Charleston

Charleston, at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, is West Virginia’s capital city. A riverside complex includes the gold-domed State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and the West Virginia State Museum and theater. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences has art and discovery museums, a planetarium and a concert hall. Downtown’s Capitol Market houses food vendors and eateries in a former freight station.
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Top attractions in Charleston

Capitol Gold Dome
1. Capitol Gold Dome
4.7
(203)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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The capital building rises majestically against the skyline, a stunning testament to architectural brilliance. Every detail, from the intricately carved facades to the ornate columns, reflects the exquisite artistry and skilled craftsmanship that went into its design. The sunlight dances off its polished surfaces, illuminating the elegant dome and stately entrances. Its grandeur evokes a sense of awe, capturing the heart and imagination of all who gaze upon it!
I enjoyed being able to explore tha capitol building. Seeing where the Supreme Court meets. I was able to observe the chambers of the Congress today. The people at the information desk were very helpful to point out places I could see in the building. This is a free activity Accessible mens and women's restrooms. Van accessible pay by app in middle of the complex
Awesome architecture, great grounds, we went through security and were able to see the different chambers inside the building. Very cool.
What an impressive building - the 23 carat gold leafed done is perfect in the sunlight. And the view of the river in front sets it off well. Visit the Archives/Museum ( their gift shop has terrific articles and food made in WV)
The Gold Dome is iconic! I spotted it from miles away when driving in, and seeing it up close was very cool. Even in cloudy weather, it shone very brightly, as gold does. Seeing it up close was what really did it justice, like Jim could tell you (WV pun). Very much a stop and visit, cheers.
Parking and then finding a way into the capitol was not fun. Many entrances were closed to construction or security when we visited. Finally inside, we join a tour group already started. I've seen many incredible capitols (Mississippi for example) and WV just rubbed me the wrong way. It's the 5th(?) capitol built in WV and very, very "high-end" with imported crystal chandeliers from the Czech republic and millions of dollars worth of marble. For all that it feels like an empty grand ballroom, more functional than lovely. A very expensive monument for a part-time legislature.
I visited on a Saturday, so parking was easy and there weren't a lot of people around. The building is very nice, but the rotunda was off-limits due to some construction.
Beautiful building and grounds. Make sure your camera battery is full and your memory card is empty, a lot of great photos to take here. Don't stop at the outside, spend a few minutes inside as well and tour the Governor's Residence if able.
West Virginia State Museum
2. West Virginia State Museum
4.8
(1062)
Art museum
Museums
Renovated museum with art & exhibitions celebrating West Virginia's history & culture.
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This museum explors the history of West Virginia including prehistory, fiber craft, the coal industry, music, Agriculture, and more. The gift shop is full of educational gifts and toys for kids and West Virginia souvenirs. Accessible restrooms on each floor with grab bars and 3ftx3ft space. Pay by app van accessible parking in lot shared with Capital buildings
Great place to go to learn the history of the area that is now West Virginia. Easy walk through the museum. No admission cost to the museum or gift shop. Free parking on Saturdays in the lots on the complex. You should also go by the Veterans Memorial near the museum.
I was pleasantly surprised at how large this museum was. Free admission, easy path to navigate, but again, significantly larger than I had expected haha. Tons of history, you could be here for hours.
Free and if you are going to tour capitol building the museum is just next door. There was a very nice display of quilts there. Lots of historical information and artifacts. Takes a while to walk through. It's go at your own pace and also kind of drawn out so be a true history buff or museum lover to enjoy fully. Nice statue of miner outside the museum building.
This museum is a gem! Very educational while having fun. Appealing to all ages, the exhibits are in chronological order. Would highly recommend this anyone visiting Charleston, West Virginia.
We loved visiting this museum. It was small, but perfect for kids with low attention spans. I especially loved the art made by people who work for the state displayed on the second floor.
This museum was Amazing. The layout is fantastic. The items are interesting. It’s just really great. I can’t recommend it more. Also the security guard named Nathan is really friendly and he took pictures of me and my boyfriend inside of the magazine cover booth, which was really awesome of him. He did a fantastic job. He was a great hire for this museum.
Housed in the basement of the building next to the capitol. But you'd never know! It is beautifully designed to lead you on a walk through time. WV history is showcased through interactive displays, coaline tunnels, and railroad depots. It's free to get in. There is a gift shop with artisan products on the main floor. We didn't make it up to the third floor for the current military display. My husband and I went alone but definitely will return with the kids! There is an Almost Heaven swing right in front of the capitol building as well.
Capitol Market
3. Capitol Market
4.7
(3567)
Market
Shopping
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What a fun place!! There are such fun places to buy all kinds of stuff inside, including restaurants. Outside is a huge selection of plants, flowers, and herbs. If I wasn’t traveling to a hotel I would’ve grabbed some!
Capitol Market – Charleston, WV I had the pleasure of exploring Capitol Market, a year-round indoor-outdoor market nestled in a beautifully renovated train station from the 1800s . The atmosphere is warm, historic, and refreshingly bustling. What Makes It Special 1. A Unique Blend of Offerings Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of specialty shops: everything from a wine & cheese shop, butcher, fish market, chocolatier, to a coffee bar, bakery, art galleries, and more . It’s a one-stop shop for local flavors and artisanal treats. 2. Indoor & Outdoor Charm The indoor section offers a charming, tight-knit ambiance, while the outdoor space transforms into a vibrant farmers’ market with seasonal produce, flowers, and even pumpkins and Christmas trees when the time comes . 3. Fantastic Dining Options It’s more than just shopping. Stop by Soho’s Italian Restaurant for a refined dining experience—think pasta alfredo, lasagna, beef carpaccio, jambalaya, and vegetarian dishes . For quicker eats, Bogey’s serves some local favorites—grilled shrimp tacos, tri-tip Philly, roasted corn, and an award-winning hot dog crowned “best in the state” by Taste WV . My Take Visiting Capitol Market was like stepping into a lively slice of Charleston’s community culture. Whether I was browsing through artisan chocolates or savoring a fresh sandwich, the vibe was always inviting and authentic. There’s always something to discover—be it a hidden gem vendor or a new flavor. If you’re looking for a place that blends food, craftsmanship, and community, Capitol Market is your go-to destination. ⸻ Want a shorter Instagram caption or bullet-style summary? Just let me know! And don’t forget to follow my food and lifestyle journeys on @realriguin for more local picks.
Such a cute place with so many delicious things! The brunch (steak and eggs) was amazing and the handmade Swiss chocolate were delicious! The farmers market out back had the best selection and the prettiest mums! ~traveler from NC
While visiting WVA my wife and I stopped by the Capitol Market in Charleston to see what it was all about. This was our first time at Capitol Market and I haven't seen anything like this out west where I live so, it was a new experience for us. We met a very nice cashier lady named Kay that held on to are items while we shopped around. She was kind, and very helpful and we appreciated her. The market was very impressive inside and out with so many beautiful things and food, wine, seafood restaurants and coffee shops there is something there for every occasion and taste. The prices, the service, the employees and the food was awesome! To the Vendor Teresa, at the outdoor market that sells the metal stamped yard ornaments ( BEE HAPPY ). Thank You for locating and holding on to our items that I left at your counter, we appreciate your attentiveness, honesty, and kindness you've shown. Thank You, We Had a Great Experience!
The Sushi Garden is one of the best options to eat a quick lunch in the area. The selection is huge and you can compliment your meal here with other additions around the market. It’s better to let it set to reach room temperature in my opinion but it’s good either way. The staff is friendly as well. When paying you have to pay attention when leaving a tip because sometimes you can’t and cancels the transaction if you use a certain type of card. But definitely a better way to get more bang for your buck when other places cost 10 dollars plus for 4 pieces! I also like when Ellen’s ice cream has a little pop up heat on the summer months. That is just what the market needs on my opinion and it is most welcomed by me. The selection is small but it is good enough for me as all of the flavors are delicious. I’d like to see it as a permanent staple as well but I’ll take what I can get. Bogeys has opened up a location here and you better get there early or wait until the rush is over because it is popular and it is good. I be only had the burnt ends but I will be back to have more. They were juicy and delicious and that undeniable burnt end taste from the BBQ. A huge addition to the capital market which needed another restaurant to replace the fish market. Love to see it growing!
And unexpected find in a town we were unfamiliar with. It offers a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, plants, and an indoor building full of shops and eateries. We really enjoyed our visit and had a great lunch there too!
The Capital Market is a nice market. It is mostly produce and food items with a restaurant sohos on the far end. It is open air and inside what looks like a old train station.
Love coming from KY for a day trip. The coffee, chocolates, meats and sushi 🤩 You can't beat picking you up a salad or meal from Boggies. Fresh produce and the finest whole foods items. Outside is awesome too. Plants, flowers, flats and yard decor.
Clay Center
4. Clay Center
4.6
(833)
Science museum
Museums
Venue for interactive exhibits, science-related movies on a jumbo screen & diverse performances.
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This is a great collection of Science, learning, and fun things for kids to do. Music studio, water works, movies, make your own video clip movie, surfboard climb, grocery store. Everything you entertain and teach kids. Today I enjoyed the local Minor league team celebrate their team at Dirty Birds Day. Great set up in this accessible by touch pad entry/ exit. Accessible restrooms for men and women on each floor. Accessible free parking in dedicated private lot with no curbs
We had a lot of fun at the Clay Center! My son loved the vet room, the massive climbing obstacle, the firetruck, the police motorcycle, The Water Room, and the MRI room. Also loved the trident from the Ariel show! Mom would personally love to see an Army room with tanks, helos, and little bdu/acu outfits.
Caught the Eagles tribute band, Out Of Eden at the Clay Center. Band played and sounded amazing. The venue usually sounds amazing though. I noticed they're allowing drinks (including alcohol) inside the theater now, I'm hoping that doesn't spoil the theater over time. I noticed a group of drinking women climbing over the seat rows with their drinks instead of entering their aisles. I dread once more maintenance is required, the cost of enjoying a show will rise. Anyhow.. There were a mix of older and younger band members. A guitar teacher and his son were members and one of the teacher's students was playing along in the band. I think his name was Jack, but they said he was 20yrs old but he played as well as anyone else there. A drummer mentioned he'd only been with the band 3yrs, but you would never known. He played and sang the Don Henley parts so well with the band, you would've thought he'd been with the band a lot longer. Most of the band members treated performing just like the Eagles, by playing multiple instruments and singing lead. I thought that was really cool. And the setlist was looked at like them too, offering songs from member's solo projects. I really liked that they played "Boys of Summer", I've always liked that song. The crowd was into the music and the band was into the crowd. The band was hanging out with everyone in the lobby after the show, really nice guys. It was said that most if not all of the band members were from Ohio. So they'll be chances to see them again. If you like the music of the Eagles, go to see them, you'll enjoy it.
Awesome place to take your kids! We had a good time and it was reasonably priced. Food court was a little pricey but not terrible.
Visited here with family & was very impressed with the whole facility! The museum has 3 levels with the bottom 2 being science-related exhibits & the top floor being a large art exhibit. There are a ton of hands-on experiences that are great for kids of all ages & enough to keep everyone engaged for at minimum a couple hours. Building was clean, well designed with plenty of space to move around & very affordable considering everything you can find & enjoy there. 10/10 recommend if you’re in the area ✌🏻
Came to Museum After Hours. It was a wonderful experience for adults! Let's you be a kid again! All the activities included were so much fun! The plantaterium show was great! The host was great! She was enthusiastic and really made things interesting! All staff were friendly and seemed to enjoy their job! Only suggestion I would have is maybe different food items offered with the snack tray that comes with the paid ticket.Not very appetizing for most people.Any kind of sandwich would have been better. Will definitely be back for more fun!
Wonderful museum for little ones!! We usea our travel passport and had a blast. They had extra activities it was so fun! Only bad thing was the food. None of us liked what we got so just make sure to bring your own lunch for the day!!
Had such a fun time here. Lots to do and see for the whole family. I especially enjoyed the art display on the 2nd floor.
Charleston Town Center
5. Charleston Town Center
3.9
(4250)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Mall with department stores & dining, plus personal services, a cannabis shop, cell phones & candy.
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Even though we have about 20 or so shops open you can still stroll the hallways and see history in pictures of the area! Super clean and clean well lit. We felt safe and there were stores open to support. About 6 places to dine upstairs and tons of parking. Excited to see progress in building the sports complex that’s being constructed. Outback and Chilis are anchor restaurants. Chick fil A and others inside. Santa has a huge snowy photo area in the heart below the fountains! Support it while you can! Build a Bear has latest outfits!
This mall has really went downhill since 2019 when I last visited. JCPenney is about to close and this mall will have no major anchors. The Food Court and elevator was cool though. A lot of potential for this mall.
Such a surprise to see no one on the mall at 4 on a Wednesday- when the Huntington mall was jamming at the same time a couple of weeks ago. Stir after stew closed. The parking is a mess- paying to park is a huge turn off. So a few on the food court area, but the rest of the mall is desolate.
$5 to park here and there’s like 5 stores… and they aren’t even open 2 hours before the mall closes. most of this mall is deserted.
The owners need replaced asap. This is the worse the mall has ever looked. There was more business when covid was around. Now it’s just a glorified food court and barely that. Pitiful!
There just isn’t anything there anymore.😕 So many empty units, the food court has like 3 restaurants, and given Chic-Fil-A is one of them, the other 2 don’t do much business.
We always like coming up here from Beckley. The whole place is spotless and well maintained and there is plenty to do and see all throughout. It's not as busy as it used to be just a few years ago which is great.
Disheartening to see huge pictures of things/places/people around the state of WV instead of stores. But I guess that's better than blank walls where store entrances & windows once were. And to pay $5.00 for parking?! Ridiculous! I could see if parking there ALL DAY - but to just go to 1 store, and not even 30 minutes in & out?! Yikes! Come on, y'all ... do better! And I really don't care if a "sports complex" or whatever it is, goes in where Sears once stood - what benefits does that give everyone in the surrounding area?! The rent of each store is probably so high that companies refuse to pay it, so they shut down and go to south ridge (South Charleston).
Capitol St
6. Capitol St
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Downtown tree-lined boulevard with late Victorian buildings housing shops, offices & restaurants.
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Other notable attractions

Kanawha State Forest
State park
Nature & Parks
Large nature park with hiking & biking trails, a playground, picnic shelters & camping facilities.
WV Division of Culture and History
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Convention center
Arena
West Virginia's Veterans Memorial
Memorial
Sights & Landmarks
601-699 Kanawha Blvd E
Nature & Parks
Parks
West Virginia Governor's Mansion
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Spring Hill Cemetery
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Clay Center
Science museum
Museums
Venue for interactive exhibits, science-related movies on a jumbo screen & diverse performances.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport
Airport
Sights & Landmarks
West Virginia Symphony League
Association / Organization
Concerts & Shows

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Q&A about Charleston

In Morehead (I've never been, but a colleague brought me a treat from here): @Frances Treutel
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Marley Kassulke
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Weather in Charleston

Here's the historical average temperature in Charleston over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Charleston in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Charleston
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