About Charleston
Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, it is the county seat of Kanawha County. The population was 48,864 at the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 46,482 in 2024. The Charleston metropolitan area has approximately 203,000 residents.
Places to visit in Charleston
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West Virginia State Capitol
Landmark · 1 mi from centreDesigned by Cass Gilbert, the capitol has a gold-leaf dome and a grand marble interior, with free guided tours and landscaped grounds along the Kanawha River.
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West Virginia State Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreWithin the Culture Center at the Capitol complex, the free museum walks visitors through the state's history in a series of themed galleries, from fossils to coal mining and statehood.
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Clay Center
MuseumA downtown center for arts and science combining a hands-on science museum, an art gallery, a planetarium and a performance hall used by the local symphony.
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Capitol Market
MarketA former rail freight station converted into a lively market for local produce, specialty foods, wine and West Virginia crafts, with small eateries inside and outdoor stalls.
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Kanawha State Forest
Nature · 5 mi from centreA large forest a short drive from downtown with trails for hiking and mountain biking, a swimming pool, picnic areas and a notable display of wildflowers in spring.
Where to stay in Charleston
Popular hotels in Charleston, out of 215 properties you can book.
Francis Marion
From $300 per night
Courtyard Charleston Waterfront
From $151 per night
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $358 per night
SpringHill Suites Charleston DowntownRiverview
From $127 per night
Residence Inn Charleston North Ashley Phosphate
From $102 per night
Residence Inn Charleston DowntownRiverview
From $134 per night
Vendue Inn
From $254 per night
Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport - Conv Ctr By IHG
From $110 per night
TownePlace Suites Charleston Airport/Convention C
From $105 per night
HarbourView Inn
From $366 per night
Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District
From $258 per night
The Charleston Place
From $452 per night
Best time to visit Charleston
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Charleston is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Charleston weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 69° 42° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 69° 44° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 43° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 72° 45° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 73° 47° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 71° 49° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Charleston
These are the airports closest to central Charleston. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CRW West Virginia International Yeager Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Charleston
Most of Charleston's urban development is built along the banks of the Kanawha River in a linear fashion; thus, from the center of downtown, one can find 1960s-vintage suburbs within a 15 minute drive into the hills, but 30 minutes away along the river are also old industrial suburbs with housing stock as old as in the city center.
Charleston travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Charleston is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
July is usually the warmest month in Charleston, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 22°F (-6°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 168 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Charleston?
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Charleston.
What time zone is Charleston in?
Charleston uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Charleston?
Most of Charleston's urban development is built along the banks of the Kanawha River in a linear fashion; thus, from the center of downtown, one can find 1960s-vintage suburbs within a 15 minute drive into the hills, but 30 minutes away along the river are also old industrial suburbs with housing stock as old as in the city center.
What are the best places to visit in Charleston?
Top sights in Charleston include West Virginia State Capitol, West Virginia State Museum, Clay Center and Capitol Market. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the capitol has a gold-leaf dome and a grand marble interior, with free guided tours and landscaped grounds along the Kanawha River.
Where should I stay in Charleston?
Popular areas for hotels in Charleston include Historical, Riverview Area and North Charleston. Well-reviewed options include Francis Marion and Courtyard Charleston Waterfront.
How many hotels can I book in Charleston?
Destina Holidays currently lists 215 properties in and around Charleston, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
