What to do and see in Charleston, West Virginia (WV): The Best Sights & Landmarks

July 11, 2021 Enedina Augsburger

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-karat gold dome and classic 20th-century architecture, is truly a sight to see. Most of the city's major landmarks are located right around 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 spend some time at the Cultural Center, which includes a state museum, reference and archive libraries, a theater and plays host to special events throughout the year. For those who prefer outdoor endeavors, more than a hundred miles of spectacular scenery await you on the Midland Trail scenic highway, also known as U.S. Route 60. Hop off at any point to do some antiquing, biking or hiking. The Kanahwa Forest offers more than 9,000 acres of exploration and recreation just south of town. Shopping, interesting attractions and plenty of outdoor fun make Charleston an ideal getaway.
Restaurants in Charleston

1. Culture Center

1900 Kanawha Blvd E Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305-0009 +1 304-558-0220 http://www.wvculture.org/agency/cultcenter.html
Excellent
83%
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17%
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5.0 based on 120 reviews

Culture Center

Complex that houses a variety of interesting tourist sites such as the State Museum, reference libraries, and a live-performance theater.

Reviewed By sheliadscott - Charleston, United States

I went to visit The Culture Center in Charleston to do my family research and I found a lot of interesting facts about WV. My visit turned into a tour because I was fascinated by the deep culture that is hidden in WV.

2. West Virginia Veterans Memorial

Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV http://www.wvculture.org/history/wvmemory/wvvets.html
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
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1%
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5.0 based on 107 reviews

West Virginia Veterans Memorial

Site where sculptor Joe Mullins' work is displayed.

Reviewed By JenniferandAlan - Easton, United States

Every May my husband and I visit West Virginia to put flowers on a friend's grave in Princeton. We always visit the state capital and the veterans memorial on its grounds. The memorial is beautiful with the statues of soldiers and sailors of WWl, WWll, Korean War and Viet Nam wars. The memorial is tear wrenching--all those names all those lives lost. I believe the pool represents all our tears. Thank you for remembering.

3. Cox-Morton House

640 Holly Rd, Charleston, WV 25314-1107
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Cox-Morton House

4. Mountain State Distillery

800 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301-2807 +1 681-265-5038 [email protected] http://www.mountainstatedistillery.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Mountain State Distillery

Downtown Charleston's first distillery featuring sampling bar and gift shop. On-site distillery operations include mashing, fermentation, distillation, bottling and labeling.

Reviewed By 681dougm

Wonderful and friendly place go by and visit genuine people making genuine products support your local people and go by a visit a spell

5. State Capitol

1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305-0009 +1 304-558-2000 http://www.legis.state.wv.us/educational/citizens/guide.cfm
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
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2%
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4.5 based on 513 reviews

State 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 a massive crystal chandelier.

Reviewed By JenniferandAlan - Easton, United States

Every May for about the past 10 years we have visited WV and we make sure to always see the capitol building. During the week you can have a guided tour of the inside and it is a good tour. This year we got there around 5PM and just strolled the grounds. The flowers are beautiful. The statuary is amazing, Our favorite is the WV coal miner. We also visit the war memorial each year--WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War and the list of names. Thank you for remembering.

6. Governor's Mansion

1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305-0008 +1 304-558-3809 http://www.firstlady.wv.gov/tour/Pages/Collections.aspx
Excellent
62%
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4.5 based on 34 reviews

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.

7. Capitol Street

Charleston, WV http://www.piesandpints.com
Excellent
52%
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4.5 based on 160 reviews

Capitol Street

Capitol Street runs through the historic and scenic shopping and dining area of Charleston.

Reviewed By Flipper1954 - Ellsworth, United States

Shops, cafes, bars....yes, some closed from this covid mess, but still a great place with traffic blocked for only pedistrian traffic. Charming area!

8. Craik-Patton House

2809 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25311-1727 +1 304-925-5341 http://www.craikpattonhouse.org
Excellent
67%
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Craik-Patton House

Reviewed By acasto91

I came here for a tour of the house. It was so interesting to learn the history and the building is beautifully preserved. The garden is peaceful and beautiful. This would be a great place to host a small wedding or event. Don't forget to leave a donation to keep this great house and museum running!

9. Charleston Baptist Temple

209 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301-1820 +1 304-346-9627 [email protected] http://www.chasbt.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Charleston Baptist Temple

10. Spring Hill Cemetery

1555 Farnsworth Dr, Charleston, WV 25311-1507 +1 304-348-8010 http://www.cityofcharleston.org/government/city-departments/spring-hill-cemetery
Excellent
67%
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27%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 30 reviews

Spring Hill Cemetery

Reviewed By beverlyb827

This cemetery tells the history of Charleston and has great views over the city. It's a nice peaceful little outing.

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