
May, June and August are the busiest months in Charleston, while December, January and February are generally a lot quieter. Organise your getaway to Charleston according to what type of holiday you're looking for. January is the coolest month, when average daytime temperatures are 0ºC. In July, the warmest month, expect averages of 23ºC during the day.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Charleston?
Browse and book everything all in one place with our Charleston holidays. We have deals on flights, hotels and more that'll keep your travel budget happy and adventurous side satisfied. And, with more than 400 airlines and 321,000 hotel options around the globe to select from, you'll have endless opportunities to mix and match however you please. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you combine your hotel and flight bookings with Expedia.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Charleston?
There's plenty to do in Charleston, so spend your nights close to its top sights and spend more time sightseeing. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Centre is one place to add to your itinerary.
Do I need a visa for my Charleston holiday?
Official government websites are the best source of information on visa requirements, application procedures and any necessary documentation. Your nationality and reason for travelling, whether it be for tourism or business, will determine if you'll need a visa for Charleston. Also be sure that your passport is up to date and has at least six months validity remaining beyond your intended return date. Do all your travel planning ahead of time to avoid any nasty last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Charleston holiday?
Though everyone's fashion style is different, it can help to have some guidelines for what kind of clothes to wear during your holiday in Charleston. Think about looking up style blogs before you head off so you can blend in like a local. Pack with confidence by checking the local weather conditions in Charleston. July brings the warmest temperatures, with daily averages of 23ºC, while January days average 0ºC, making it the coolest month.
What does an Expedia Charleston holiday include?
Select from a combination of hotels, hire cars and flights. Once you've made your booking, add the fun stuff like tours and activities. Want to pick your fare class? That's also possible. The choice is all yours when it comes to crafting your dream Charleston getaway. Private holiday homes and apartments are a couple of highly sought-after property types in Charleston. Whatever your holiday style or size of your group, you can count on Expedia for the freedom and flexibility to tailor your escape.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Charleston holidays?
Yes. Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to help you conveniently pay for your trip in manageable instalments. Simply click on the payment plan that suits best during the checkout process and take the stress out of budgeting for your next trip. Be sure to bundle your accommodation, flights and car hire with Expedia to get the biggest bang for your buck. Check out our flexible payment options below:
Pay monthly holidays: Make your holiday dreams a reality sooner with Klarna's manageable monthly instalment plans. If paying across multiple transactions sounds right for you, pick this option during the checkout process.
No-deposit holidays: When you stumble on an unbeatable deal but your budget doesn't quite go that far, Klarna's no-deposit holiday plan will allow you to Book Now, Pay Later to get what you want.
Can I choose my airline with a Charleston Expedia holiday?
Most definitely. Expedia has more than 400 partner airlines to select from all over the world. With so many choices, finding the ideal carrier to bring you to Charleston won't be hard.