One of the most underrated destinations in West Virginia is Berkeley Springs. This is a guide to the best things to do in Berkeley Springs, WV.
When I was growing up, I remember passing through Berkeley Springs a couple of times a year to visit my grandparents in eastern Ohio from my hometown of Richmond.
Berkeley Springs was always the place I looked forward to most on the journey because it was stunning and there was a go-kart track nearby and if my sisters and I were lucky, we got to make a stop.
We passed many cool spots on our trip, from Winchester, VA to Pittsburgh, PA. And as I got older, I learned that Berkeley Springs actually is one of the coolest places on that journey!
Nevertheless, this small West Virginia town has some really cool reasons to head there for a getaway. These are some of the top things to do in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
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Things to do in Berkeley Springs WV
Explore Berkeley Springs State Park
There is a lot of history to be learned and things to do in Berkeley Springs, WV. A stroll around Berkeley Springs State Park will take you to several historically important places.
The most important one is probably the mineral spa located at the center of the park. The mineral spa was a popular spot among the Native Americans who lived in the area and used the water for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
Another benefit of hiking around the West Virginia state park is that you’ll have the opportunity to see the oldest public building in town. The building also houses the Museum of Berkeley Springs and a 200-year old Roman Bath House.
Spending some time at Berkeley Springs State Park is without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Berkeley Springs (and one of the most relaxing)! Check out the park’s website for more information.
Address: 2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Tour The Museum of The Berkeley Springs
The Museum of the Berkeley Springs can be found on the grounds of Berkeley Springs State Park, on the second floor of a 19th-century Roman bathhouse. Browsing through the museum’s exhibits is one of the most important things to do in Berkeley Springs in order to learn more about the town.
The exhibits include all the artifacts and information related to Berkeley Springs such as Native American artifacts, old bathing wear, and sketches of old bathhouses.
Some of the information includes the visitation records of the Natives who found spiritual enlightenment in the waters, as well as George Washington. He was a famous patron of a bathhouse and eventually had a festival named after him.
Entry into the museum is free and visiting the museum brings you in proximity to other interesting attractions like the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, Atasia Spa, Fleur De Lis Cheese Shop, and Rita Renee’s Spa.
Address: 2 Fairfax St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Cool Off at Atasia Spa
Another important place to visit in Berkeley Springs is the Atasia Spa. The spa contains a team of professionals who dedicate themselves to making sure that you are as relaxed as possible.
They offer a wide variety of services including massages, facial treatments, bath rituals, manicures, and pedicures… and they incorporate them with thoughtful, seasonal packages.
Visiting the spa is one of the most relaxing things to do in Berkeley Springs, WV, and a favorite among many tourists. Atasia Spa is located in the middle of Berkeley Springs.
Furthermore, the spa is within walking distance of other attractions including shops, restaurants, and Berkeley Springs State Park. This spa and the other relaxing places around town make this such a fabulous DC day trip!
Address: 41 Congress St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Enjoy One of the Town’s Festivals
All year round, there are festivals that provide visitors with a lot of entertainment (and delicious food)! In the month of January, the Spa Feast festival takes place.
The Spa Feast festival lasts for the entire month of January and all the spas in Berkeley Springs offer deals and winter packages that are unavailable in the other months of the year.
You can also attend the George Washington Bathtub Celebration. In the middle of March, a weekend is usually selected to showcase George Washington’s outdoor stone tub monument.
In April, the Uniquely West Virginia Wine and Food Festival challenges your taste buds the right way with tasty foods and delicious wines. The festival usually takes place on a Saturday in the middle of April.
From the 3rd of June to the 6th of June, Berkeley Springs holds the International Water Tasting Festival, an international water tasting festival that has been talked about on the BBC and many other international media outlets.
Water samples from countries all over the world are brought to the festival to compete in different categories of the best water-title.
Although there are judges, the water is tasted by everyone around, after which a vote is carried out for the best sparkling and packaged water.
So, if you’re looking for what to do in Berkeley Springs, definitely check the calendar before heading there and try to hit up one of these interesting and unique festivals!
Shop in Historic Downtown Berkeley Springs
The historic downtown boasts a collection of various shops and things to do in Berkeley Springs. If you have some time to kill, you want to check out the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall.
The antique mall displays several interesting including toys, cards paintings, and many other things that will be of interest to collectors (or just curious minds)!
If you’re hungry and in the mood for something tasty, you should also visit Fleur De Lis Cheese Shop for some artisan cheeses and fine wine. Heath Studio and Ice House Co-op Galleries will also dazzle you with paintings by local artists.
Several other gift shops and jewelry stores are also available in the historic downtown and worthwhile for a stop and place on your Berkeley Springs itinerary.
Visit the Berkeley Springs Brewing Company
The Berkeley Springs Brewing Company is a family-owned business that provides you with the option to devour some delicious, local food all while downing one of their tasty and high-quality beers.
You’ll have the option of indoor or outdoor seating as you help yourself to the traditional roasted turkey or brisket and a wide range of locally brewed beer and distilled spirits.
If the alcoholic drinks won’t do it for you, they also have a diverse array of non-alcoholic root beers and kombucha. Visiting the Eastern Panhandle’s first brewery is a must when you’re traveling to Berkeley Springs!
Address: 110 Michigan Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Have Breakfast at the Fairfax Coffee House
Your trip to Berkeley Springs is not truly complete if you’ve not added breakfast at the Fairfax Coffee House to it! At the Berkeley Springs cafe, you can get homemade cookies and food with delicious beverages including tea and coffee to give you that extra boost of energy.
Their menu is diverse but you can’t leave without tasting one of their ‘Uniquely WV‘ bagels, pastries, or loaves of bread. They take a lot of pride in their menu and products and their customer service is also exceptional!
In addition, they also have an interesting collection of board games for your amusement and souvenirs such as mugs t-shirt, which make the perfect gift to take home! They are located inside of the State Park… so it is a great place to stop by after strolling through the nature.
Address: 23 Fairfax St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Hike to Prospect Peak
The hike to Prospect Peak is well worth the view as the peak provides a scenic view of the town and beyond. It overlooks the Potomac River and the picturesque Cacapon Valley that spans West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
It is located bout 3 miles away from the town right off of Route 9, but it is still a must-see when you’re visiting the local area (and one of the best hikes in Berkeley Springs)!
Where to Stay in Berkeley Springs
If you’re looking for the top places to stay in Berkeley Springs, you will have plenty of hotel and inn options. You can see our picks for hotels and inns below!
Berkeley Springs Hotels & Inns
Here are some great places to stay in Berkeley Springs, WV:
We hope that you found this guide of things to do in Berkeley Springs, WV helpful for planning your trip!
The town is small but really packs a punch when it comes to attractions and history! It is a perfect weekend trip from Richmond, Washington DC, and other places in the region!
Have you ever visited Berkeley Springs? What was your favorite thing to do in the town or surrounding area?
More West Virginia Travel Resources
- Things to do in Wheeling WV
- Best places to visit in West Virginia
- Beautiful waterfalls in West Virginia
Pin this Berkeley Springs Attractions Guide
Photo Credits:
Fairfax Coffee House // Editorial credit: Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com
The Country Inn Hotel at Berkeley Springs // Editorial credit: Alejandro Guzmani / Shutterstock.com
Berkeley Springs baths // Editorial credit: Alejandro Guzmani / Shutterstock.com
Berkeley Springs bathhouse // Editorial credit: Alejandro Guzmani / Shutterstock.com
Berkeley Springs State Park in the snow // Editorial credit: Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com
Atasia Spa // Editorial credit: Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com
You forgot to mention the famous Apple Butter Festival held every year in October
Ahhh thanks for the note! Yea, that is why I asked for more tips as I definitely will have missed a few since I am not from there :). That sounds like a delicious festival 😀
I heard the Apple Butter Festival is cancelled this year:(
Yes it has. Unfortunately this is the 2nd year. It’s an absolute must to come and enjoy. I’ve lived here for 5 years and it’s a wonderful place to live. The people here in Berkeley Springs are friendly and inviting.
I really hope things get back to ‘the usual’ in 2022 when it comes to events and festivals. It is really a shame to see such historic and important events cancelled throughout the country.
Good article overall, but you missed the very best place to stay, to eat, to hike and to spend time in a canoe or kayak on a scenic lake. Coolfont Resort nestled between the Warm Springs Ridge and Cacapon Mountain at 3621 Cold Run Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, WV http://www.coolfont.com
Thanks so much for the tip! This actually looks totally like my type of place (but I might never leave). Yea, I was hoping people would chime in with some cool things that I missed – hope I can visit Coolfront next time I am in the area! 🙂
I know it is no longer open for tours, but you can’t leave out the Castle!
Wait?! There is a castle there!? I need to do some research! Thanks for the tip!
How on earth did you miss the castle? You can’t help but see it from anywhere in town. It’s high on the hill above Berkeley Springs State Park.
The newly revamped Cacapon State Park and Lodge is a magnificent place to stay, golf, swim, hike and ride horses.
So great to know! I always drove this route from Virginia to Pittsburgh area and it would make for a really great overnight so definitely going to check this out next time!
The Farmers market every Sunday , April thru December. Has incredible local fruit n vegetables.
Thanks so much Mark and Laura! I used to always travel through on Sundays and it’s a shame I never stopped to check this out! On the list for next time 🙂
Thank you for writing this about an incredible town to visit.. Some of the best restaurants around and now 2 local breweries .. Both amazing.
Oh wow!! That is so nice to hear. Even more reason for me to return soon!! Please let me know the brewery names if you can!
Next trip during the summer, stop by Crafts Adventures for tubing on the Cacapon River or kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boards on the lake at Coolfont Resort! Craftsadventures.com