One of the best parts about living in West Virginia is the opportunity for adventure. From outdoor attractions to bustling city life, small-town communities, quirky roadside attractions, and historic sites, there's just no shortage of unique ways to experience the Mountain State. The next time you're inspired to search for the "best day trips near me in West Virginia," we hope this list provides some ideas. From beautiful overlooks to iconic landmarks, this list of fun things to do in West Virginia has a little something for every kind of adventurer. Ready to get started? Let's take a look at some West Virginia day trips!

1. Hawk's Nest

Located in Ansted, West Virginia, Hawk's Nest is one of West Virginia's most famous pieces of scenery. No matter the season, this beautiful state park will leave you in awe. In fact, there's even a sky lift that will take you to one of the most beautiful overlooks in West Virginia.

Take an adventure to Hawk's Nest State Park in this video from Adventures Are Out There. This beautiful region of West Virginia is perfects for spontaneous day trips near the New River Gorge:

2. Summersville Lake

Tucked away in Nicholas County, this beautiful lake is positively stunning year-round. It's especially popular during the summer months, when visitors visit for swimming and sunbathing. And with water so blue, some folks even refer to this as the Little Bahamas of West Virginia.

3. The Timberline Four Seasons Resort

This resort is great for skiing, snowboarding, and has beautiful lodging! Learn more about planning a trip to the Timberline Resort in West Virginia.

4. Lost World Caverns

Lost World Caverns, near Lewisburg, WV, are underground natural caverns. These caverns go 120 feet below the surface! The coolest part of all is that you can embark on your own self-guided tour of these magnificent West Virginia caverns.

5. Cass Scenic Railroad

Cass Scenic Railroad, located in Pocahontas County, is an eleven-mile long railroad. Visit Cass Railroad in the fall to get an amazing view of the West Virginia fall foliage. The colors will leave you in awe! There's truly so much to explore on the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia.

6. Clay Center

Tucked away in Charleston is the amazing Clay Center. They have hands on learning activities for children, concerts, and even an electric sky theater. The sky theater will absolutely blow you away! No matter your age, you'll find something to love about West Virginia's Clay Center.

7. GoMart Ballpark

Drive down to the capitol city, Charleston, to enjoy a baseball game at our very own GoMart Ballpark. (Formerly the Appalachian Power Park)

8. West Virginia State Penitentiary

Take a tour of the West Virginia State Penitentiary, located in Moundsville. This penitentiary has quite a history. This haunted prison is on the Department of Justice's Top Ten most violent correctional facilities in America!

If you can stand a little creepiness in your day trips in West Virginia check out the infamous West Virginia State Penitentiary. Learn more in this video from AmysCrypt:

9. Pearl S. Buck Birthplace

The birthplace of Pearl S. Buck, a famous American writer, is located in Hillsboro. This historic house is also a museum and it still has some of the original furniture that belonged to Pearl Buck and her family. This attraction may keep temporary hours, so be sure to visit the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace website before planning your visit.

10. The Mystery Hole

The Mystery Hole, located in Ansted, is a fun place to visit. You will be blown away by the mind tricks that gravity plays in this West Virginia attraction. Learn more about the baffling Mystery Hole in West Virginia.

11. Exhibition Coal Mine

Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley offers underground coal mining tours by veteran coal miners. Wouldn't it be amazing to hear first-hand some of the things that these coal miners had to do in that very mine? It would be like a living history book. For an unforgettable adventure, you can sign up for a railroad tour of the Exhibition Coal Mine.

12. Winterplace Ski Resort

Winterplace Ski Resort boasts 9 lifts, 27 trails, and even snow tubing. In fact, many consider Winterplace Ski Resort to have the best snow tubing in the entire state.

13. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Something that the Potomac is famous for is the rails passing through "The Trough," which is an area known for bald eagle sightings. Learn more about this scenic West Virginia train ride you'll love.

14. Bridge Day on the New River Gorge Bridge

They have BASE jumping, rappelling, and bungee jumping! Not to mention the fact that is bridge is the third highest vehicular bridge in America? Learn more about Bridge Day on the New River Gorge Bridge.

15. Camden Park

Camden Park is a beloved theme park in West Virginia famous for its carousel, haunted house, and plenty of family-friendly games and attractions. Learn more about this old-school theme park in West Virginia that everyone in your family will love.

16. Burning Rock Off-Road Park

Burning Rock Park is a great place to ride the ATV trails, zip line, camp, and much more. If you're looking for an adrenaline-fueled day trip in West Virginia, Burning Rock Off-Road Park is a must.

17. The Gauley River

If you are up for an adventure, grab a paddle and a helmet and jump into a white-water raft on the Upper Gauley River. The Gauley River is a 105-mile long river in West Virginia that merges with the New River to form the Kanawha River. Learn more about how you can spend some quality time on the beautiful Gauley River in West Virginia.

One of the best day trips near you in Southern West Virginia is whitewater rafting. Check out a rafting trip on the Gauley River in this video from Sarah Kester:

The next time you're searching for West Virginia day trips we hope this list provides some inspiration! What are some of your favorite West Virginia adventures? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below.

For more fun things to do in West Virginia, check out our list of unforgettable West Virginia day trips -- there's one for each month of the year!