Top reasons to visit Charleston
- Outdoor Adventures: Charleston offers numerous outdoor activities, including scenic parks and recreational areas perfect for family outings.
- Urban Exploration: Discover vibrant downtown Charleston with its charming cafes, unique shops, and friendly locals.
- Historic Attractions: Explore the city's rich history through its historic civic buildings and local library.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family.
- Comfortable Accommodations: From modern hotels to cozy motels, Charleston provides a wide range of lodging options.
Find great hotels in Charleston
Discover a variety of comfortable lodging options in Charleston, West Virginia, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. From modern hotels to cozy motels, the city offers pet-friendly accommodations and a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA guests. Whether you're searching for top hotels or specific options like the Hampton Inn Charleston, you'll find a range of amenities tailored to enhance your stay in this charming city.
- Sonesta ES Suites Charleston: A welcoming retreat for both business and leisure travelers, Sonesta ES Suites Charleston stands out with its spacious suites equipped with kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays. This 3-star hotel features a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs and cats, which adds to its charm for animal lovers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Its convenient location in Charleston ensures easy access to local attractions, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the area.
- Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes Charleston: Offering budget-friendly accommodations, Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes Charleston is perfect for travelers seeking a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. This hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and providing a supportive atmosphere for guests traveling with pets. Guests will appreciate amenities such as free breakfast, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel’s location provides easy access to popular attractions in Charleston, making it a practical choice for both business and leisure travelers.
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston WV: Known for its affordability and quality, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston WV offers a cozy stay with modern amenities. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, it provides comfortable rooms designed for both relaxation and productivity, making it suitable for business travelers. The hotel features complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near Charleston’s attractions, ensuring you have everything you need for a pleasant visit.
Where to stay in Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. Explore the vibrant downtown area, where friendly locals welcome you to charming cafes and unique shops. Nearby, Huntington boasts scenic parks and amenities for all ages. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly excursions or business opportunities, Charleston provides a welcoming atmosphere for every traveler. Discover the essence of this metropolis, where family-oriented experiences and captivating sights await at every turn.
- East End Historic District: Nestled in Charleston, the East End Historic District is a charming neighborhood that showcases the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors are drawn here year-round, with peak travel occurring from June to August. This area offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and shopping experiences. Popular attractions include local parks and national state parks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation. The East End is also home to recreational areas and an entertainment arena, making it a perfect spot for both leisure and excitement.
- Tornado: Located just outside Charleston, Tornado is a city that promises a thrilling outdoor experience. With visitor numbers peaking during June to July and October, it's known for its stunning scenery and adventure-filled activities. Travelers can take advantage of the nearby hiking trails and enjoy motor racing events. Tornado's proximity to a stadium and lake adds to its appeal, offering a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages. Whether you're hiking or enjoying the beautiful landscapes, Tornado is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
- Dry Branch: Situated in the Charleston area, Dry Branch is a city that beckons visitors with its outdoor scenery and adventurous spirit. The peak travel season from June to August draws those seeking thrilling experiences in nature. Popular activities include hiking trails, visits to local recreational areas, and fun-filled days at amusement parks. With nearby landmarks like monuments, modern bridges, and tranquil lakes, Dry Branch offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all types of travelers looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Things to do in Charleston
Shopping
In Charleston, visit the Charleston Town Center, a vibrant shopping mall featuring a range of stores from popular brands to local boutiques. For a unique experience, explore the Capitol Market, an indoor market offering local produce, artisan goods, and charming gift shops.
Recreation
The Greenbrier Resort offers a luxurious wellness experience with a renowned spa, indoor pool, and fitness classes. For outdoor activities, explore Kanawha State Forest, featuring hiking trails and picnic spots amidst stunning natural beauty, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
Explore the scenic Kanawha River with kayaking adventures that offer stunning views of the city. For a thrilling experience, visit the nearby New River Gorge for rock climbing and white-water rafting, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating outdoor challenges.
Nightlife
Explore Charleston’s nightlife at the lively Black Sheep Burrito & Brews for tasty bites and craft beers. For a vibrant music scene, check out the Empty Glass, where local bands often perform. If you’re in the mood for dancing, head to The Barrel Room for a fun atmosphere.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia, offers several ways to save on your vacation. Enjoy free attractions like the West Virginia State Capitol Building, University of Charleston, and Haddad Riverfront Park. For transportation, consider using the bus or trolley, which are budget-friendly options. The best time to visit for savings is from December to February, with Sundays being the cheapest days to stay. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find great hotel deals and consider package options for flights and activities to maximize your savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Charleston are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Charleston is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Charleston is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and best deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Charleston with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia, offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and urban experiences. Visitors can explore scenic urban parks, historic civic government buildings, and the local library, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a city-themed vacation. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature or delve into the area's rich history, Charleston has something to offer for every traveler.
- West Virginia State Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of West Virginia at this engaging museum located in Charleston. Explore interactive exhibits that showcase the state's heritage through artifacts, art, and storytelling, providing a deep dive into the local culture.
- Little Creek Park: Enjoy a family-friendly urban oasis in the heart of Charleston. This park features walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for outdoor activities amidst the natural beauty of the area.
- Elk River Queen Shoals Public Access Site: Experience the scenic beauty of the Elk River at this public access site. Ideal for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquil waters, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Best time to go to Charleston
The best time to visit Charleston is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Charleston
Flying into Charleston, West Virginia, is convenient via Charleston, WV (CRW-Yeager) Airport, located 5km from downtown. Notable hotels nearby include the Embassy Suites Charleston, 3km away, and the Charleston Marriott Town Center, 5km away, both offering complimentary airport transportation. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Charleston West by IHG is also within 8km of the airport. Alternatively, you can consider flying into Huntington, WV (HTS-Tri-State), 80km away, with nearby options like the DoubleTree by Hilton Huntington and Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown, both providing various shuttle services. For those traveling to Lewisburg, WV (LWB-Greenbrier Valley), situated 121km away, hotels like Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewisburg are available.