What to do in Charleston, WV

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Charleston

Types of activities

Where to stay

Charleston travel guide

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

West Virginia State Museum which includes interior views

West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative building and interior views

West Virginia State Capitol Building which includes an administrative building, interior views and heritage architecture

Charleston Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Charleston has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, 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 to Charleston 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.

Places of interest in Charleston

Charleston is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Charleston, and make it a breeze to explore Charleston and 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 holiday 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 to Charleston, 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 in Charleston.

Charleston attractions

Charleston 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 in Charleston to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Charleston.

Looking for things to do in Charleston 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 of Charleston or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Charleston attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Charleston

Number of things to do	3
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: West Virginia’s Cultural Crown!: £10
Top 5 things to do	Promise Land Bee Farm Private Tour in Charleston Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: West Virginia’s Cultural Crown! Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Summersville Lake
Half-day tours	Promise Land Bee Farm Private Tour in Charleston Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: West Virginia’s Cultural Crown! Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Summersville Lake
With kids	Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Summersville Lake

What to do in Charleston

Popular places to visit

Mardi Gras Casino

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

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.

University of Charleston

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.

Aerial Elevating Up Over Chruch Clocktower and Charleston West Virginia

Charleston Town Center

You can do some window-shopping at Charleston Town Center during your trip to Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

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.

West Virginia State Museum

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.

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

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

Southridge Center

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Southridge Center during your trip to Charleston. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this relaxing area.

CAMC General Hospital

If CAMC General Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Charleston.

Explore areas of Charleston

Downtown Charleston

While visiting Downtown Charleston, you might make a stop by sights like Mountain Stage and Charleston Town Center.

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.

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.

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.

West Side

If you're spending some time in West Side, Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park are top sights worth seeing.

Institute

When in Institute, you can plan a visit to Mardi Gras Casino and Dunbar Village Shopping Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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.

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 kms (1 mile) away from downtown, while Downtown Charleston is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) 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.

Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Summersville Lake

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.