8 Ideal West Virginia Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
When life feels overwhelming and you are craving a reset, a three-day escape to West Virginia might be just the remedy. The Mountain State’s vibrant small towns promise a slower pace, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of character tucked into every corner. From historic streets in Harpers Ferry to the dramatic overlooks of Fayetteville, or the Berkeley Springs State Park of Berkeley Springs, to the artsy vibe of Davis, discover the eight destinations with natural wonder and local flavor—making West Virginia an ideal retreat for 2025.
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry, situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is one of West Virginia’s most iconic destinations. As the easternmost town in the state and its lowest point above sea level, it carries both scenic and historic significance. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park brings the past to life with cobblestone streets, preserved buildings, and interpretive museums, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike surrounding trails that once witnessed pivotal Civil War battles. Families often enjoy the Joy Line Railroad and Toy Train Museum, where antique toys and miniature train rides delight visitors of all ages.
The town is also home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, a landmark for thru-hikers and casual explorers alike. From here, a short walk leads to Jefferson Rock, where sweeping views capture the dramatic meeting of rivers and mountains. For accommodations, The Town’s Inn provides a historic yet comfortable stay in the heart of this preserved village, making Harpers Ferry an unmatched weekend retreat in 2025.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, named after surveyor Andrew Lewis, who camped near Lewis Spring in 1751, unites deep history with a lively cultural scene. Each January, the town becomes the center of West Virginia’s largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, filling downtown with a march, community meal, and commemorative program. History buffs can visit the Greenbrier Historical Society, which preserves the stories of the valley through exhibits, archival treasures, and historic properties. Carnegie Hall, one of only four remaining Carnegie Halls in the world, adds a creative dimension with concerts, classes, and visual arts exhibitions that keep the town’s cultural calendar active.
Nature and discovery are close at hand with Lost World Caverns, where guided tours highlight towering stalagmites, flowstone formations, and a subterranean museum. For a memorable stay, the General Lewis Inn provides boutique lodging in a historic setting with a tranquil garden, farm-to-table dining at the Jefferson Dining Room, craft cocktails at the Thistle Lounge, and a gift shop filled with curated treasures.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville, celebrated as one of Budget Travel Magazine’s “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America” in 2006 and later named “Best River Town” by Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2013, is a vibrant mountain community that pairs small-town warmth with dramatic scenery. The New River Gorge Bridge, among the world’s longest and highest steel arch spans, towers over the gorge and has become an enduring symbol of West Virginia. For a closer look, the Long Point Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of both the gorge and the bridge, a relatively easy trek that can be completed in just over an hour. At the same time, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center deepens the experience with engaging exhibits, historic photographs, and a short film that highlights the park’s cultural and natural significance.
Downtown Fayetteville extends the adventure with lively spots such as Freefolk Brewery, a welcoming place with handcrafted beer and a relaxed atmosphere that suits families and friends alike. After a day outdoors, rest comes easily at Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals, a thoughtfully designed retreat praised for its comfort, style, and attention to detail.
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs has been welcoming visitors for centuries, first drawing the attention of George Washington and other colonial elites who purchased land around its warm mineral waters. The town remains famous today for hosting the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, the longest-running event of its kind in the world. History buffs find plenty to admire, from the quirky George Washington’s Bathtub, celebrated as the only outdoor monument to presidential bathing, to the Museum of the Berkeley Springs, which preserves local stories inside a 19th-century bathhouse. At the center of town, Berkeley Springs State Park continues its tradition as a wellness retreat, having a range of spa services that make use of mineral springs flowing at a steady 74.3 degrees.
Beyond the bathhouses, nature lovers can retreat to Cacapon Resort State Park, a 6,000-acre haven in the shadow of the region’s highest peak. Guests here enjoy golfing, fishing, cabin stays, and lakefront relaxation, and the resort is praised for its beauty, cleanliness, and welcoming staff.
Shepherdstown
A peaceful escape to the upper Shenandoah Valley awaits in Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia, founded in 1762 along the banks of the Potomac River. At the heart of the community, the Shepherdstown Historic District draws visitors to German Street, where 18th- and 19th-century buildings line the sidewalks, preserving the charm of centuries past. History enthusiasts are drawn to the James Rumsey Monument, which overlooks the river where Rumsey launched the first steamboat, while families enjoy the surrounding park trails, playgrounds, and scenic views.
The Shepherdstown Museum, located inside the historic Entler Hotel, brings the past to life through artifacts and documents detailing Jefferson County’s legacy. Outdoor enthusiasts can also spend time at Morgan’s Grove Park, a community green space with meadows, sports fields, and a stream-fed landscape ideal for picnics and gatherings.
When it is time to unwind, guests retreat to the Bavarian Inn Resort and Brewing Company, a European-inspired escape perched on a bluff above the Potomac. With luxury rooms featuring fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and sweeping river views, paired with renowned dining and craft brews, it is an experience that blends elegance with small-town charm.
Davis
At an elevation of 3,520 feet, Davis claims the title of the highest town in West Virginia, where breathtaking scenery is never far from reach. Visitors are drawn to Blackwater Falls State Park, home to some of the state’s most famous cascades and a hub for hiking, sightseeing, and nature photography. Nearby, the Canaan Valley spreads across 13 miles of wetlands and rolling mountains, with the Blackwater River weaving through its landscape. Adventurers also delight at Elakala Falls, with a trail descending into a gorge below the tumbling water. At the same time, those seeking a quieter pace can browse the WVHighlands Artisan Gallery, featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and woodwork by regional artists.
On the other hand, The Billy Motel is a stylish retreat on the edge of town. This intimate ten-room hideaway mixes comfort with character, featuring modern amenities, a welcoming bar, and a prime location near Blackwater Falls.
Elkins
Elkins, incorporated in 1890 along the Tygart Valley River, carries the name of its co-founder and US Senator Stephen B. Elkins. The town comes alive each summer during the Augusta Heritage Festival, a renowned celebration spanning several weeks on the Davis and Elkins College campus. With themes ranging from Bluegrass and Old Time music to Cajun, Irish, dance, and traditional crafts, it attracts talent and visitors from across the globe. Year-round, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad provides nostalgic train journeys through forests and mountains, while the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center in the historic Darden Mill shares the cultural and natural history of the Appalachian region. Evenings can be spent enjoying lively performances at the Gandy Dancer Theatre, where dinner shows blend music, comedy, and theatrical flair.
When it is time to rest, the Isaac Jackson Hotel is a comfortable retreat in the heart of town. Rooms are designed with relaxation in mind, complete with modern touches like flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and reliable Wi-Fi.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs, known for its emblem of five dandelions, celebrates the arrival of spring with the lively Dandelion Festival, a community tradition filled with music, food, and family activities. The town’s prestige also shines through unique attractions at The Greenbrier Falconry, where guests can take part in a Falconry Beginners Lesson, an unforgettable chance to handle owls, falcons, and hawks while learning about the ancient “sport of kings.” History buffs are drawn to the Greenbrier Bunker, once a top-secret Cold War fallout shelter for Congress. Today, tours lead visitors through its secure halls, showcasing one of the most fascinating hidden landmarks in the nation. For outdoor pursuits, Greenbrier State Forest provides a serene setting of wooded trails, campsites, and cabins ideal for recreation.
A stay at The Greenbrier completes the White Sulphur Springs experience. This National Historic Landmark, set in the Allegheny Mountains, has hosted generations of travelers since 1778. With elegant rooms, fine dining, and a timeless atmosphere, the resort blends history and luxury in one of West Virginia’s most iconic destinations for a 3-day weekend in 2025.
West Virginia’s small towns combine history, culture, and natural beauty, making them perfect for a 3-day weekend escape. From the riverside charm of Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown to the mountain vistas of Fayetteville and Davis, each town offers unique experiences—from historic landmarks and artisan galleries to scenic trails and iconic bridges. With welcoming inns, boutique lodging, and outdoor adventures at every turn, these eight destinations invite travelers to slow down, reconnect with nature, and immerse themselves in the Mountain State’s timeless charm and unforgettable character.
