Things to do in Charleston

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

West Virginia State Capitol Building showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
West Virginia State Museum showing interior views
Charleston which includes a city
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative buidling and interior views
West Virginia State Capitol Building featuring an administrative buidling, interior views and heritage architecture

Charleston Attractions

Like to stay on the move while on vacation? If so, Charleston will be your ideal destination. This state capital has opportunities galore when it comes to scrumptious food, exciting experiences and popular tourist attractions. Start making your travel itinerary right now!

If you're ready to discover the best of Charleston, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly expert show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {3 fun activities in Charleston fun activities in Charleston} are also worth checking out.

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What to do in Charleston

Free Things to Do in Charleston

They say the best things in life are free. Discover the following around Charleston:

North Charleston Recreation Center - Make this among your first stops if you're looking for fun during your stay.

Grasscup Road Historic District - Amble around this historic attraction and discover some secrets from times past.

Cultural Center - Do a bit of quiet contemplation and find out a thing or two about this site's religious importance.

Haddad Riverfront Park - No matter if you know your bamboo from begonias, you'll no doubt find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Charleston with Kids

Traveling with the youngsters? There are lots of activities in Charleston that'll put big smiles on little faces. Have a look at these family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Charleston? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Charleston

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

West Virginia State Capitol Building

4.5/5(88 reviews)

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.

West Virginia State Capitol Building
West Virginia State Museum featuring heritage elements and interior views

West Virginia State Museum

4/5(28 reviews)

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.

West Virginia State Museum

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

4.5/5(128 reviews)

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

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Charleston Town Center

4/5(192 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Charleston Town Center during your visit to Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

Charleston Town Center

Mardi Gras Casino

4/5(162 reviews)

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

Mardi Gras Casino

Southridge Center

4.5/5(64 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Southridge Center during your stay in Charleston. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this relaxing area.

Southridge Center

University of Charleston

4/5(50 reviews)

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.

University of Charleston

Shawnee Sports Complex

3/5(5 reviews)

After visiting Shawnee Sports Complex, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Dunbar. Make time to visit the area's casinos, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Shawnee Sports Complex

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

4.5/5(47 reviews)

You can enjoy a show at Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences during your stay in Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Charleston

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Teays Valley

While visiting Teays Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Teays Valley Lakes and Hurricane Lake.

Teays Valley
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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.

Kanawha City
West Virginia which includes tranquil scenes and mountains

Downtown Charleston

If you're spending some time in Downtown Charleston, Charleston Town Center and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Charleston
The excellent selection of in house gelato at caffe romeo.

South Hills

While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Cox-Morton House and Sunrise Bird Sanctuary Museum.

South Hills
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West Side

While visiting West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park.

West Side
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East End Historic District

Discover a mix of architectural styles, including Greek Revival and Victorian Queen Anne, in this national historic district. Visit the West Virginia State Capitol complex and Holly Grove Mansion for a glimpse into history.

East End Historic District
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Charleston

Photo by Rhonda Wileman

St Albans

Photo by J Lilly

Eleanor

Photo by Stephanie Moraca

Sissonville

Frequently asked questions

Is Charleston worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is explore West Virginia State Museum. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Charleston?
West Virginia State Museum and Heritage Towers are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Charleston while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Charleston?
West Virginia State Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Charleston and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Charleston?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like West Virginia State Museum, East End Historic District and Charleston Stage Company with a three-day trip to Charleston. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Cross Lanes.
Is Charleston a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Charleston is a good destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between West Virginia State Museum and East End Historic District. Then take a stroll through East End Historic District, located 1 mile from the center, and Grosscup Road Historic District, which is roughly 0.6 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Charleston with kids?
Planning what to do in Charleston with kids has never been easier. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Charleston for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Charleston, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to West Virginia State Capitol Building or Cabin Creek Quilts.
Are there free things to do in Charleston?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Charleston. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. East End Historic District is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.