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Charleston

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Charleston
photo © West Virginia Division of Tourism
Once a frontier town and home to Daniel Boone, today Charleston is the historic, sophisticated capital of West Virginia and home to a variety of exciting cultural and recreational attractions. The State Capitol, with its gleaming 23-carat gold dome and classic 20th-century architecture, is truly a sight to see. Most of the city's major landmarks are located near the Capitol, making it easy to see everything. Wander around the meticulously landscaped grounds to view statues of historic figures like Stonewall Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. History and culture buffs will want to visit the Cultural Center, which includes a state museum, reference and archive libraries and a theatre, and hosts special events throughout the year. For those who prefer outdoor activities, more than a hundred miles of spectacular scenery await you on the Midland Trail scenic highway, also known as US Route 60. Hop off at any point to do some antique hunting, cycling or hiking. The Kanahwa Forest offers more than 9000 acres of exploration and recreation, just south of town. Shopping, interesting attractions and plenty of outdoor fun make Charleston an ideal getaway destination.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
MuseumsMuseums
State Museum: Located in the Cultural Center, this interesting museum traces the history of West Virginia through a series of exhibits containing everything from an extensive collection of antique hats donated by a local school teacher to the telescope George Washington used to survey lands within the state.
Address: Lower level of the Cultural Center , Greenbrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia
Admission fee
Avampato Discovery Museum: Housed in two historic mansions, this museum consists of art galleries focusing on 19th- and 20th-century American art, a hands-on science museum, a planetarium and outdoor gardens and trails.
Address: 300 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, West Virginia
Phone: 304-561-3575
Admission fee
Political arenasPolitical arenas
Capitol: Designed by influential architect Cass Gilbert, this grand building, the highest state capitol dome in the United States, is open to the public for tours and features decadent interior details like marble walls and a massive crystal chandelier.
Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, West Virginia
Phone: 304-558-4839
Admission fee
Governor's Mansion: Built in 1924, the home of the Governor of West Virginia is a traditional Georgian colonial mansion with a stately, but somewhat homey, feel. Tours are conducted on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Address: 1716 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, West Virginia
Phone: 304-558-3809
Admission fee
Outdoor funOutdoor fun
Kanawha State Forest: A convenient location, just seven miles south of Charleston, plus a large swimming pool, playground, hiking and biking trails and a 9300-acre forest, make this recreational area one of the most popular in West Virginia.
Address: Charleston, West Virginia
Free
Scenic driveScenic drive
Midland Trail (Scenic Highway 60): One of the oldest and most scenic routes in the United States, the Midland Trail, or old US Route 60, offers a delightful 119-mile journey across south central West Virginia. Outdoor enthusiasts head for the Greenbrier River Trail, which offers over 80 miles of well-marked hiking and biking paths. History buffs can stop off at any number of historic sites including the Old Stone House, a reminder of what life was like for the industrial pioneers.
Address: Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association, 405 Capitol Street, Suite 409, Charleston, West Virginia
Phone: 304-343-6001
Free
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Charleston

Charleston Trip Lists

Trip Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Charleston
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Residence Inn Charleston
Popularity index: #6 in Charleston
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Embassy Suites Hotel Charleston
Popularity index: #7 in Charleston
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Marriott Charleston Town Center
Popularity index: #8 in Charleston
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Sleep Inn
Popularity index: #1 in Charleston
SleepInn.com Free Internet, Breakfast & Fitness Rooms. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
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Hampton Inn Charleston - Southridge
Popularity index: #4 in Charleston
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Fairfield Inn Charleston
Popularity index: #11 in Charleston
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Recommended Reading
"Charleston, West Virginia"  EZNET
As the capital of West Virginia, Charleston attracts visitors with its variety of cultural and historic attractions.
"West Virginia: Country Road & Much More"  lynnseldon.com
Magnificent scenery and dramatic history are key words to describe a driving trip through the Mountain State.
"Artistry and Authenticity"  Wonderful West Virginia Magazine
Article about artist sculptor Joe Mullins and some of his works on display at the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Charleston