Charleston has been around since the late 1700s, when it was still a frontier town. It still has a small-town, modest charm with a very historical twang.
In the area, there are many historic houses, museums, and landmarks, some of which are named after famous people who lived there, like Daniel Boone.
But Charleston’s past isn’t the only thing that makes it a great place to visit for a vacation.
As befits the center of West Virginia, it’s also a busy city.
You can go out to eat, see the dance, and shop at high-end malls.
You can go to fairs and gatherings all over the city.
There are two things you can do: skateboard or ice skate.
Nature is close to Charleston, which is another great thing about it.
As a part of the Mountain State, it has a lot of wild, rough areas where you can camp, hike, bike, zip line, rock climb, go whitewater rafting, and more.
Are you still interested?
Are you ready to learn more about what the shining beauty of the Mountain State can do?
There are lots of fun things to do in Charleston, West Virginia!
1. Holly Grove Mansion
This is the oldest house in Charleston’s East End Historical District. It is also known as the Holly Grove Inn.
The building was made in 1815, and it is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
It used to be part of a much bigger farm, but now it’s just a single relic. If you’re in East End, you should still go see it.
The most interesting thing about the house is its design.
In front, there is a circular porch that leads to a two- and three-story house in the back. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and change with the seasons.
Their plants are very bright green in the spring.
Their trees have beautiful leaves that change colors all the time in the fall.
At the moment, you can’t go inside the house, but the city of Charleston is always coming up with new restoration plans, so this could change one day!
In the end, the Holly Grove Mansion can be a fun thing to do in Charleston if you’re interested in history.
A lot of real West Virginia history went into making it. It’s cool to look at and even cooler to take selfies with.
Address: 1710 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305, United States
SEE ALSO: 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gulfport (Mississippi)
2. Charleston Town Center
When you go on vacation, you have to buy gifts.
The Charleston Town Center has stores that sell everything from jackets to handbags, which is good news.
It’s a huge shopping center that’s almost a million square feet!
It’s one of the biggest indoor shopping centers in the United States because of that.
You can go to shops, restaurants, beauty salons, and even a museum in the mall.
The West Virginia Museum of Music is on the second floor. It’s a great place to learn about the past of music.
The mall’s development is another interesting thing about it.
The building is pretty nice looking, with three shiny floors connected by a glass lift. A lot of people like to hang out there, even when they’re not in the mood to shop.
Does your money seem to be going nowhere?
Pay a visit to the Charleston Town Center.
When you have a million square feet to look around, you’ll find something that you want to keep.
Address: 3000 Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV 25389, United States
3. Haddad Riverfront Park
Haddad Riverfront Park is a busy spot for events held outside.
On the weekends, it hosts Live on the Levee, and other acts also perform in its amphitheater. Depending on when you go, you can see anything from comedy shows to dramas by Shakespeare.
It’s also right on the Kanawha River, so if you like views of the water, boats pass by almost constantly, which can be very pretty.
If you like being active, you could hike around the river yourself. The park is a popular spot on the Kanawha River Walk Trail.
In general, Haddad Riverfront Park is one of the best places in Charleston to have fun in a healthy way.
You can find peace by taking a walk or having a lunch by the water or singing along to live music. Food trucks are also there.
In addition to being a beautiful place to relax, it has a lot of fun things to do.
Address: Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25302, United States
SEE ALSO: 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gulfport (Mississippi)
4. West Virginia State Capitol
The West Virginia State Capitol is a famous place to visit because its dome is made of 23.5-karat gold and shines brightly.
It’s not just a beautiful building, either.
There is a lot going on there, and you can sneak a peek at lawmakers at work.
Taking a tour is the best way to see the city.
They’re free every day and will take you through a lot of the neoclassical building. You’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Kanawha River from the windows and the light streaming through the dome.
There are ponds, flags, plazas, and well-known statues on the grounds, like “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight.”
As part of the larger West Virginia Capitol Complex, the governor’s red brick house is close by and sits in a tree-filled area.
One of the most interesting places in the city is the West Virginia State Capitol.
As the building lights up at night from across the dark river, it looks like something out of a picture.
Don’t miss it!
Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305, United States
5. Live on the Levee
Live on the Levee is a live music event that takes place in Charleston’s Haddad Riverfront Park every year from spring to fall.
The name makes it sound like it’s right on the water, and the bands play every Friday, rain or shine.
The acts range from local to foreign, so depending on the weekend you go, you could see anything from a local folk group to a well-known rock band from the UK.
There are food trucks everywhere, and some bands sell stuff.
In the beginning and end, there are huge fireworks shows that shoot over the river.
If it’s the right time of year and you want to do something fun in Charleston this weekend, go to the park to see Live on the Levee.
There is no fee to enter, so you will only have to pay for the food and fun that you want to enjoy.
Other than that, it’s a great, free, and fun time that the Charleston community looks forward to every year.
Address: Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25302, United States
6. Sumthin’ Good Soul Food
Live on the Levee is an annual live music event at Charleston’s Haddad Riverfront Park, held from spring until fall.
As the name implies, it takes place right on the waterfront, and the bands perform every Friday, rain or shine.
Acts range from local to international, so depending on the weekend, you may see everything from indie folk artists to well-known rock bands from across the pond.
Food trucks are ubiquitous, and some musicians offer merchandise.
The first and last days feature spectacular fireworks displays that cascade across the river.
If it’s the perfect season and you’re seeking for fun things to do in Charleston this weekend, head to the park for Live on the Levee.
There is no admittance fee, so you will only have to pay for the meals and activities that pique your interest.
Otherwise, it’s a fun, free, and amazing experience that also serves as an annual Charleston community event.
Address: 4837 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309, United States
7. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
The Clay Center is the place to enjoy arts and culture in Charleston.
Covering 240,000 square feet, it’s a sprawling, multi-venue complex that houses everything from concerts to science lectures to theater productions.
It’s perhaps best known for the performing arts.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is based here, and it welcomes visits from the Broadway in Charleston as well.
There’s also a two-story science center, the Avampato Discovery Museum, where the entire family can engage in STEM-based learning.
Another museum, the Juliet Art Museum, is more adult oriented, but it can offer aficionados a glimpse of many famous paintings and portraits.
Last but not least, the Caperton Planetarium is always open to astronomy lovers, so it’s ideal for fueling your imagination and sending you off into space!
If you’re looking for fun places to go this weekend, check out the Clay Center.
There’s always something new lined up on the schedule, so no matter when you visit, you’ll have options.
Address: 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
8. Kanawha State Forest
West Virginia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US if you’re a fan of lush and undeveloped landscapes.
It’s a place that hasn’t been developed to death, so you can still venture deep into its primordial forests and disconnect with everything but the sights and sounds of nature.
Kanawha State Forest is one such place.
Spanning more than 9,000 acres, it’s home to a number of geological features that have stood for centuries, including cliffs, waterfalls, and woodlands.
It’s removed enough from civilization that parts don’t even receive cell service.
Despite its remoteness, however, the forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Common activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and shooting at the on-site gun range.
It’s also something of a mecca among bird watchers because of its high populations of both local and migratory species.
Kanawha State Forest is such a remarkable example of untouched nature that you might be surprised to learn that it’s just a few miles outside of Charleston.
You can explore the city by day and sleep under the stars by night!
Now that’s a wide-ranging vacation!
Address: 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV 25314, United States
9. Capitol Street
If you’re looking for small-town charm, Capitol Street has a lovely, peaceful atmosphere that invokes the spirit of West Virginia circa the 1900s.
Tree-lined streets offer shade over quaint little shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Old relics, including a lamppost clock, speak to another time.
Colorful townhouses add even more character to an already picturesque neighborhood.
As for commerce, you’ll find plenty of it, most of them mom-and-pop stores selling things like rare books and artisanal baked goods.
Another option is visiting Capitol Market, the year-round farmer’s market housed out of an old freight station.
You might also want to time your visit between the months of March and December.
This is when Capitol Street holds it monthly ArtWalk, a celebration of local arts, crafts, music, photography, and more.
You can score things like discounted museum admission and free tours and workshops.
All in all, Capitol Street is one of the best places to see in Charleston, especially if you have a love of charming and historic destinations.
Turn back the clock with a stroll under the oaks and a pastry or two in hand!
Address: Charleston, WV 25301, United States
10. Tour de Coal
How many times in your life will you have the opportunity to watch hundreds of colorful kayaks bobbing along the water?
This is what it’s like at Tour de Coal, an annual “kayak float” where participants take a 12-mile trip down the Coal River Watertrail.
It isn’t a race, and there are no prizes.
It’s just a fun, family-friendly occasion where folks can get together to show off their boats, raise money for charity, and craft an awesome story to tell later.
Note that the event isn’t actually held in Charleston; it’s about a half-hour drive in the near city of Thunder.
However, people come from all across the state to enjoy it.
Tour de Coal is easily one of the most memorable things to do in West Virginia, so whether you’re interested in participating or just spectating, get there by June!
Address: WV, United States
11. Spring Hill Cemetery
Covering 172 acres, Spring Hill Cemetery is a grand and impressive graveyard that serves as a scenic site in Charleston as well as the final resting place of many prominent West Virginians.
The grounds are nestled in the rolling hills of the city’s historic district.
The graves range from simple tombstones to elaborate memorials decorated with statues and poems.
Some of the cemetery’s most famous residents include governors, military officers, and early settlers and developers.
You can spot the most influential grave sites because they’re immortalized with things like marble obelisks rising 30 feet into the air.
Generally speaking, the atmosphere of the cemetery is a calm one.
It’s a beautiful, tranquil kind of landscape that even includes trails for walkers and joggers.
However, it can also become a spooky destination and a place for things like Charleston ghost tours after-hours.
Maybe you’re wondering what to do on Halloween.
Maybe you just enjoy art, history, and the legacy of those who came before us.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Spring Hill Cemetery, you’re sure to get something out of the experience.
Address: 1555 Farnsworth Dr, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
12. Appalachian Boarding Company
If you’re eager to explore Charleston but not sure where to start, the Appalachian Boarding Company can help.
They offer guided tours around the shores and waterways of Kanawha County and beyond.
Best of all, your tour will be atop a stand-up paddleboard!
Travel destinations range from nearby rivers to far-flung lakes that can only be reached after hours of paddling.
You can decide for yourself how far you’d like to go and how you’d like to spend your time in between paddling.
You can rent fishing lines, for example, if you take a fishing expedition via paddleboard.
You can also rent kayaks if you’re bringing along kids or others unable to paddle for long.
Depending on your chosen tour, you can spend all day or just a few hours on the water.
It’s all up to you.
The Appalachian Boarding Company offers a lot of flexibility in booking, which is one of the reasons why they’re such a well-known name in Charleston adventure touring.
See the city and its surrounding wilds in a way that few tourists ever do!
Address: 744 Scott Depot, WV 25560, United States
13. South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena
Known as an excellent driving destination for watching the leaves change, many people think of Charleston with a fall-tinted lens.
However, it’s also a prime wintertime destination if you’re interested in cold weather activities like skiing and ice skating.
You don’t even have to visit the slopes.
Just head to the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena!
Serving as Charleston’s primary rink, this is a destination that will let you have all kinds of fun on the ice.
Public skating hours are available almost every day, and you can also sign up for classes, lessons, and skill development sessions.
Stick and puck days are frequent.
There are even special days where you can ride “bumper cars” on the ice!
If you’re planning a winter vacation or just wondering what to do when it’s chilly in Charleston, consider a trip to the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena.
It can offer memorable fun for all ages regardless of what the weather is like outside.
Address: 20 RHL Blvd, South Charleston, WV 25309, United States
14. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center is a gigantic complex that actually encompasses four separate venues: a coliseum, a convention center, a performing arts theater, and an auditorium.
As you might expect from such a diverse range of buildings, you can enjoy all kinds of entertainment on-site.
There are concerts, fairs, festivals, expos, and more.
There are also a number of local performing arts groups that use the center as a base of operations.
When you’re in the mood for a little culture, for example, you catch a show from the Charleston Ballet or the Charleston Light Opera Guild.
When you want to yell, you can catch a basketball game or a wrestling match.
If you’re wondering what to do in Charleston, one option is picking a venue where there’s tons of stuff to do.
At the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, this means a four-in-one complex where you can enjoy everything from “The Nutcracker” to the West Virginia International Auto Show.
Address: 200 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
15. Little Creek Golf Course
“Golf course” is a bit of a misnomer for this attraction.
While it’s definitely centered around golf, it also offers a swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, and ballroom.
It’s more of a multipurpose venue where the driving range just so happens to be the best feature!
Golf-wise, you can play on the hilly greens of the 18-hole course or just take a swing with the virtual simulators.
An equipment shop will rent you anything that you might need, including clubs and carts.
When you’ve hit your last hole in one, head back to the facility for everything from pool time to an episode of your favorite TV show in the lounge.
If you’re traveling with a large party, you might even want to rent out a building or two.
Your booking options range from bridal party suites to conference rooms connected with projectors and catering services.
The Little Creek Golf Course is a top destination in Charleston for anyone who loves the green.
To get your swing on, call them up and plan your visit.
Address: 99 Fairway Dr, South Charleston, WV 25303, United States
16. Critter Dinner
Dunbar is a city located just 10 minutes outside of Charleston, and it’s a city with a very unique tradition.
It’s called the Critter Dinner, an annual celebration of any and all types of meat.
Kangaroo?
They’ve got it.
Alligator?
They’ve put it between two slices of bread with some mayo.
Other menu items through the years have ranged from frog legs to camel patties to squirrel skewers.
“Roadkill” is a popular category, though it’s not actual roadkill, of course; it’s just a reflection of the odd assortment of creatures being grilled up with a side of sauce.
The organizers aren’t just doing it for a love of wild game, either.
The entry fee to the dinner is a donation of canned or dry items, and all proceeds are given to the Dunbar Institute Food Pantry.
Who knew that “roadkill” could be one of Charleston’s attractions?
But the squirrel skewers shouldn’t be missed.
If you’re brave enough, bring your appetite to the Critter Dinner and see what’s being dished up.
Address: Dunbar, WV, United States
17. FestivALL
Spanning 10 days in the summertime, FestivALL is such a happy and all-consuming occasion that you might feel like the revelries are never going to end.
It’s hard to imagine that it started as a tiny gathering dedicated to art and art outreach.
Today, it welcomes more than 30,000 visitors each year, and it’s an absolute spectacle of music, dance, theater, art, photography, costuming, and more.
Do you like shaking your groove thing?
Join the dance parties.
Do you want to encourage imagination in your little ones?
Sign them up for the children’s art fair.
Are you overwhelmed by all of the possibilities?
Just walk among the artists, musicians, and vendors until you find events and activities that catch your eye.
You don’t have to be an artist to recognize FestivALL as one of the most fun things to do in Charleston.
If you value creativity and enjoy seeing it expressed in all kinds of dazzling ways, you’re the target audience for FestivALL.
Address: 108 1/2 Capitol St #201, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
18. West Virginia Veterans Memorial
Somber yet stunning, the West Virginia Veterans Memorial is one of the most magnificent things to see in Charleston.
It’s a massive, monolithic structure divided into four parts to represent both the four major branches of the military and the four biggest wars of the 20th century.
The memorial is made from limestone except for its interior, which is covered in black granite to better see the names of 10,000 West Virginia soldiers and veterans.
A reflecting pool surrounds all four pieces of the monument, and statues of soldiers stand at attention in each cardinal direction.
They consist of a World War I doughboy, a World War II sailor, a Marine in Vietnam, and an aviator in Korea.
There’s no admission charge for the West Virginia Veterans Memorial, and it’s small enough that you won’t need a tour.
It’s just a beautiful thing to admire and a meaningful thing to appreciate.
It’s a tribute to everyone who has sacrificed their life for their country, so it’s a sadder kind of tourist attraction, but it can be a touching one as well.
Address: Charleston, WV 25305, United States
19. West Virginia State Museum
The oldest museum in Charleston is also the most impressive at telling its story.
Established in 1894, the West Virginia State Museum has spent more than a century preserving local art, culture, history, folklore, and more.
Visitors can take either a guided or self-guided tour with dozens of exhibitions to enjoy.
These range from simulated coal mines to educational touchscreens full of audio, video, and music.
Model replicas of settlers’ cabins offer a glimpse of what life was really like at the turn of the century; archaeological displays of fossils and minerals will show you how the earth has evolved since prehistoric times.
Did we mention that it’s free?
There’s no admission charge for folks wanting to learn more about West Virginia at its most venerable museum.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Charleston, consider a trip to the West Virginia State Museum.
You’ll learn a lot, and it won’t cost you a dime!
Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, United States
20. GoMart Ballpark
Formerly known as the Appalachian Power Park, the GoMart Ballpark is a fun and quirky destination in Charleston.
It’s much more than just a baseball stadium.
It’s a place where you can soak up real Charleston spirit.
The dugout, for example, is known as “Rowdy Alley” for all of the heckling that takes place there.
There’s an electrical outlet behind home plate because of a local legend named “The Toast Man” who would fling pieces of bread at opposing teams while declaring, “You’re toast!”
Other amenities are just as delightful.
Are you feeling hungry?
Hit the party deck where you can enjoy the game while scarfing all-you-can-eat hot dogs.
Do you appreciate baseball history?
Check out the Hall of Fame with its facts and photos.
The GoMart Ballpark might not be the biggest or fanciest stadium in the region, but it’s a top 10 destination in Charleston for sure.
It has real character, so it’ll provide a memorable experience for adults and kids alike.
Address: 601 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
21. Daniel Boone Park
Daniel Boone Park is a small and simple park, but it can be a great place to recharge your batteries after the stress of travel.
In fact, if you’re looking for tranquil, crowd-free tourist attractions, it might even top the list.
Nature’s bounty is on full display at the park, which borders the Kanawha River and is brimming with everything from tree groves to flower fields.
Amenities include picnic tables, boat ramps, shaded pavilions, and a long, old-fashioned fishing pier.
From grandpa with his rods and tackles to little kids with their sandy feet wading along the coast, the whole family can spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.
There are even friendly ducks to feed!
Take a breath.
Have a picnic lunch on the grass.
Watch the boats go by.
Daniel Boone Park is one of the best places to visit when you want some peace and quiet in Charleston.
Address: 2901 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25311, United States
22. Charleston WV Skatepark
What would you do with an abandoned parking lot beneath a major highway bridge?
If you’re the city of Charleston, you turn it into a skatepark.
The Charleston WV Skatepark was a long-awaited venue for the skaters, skateboarders, and BMX bikers of the community.
It was the first skatepark of its kind for miles and miles, and today, it’s still the most popular.
Equipment at the park includes ramps, rails, grind ledges, roll-ins, jump boxes, and more.
It’s free and open to skaters of all ages, including tiny tots with their first kneepads and senior citizens who can still ollie with the best of them.
When you’re looking for fun things to do in Charleston, nothing beats shredding a half-pipe.
Visit the Charleston WV Skatepark and see what you’re made of in terms of mad skills.
Address: Charleston, WV 25309, United States
23. Charleston Ghost Tours
Many of Charleston’s attractions are historic ones, so it should come as no surprise that it’s a city filled with ghosts.
The good news is that you don’t have to wander frightfully in the dark all by yourself!
Instead, you can book a ghost tour.
Tours range in length and location, but the most popular include:
– A tour of the East End Historic District and the bloody history of some of its earliest pioneers
– A tour focusing on a scandalously haunted house that’s been forgotten by history
– A “Meet the Mortar Man” tour that includes a cameo from a local legend while you’re also exploring downtown Charleston and learning about its legends
The company behind the ghost tours is also responsible for hosting supernatural festivities like Paranormish, a convention bringing together the strange- and spooky-minded from all over Appalachia.
If you’ll be in town during the month of May, you won’t want to miss it!
Address: Charleston, WV, United States
24. Mountain State Distillery
Have you ever wondered about the process behind your favorite Buds?
Mountain State Distillery will show you.
Its on-site operations include fermenting, distilling, blending, bottling, and more.
Despite its range of services, it isn’t a large distillery.
In fact, its boutique-style building is part of its charm.
You can stroll right in and ask for Jeff, the owner, and he’ll personally come out of the kitchen to talk spirits with you.
He’s also generous with free samples!
Another great thing about the distillery is that it’s located downtown near many of Charleston’s tourist attractions, so after you’ve worked up a buzz, you can continue the party with a riverwalk.
Of the many cool things to do while visiting Charleston, a tour of the Mountain State Distillery is among the best.
Who doesn’t love a good booze, especially when it’s coming from a small local business?
If you decide to splurge on a bottle, you’ll be supporting the economy and having a fun, tipsy vacation experience.
Address: 800 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
25. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, located approximately an hour south of Charleston, is a top vacation destination in West Virginia.
It is located in the mountains and provides a variety of leisure activities for those who enjoy the outdoors, particularly thrill seekers looking for their next rush.
Its most well-known attraction is its whitewater rapids.
They range from class III to class V, making them a true challenge.
They will send you hurdling at high speeds around boulders the size of trees!
Rock climbing is another popular activity due to the park’s rugged cliffs and canyons.
Other daring attempts include rappelling and BASE jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge, a steel arch bridge that spans around 3,000 feet above the water.
Are you prepared for an adventure?
The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve has everything from sky-high thrills to dunks underwater when the rapids reach you.
When you return from your vacation, you will undoubtedly have a few stories to tell!
Address: 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, United States
Start Planning Your Trip To Charleston, WV
There’s no limit to the number of fun things to do in Charleston, West Virginia.
This list is only skimming the surface.