10 Of The Very Best Day Trips You Can Take In West Virginia

Sometimes you need to get away and find a change of scenery but don’t have time or energy for an elaborate vacation. If you search for “day trips near me in West Virginia,” you’ll discover plenty of great places that are full of things to do for a day. This list of the best day trips in West Virginia will keep you busy with ideas for when you want a short trip.

1. Fayetteville

To kick off our list of the best towns to visit in West Virginia is Fayetteville. This little community has been called one of America's coolest small towns. Take a trip in October for the Bridge Day festival and watch people BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge.

Check out one of the more thrilling day trips in West Virginia as Fayetteville celebrates its annual Bridge Day by base jumping off of the New River Gorge Bridge:

2. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a great trip for exploring nature with the whole family. You can borrow a backpack from the visitor's center stuffed with wildlife discovery tools such as binoculars, insect guides, magnifying glasses, and more, free of charge.

3. Williamson

This underrated little town in Mingo county has history, nature, and great dining, and is most definitely worth a visit. Check out the coal house and the Hatfield-McCoy Inn, some of the most historic places in West Virginia.

4. Lambert's Winery in Weston

See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. Beautiful gardens surround Lambert's Winery, making it feel like a place out of a fairy tale.

5. Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is one of the state's oldest towns filled with some of the most historic places in Wisconsin. Eat at the fine restaurants, adventure on the Potomac, and catch a show at the old opera house.

Take a trip to Shepherdstown, WV in another of our favorite West Virginia day trips in this video from Jason Is Over Here!:

6. Lewisburg

This tiny town is full of life. There are plenty of restaurants that are worth a visit, and the beautiful Lost World Caverns just outside of town. Visit Lewisburg for one of the festivals, like the Chocolate Festival, the State Fair, or Taste of our Towns.

7. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

There's a good chance you'll spot a bald eagle on this relaxing journey. The train departs from Romney. You can take the shorter three hour trip through The Trough and back, or you can take a longer eight hour excursion to the city of Petersburg on the Patomic Eagle Scenic Railroad.

8. Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is one of the best towns to visit in West Virginia and it's packed with history. Enjoy walking through the National Historical Park or hike the Appalachian Trail.

9. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

This impressive asylum in Weston has a lot of creepy history and is said to be haunted. There are several tour options available, with both historical tours and ghost-hunting tours.

10. The West Virginia State Farm Museum

Learn all about West Virginia's farm history here. There are historic buildings and you'll see plenty of artifacts from West Virginia's earliest days.

If you are taking spontaneous day trips near Point Pleasant, WV join Moore Family Fun as they tour the West Virginia State Farm Museum:

If you’re looking for day trips near you in West Virginia, we hope this list helps. And if you’d rather sit back and let someone else take care of the driving, try one of the six best day trips in West Virginia that you can take by train.