Beckley, West Virginia, is located in the state’s southern region, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Beckley has ties to the lucrative coal mining industry, regional basketball champions, and excellent restaurants.
It has a luxury ski resort and beautiful state parks. Beckley has special memories for me because as a kid, it was a real treat to shop at the Hills, go to the movies, watch the holiday fireworks, and swim in Stephens Lake.
There were always things to do in Beckley.
Due to its geographical location, Beckley is surrounded by natural beauty; magnificent mountain views and cold, flowing mountain streams can be found all around the area.
However, visitors to Beckley will discover much more than just the region’s beautiful scenery.
Great restaurants, museums, hikes, and anything else you could want in a city are available here!
Now let’s take a look at 27 of the best things to do in Beckley, WV!
Fun Things to Do in Beckley, WV
1. Visit Tamarack
If you are an art lover and planning an unforgettable vacation in Beckley, Tamarak is the perfect place to visit and should be on your list of things to do in Beckley, WV.
Tamarack has been around since 1994 and exhibits beautiful fine art. Over time, they have dedicated themselves to showcasing the best artworks of various artists and artisans from the region over time.
It has a massive art space and gallery, hosts six exhibitions each year, and displays photography, ceramics, and paintings created by local artists.
Their soap sales area features glass art, crafts, jewelry, and handmade soaps.
It also has a theater that hosts live shows every Sunday afternoon. Visitors can also try the restaurant’s facilities, which offer a bakery, delicatessen, and full restaurant services.
2. Calacino Pizzeria
Calacino’s Pizzeria has been a fixture in Beckley for more than 80 years, showing the dedication and service they have offered to locals and tourists by serving them delicious pizzas over time.
The restaurant first flung its door open to customers in 1934 and has been serving Pizza ever since.
They prepare the pizzas in a stone oven with high heat, resulting in a delicious thin crispy hot cake after cooking.
Visitors can also enjoy their pasta, salad starters, and “stackers” on unique French pizza bread.
The restaurant has many widescreen TVs to keep you entertained with college sports or live music at the game.
The restaurant is open every day until 11 o’clock.
3. West Virginia Theatre
The West Virginia Theater was founded in 1955 by concerned citizens who wanted to bring the region’s culture to prominence through performing arts.
A theater that has scorned its existence for years, it still produces excellent live shows.
There are a variety of shows, but the most played shows are “Hatfields and McCoys” and “Honey in the Rock.”
The theater also organizes theater and acting programs for youth from this region in the spring.
You can visit their website and check out their upcoming musicals or classes on their website.
Things to Do in Beckley WV at Night
1. Good Župas
Dobrá Župas is a rather odd brick building in a quiet scenic area. The restaurant is quite small, but inside it has excellent and great service.
If you like to eat good food, this is a great place to go after long hours of sightseeing.
The goal is to popularize their homemade food and beer in the region and beyond. Their menu is delicious, with a variety of dishes to try.
This meal includes sandwiches, gourmet appetizers, and salads cooked with fresh ingredients.
Their bar menu is appealing because you can indulge in high-quality beer. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
2. Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia
If you are planning a holiday effort to include children and enjoy a fun-filled time here at the Youth Museum in Beckley, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia is an ideal attraction for children.
Give your child an unforgettable experience as they immerse their thoughts, imagination, and curiosity in the limitless knowledge of this place.
The galleries in the museum are housed in four railway carriages with exhibits on various entertaining themes.
Children are also exposed to the Planetarium, where children learn about the planets, key constellations, and a mountain homestead typical of an Appalachian frontier settlement.
3. Winterplace Ski Resort
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, Winterplace in Beckley, WV, should be a top consideration when arranging your list of fun things to do in Beckley, WV.
The resort welcomes both amateur and professional skiers and offers the largest snow park in West Virginia.
Visitors who double as snowboarders and skiers can have a great time on the snow slopes at 2,997 feet above sea level and 3,600 feet above sea level.
There are more than 90 hectares of skiing and a 603-foot vertical drop, with their Panorama Intermediate Trail being 1.25 miles.
Visitors who like to ski at night can do a lot of things on the slopes of the park, which can be reached through the resort’s ten ski lifts.
For children, there is a snow tubing park with snow explorers and a Skiwee program, perfect for children aged 6-12.
Things to Do in Beckley, WV For Couples
1. Beckley Arts Center
Beckley Arts Center has two locations in town. The Arts Center has shown an unwavering dedication to the arts, nurturing future artists, and creating an environment in which people can learn about the arts.
The Beckley Art Center has successfully accomplished all of these goals by hosting art exhibitions that feature artwork from both emerging and established artists.
Beckley Arts Center also offers private lessons and workshops for people of all skill levels, sizes, and ages.
Visitors can visit the gift shop, art gallery, and art lab on Johnstown Road or check out their other location on Neville Street for a private music lesson.
2. Check Out Tickety Boo Mercantile’s High-Quality Antiques
If you’re a fan of antiques, a visit to Tickety Mercantile should be your top priority and on your list of fun things to do in Beckley.
Ticket Boo Mercantile Locally owned and operated curio store focused on refurbishing old vintage/antique items or accessories.
A walk into the store will blow your mind with the wide selection of treasures. These items are stacked to help visitors easily find that unique item.
3. Wildwood House Museum
The Wildwood House Museum has a lot of historical information to share with visitors as it has an interesting historical past.
All of this is attributed to the museum being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
People usually call the museum the General Alfred Beckley Home. The house was built between 1835 and 1936.
The house is generally known to be of double-log construction.
The Beckley family maintained and restored the house before it was bequeathed to the Raleigh County Historical Society in 1985.
Beckley received the Wildwood Museum in 1993, and it is widely regarded as the city’s most famous historical attraction.
During the summer, the museum is open to the general public, and special tours are also available.
Things to Do in Beckley, WV For Kids
1. Mini Golf in the Mountain State
If you’re a golfer, Mountain State Miniature Golf is the perfect place to be while in Beckley and should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Beckley when you visit.
Golf is an 18-hole golf course, and each hole honors a special feature in the Mountain State.
There are mountains, a coal mine, a bridge over a mountain gorge, forests, and wildlife.
There is a hole on the golf course that pays tribute to Virginia’s legendary Mothman, and very close to the golf course is an indoor climbing course known as the Outside-In.
The golf course welcomes golfers of all skill levels, from professionals to amateurs, to come and test their skills.
Experienced climbers can also come and test their skills on the 35-meter climbing wall.
2. Bluestone State Park
The scenic landscape of mountains, rolling hills, and forests are the typical natural features of West Virginia.
They can be found in Bluestone Park, which is located five miles south of Hinton. The park is 2,100 acres of mountain forest landscape near Bluestone Lake.
The park features scenic hiking trails, volleyball, a cabin rental campground, basketball, an outdoor pool, and shuffleboard courts.
Other activities you can enjoy include boating, water skiing, and fishing. The lake marina is open from April to October and provides boat rentals if the weather is fine.
Blue state Stone Park is an exciting place, with many activities in store to ensure you have the unforgettable vacation you’ve always wanted.
Don’t forget to add your list of places to visit here.
3. Little Beaver State Park
If you are looking forward to a perfect getaway with your family, friends, or colleague, Little Brave Park is the location to visit when you are in Beckley.
The park is 562 acres in size and showcases West Virginia’s natural beauty through cycling trails and short hikes.
Another activity you can do here is fishing on the 18-acre lake, where you might be lucky enough to catch fish like bluegill, crappie, and bass.
You can hire a boat here, which is available seasonally. The 46-site campsite opened in 2011 and has electric hookups and water, a laundry room with a bathhouse, and paved and gravel paths.
Indoor Activities to Do in Beckley, WV
1. Glade Springs Resort
The Glade Springs resort is one of the best things to do in Beckley.
There are numerous fun activities available here that everyone will enjoy and should be on your list of things to do in Berkeley.
Glade Springs is an exciting place full of exciting activities. During your stay, you can participate in a variety of mind-blowing activities.
Its location in the Appalachian Mountains makes it a great place to unwind with beautiful scenery.
With various activities installed for visitors, there is never a dull moment at this resort. Adventure activities like hiking, skiing, pickleball, laser tag, golf, bubble soccer, and many more.
The Glade Springs is located on a beautiful 4,100-acre property with more than 200 guest rooms, from cabins to stand-alone villas, classic hotels, and suites.
2. Beckley Coal Mine and Youth Museum
Coal mining practices played an important role in the history and economic development of West Virginia.
You can find all this history on display at the Beckley Coal Mine Exhibition. Visitors can freely walk the length and breadth of the coal mine and learn about the mining equipment and mining procedures.
A few steps from the coal mine is the Beckley Youth Museum, which has four trucks, each with a different exhibit.
Here you will find exhibits of history, art, and science. A reconstructed mountain homestead at the Beckley Youth Museum helps visitors understand the early activities the people of Appalachia adopted and how they lived.
If you’re a history buff, this should be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Beckley. WV.
3. The Char
If you are in search of a great restaurant to have delicious food, whether, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Char is the right place.
Be sure to visit here after long hours of sightseeing. This should be a must-stop for the perfect family night, couples dinner, or any memorable night you wish to experience, including candle-lit tables and valet parking.
There are many to choose from; their wide selection of delicious dishes, be it dessert or dinner, will leave you wanting more. Everything you find here is fabulous.
There’s also freshly baked Italian bread, gourmet dinners like swordfish and filet mignon, delicious desserts made with butter and eggs, twice-baked potatoes, and much more.
Romantic Things to Do in Beckley, WV
1. Seneca Rocks State Park
Seneca is the best place for rock climbing. In fact, one of the best things to do in Beckley is to visit Seneca Rocks State Park, where you can get a scenic view of the Seneca Rocks towering over the Monongahela National Forest.
The park is famous for its cliffs, making it a perfect destination for hikers who love rock climbing.
The park also has a 3-mile hiking trail that starts from the parking lot and ends at the edge of the cliff.
Thanks to well-maintained hiking trails, the park is open to the general public regardless of age, although many people try to get themselves into climbing.
Seneca Rocks have an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet with 375 climbing routes of various difficulties.
To get the best view of this state park, you should get to the top of the Rock. You might want to bring your camera and take beautiful photos to post on your Instagram.
Apart from rock climbing, you can enjoy many activities during your stay here such as fishing, picnicking, hiking, photography, and more.
2. Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park
One of the fun and attractive things to do in Beckley is to delve into the rich history of the place.
It has everything you would require for an ideal holiday, from renowned museums to hiking trails, battlefields, and exhibitions.
You can opt for a tour of the ancient city spread around the national park. At the same time, you will enjoy the beautiful landscape, which makes it a perfect destination for nature and history lovers.
There is a wealth of historical information in Harpers Ferry, particularly about the first successful innovation and application of interchangeable manufacturing, the education of freed slaves in a pioneer school, John Brown’s fight against slavery, and the surrender of federal forces in the Civil War.
3. Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is a landscape of 900,000 acres, and more than a third of it is located at 200 Sycamore St, Elkins, WK.
This national forest is such a huge forest area and paradise. Even though you’re not in Beckley, it’s only an hour’s drive to the forest.
The forest has beautiful trails and backtracks that allow people to easily explore the forest.
Many recreational activities are involved in the Monongahela River, such as SD hiking, wilderness camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing.
Picnic areas, tourist centers, and campsites are also built in the park. Visitors can also explore picturesque monuments, flowing streams, diverse flora and fauna, and country roads.
Free Things to Do in Beckley, WV
1. Raleigh County Veterans Museum
The Raleigh County Museum is dedicated to veterans of World War II and honoring the war fought for the American Revolution.
The museum has various war artifacts which are beautiful to look at. There are also rotating exhibits on display.
Make sure you have a guided tour of the museum to get a beautiful experience of the history of the place.
An ideal artifact to look out for is one that was used in a Nazi concentration camp and many other wartime artifacts that will interest you.
You can find the USS West Virginia model, and it’s a pretty huge mode, so you can see the whole model.
The museum is well documented, so be sure to find out all about the history of the place.
2. Ax Hole Beckley
Are you looking for the perfect place to get away from your everyday routine? Ditch the bar and bowling nights and immerse yourself in the art of ax throwing at Beckley’s newest attraction, the Ax Hole.
Ax stick organizes group events, and ax throwing ranges from 1-2 hours.
You can spend a night with friends, a bachelor party, a reunion, and more at this place.
Urban ax throwing is a fast-growing sport in the country.
The Ax stick in Beckley is the main venue for the world’s biggest ax-throwing league.
With things to do in Beckley, WV, you can also indulge in their food and alcoholic beverages that are hand-crafted by local distributors.
3. A Visit to the King Tut Drive-In
A visit to Berkeley is usually half without a stop at the King Tut Drive-in.
This place has stood the test of time and evolved to become an outstanding hospitality landmark in Berkeley since its founding in 1955 by the McKay family.
Inspired by a Great Depression-era tea recipe, this extraordinary restaurant doesn’t cut corners when it comes to choosing the best practices in producing its baked goods.
Their pieces of bread, cakes, and handmade buns are not only luxurious but also very healthy and tasty, as they are always served directly from the oven without any form of preservation.
Cheap Things to Do in Beckley, WV
1. The Deep End Antiques
If you are an antique lover, one of the best things to do in Beckley, WV, is to visit Deep End Antiques.
Deep End Antique is adorned with various special antique accessories to pique your interest.
There are lots of handmade antiques to see. Antique stores stock jewelry, stones and crystals, vinyl records, American art pottery, Fenton and Blenko, artwork, vintage glass, militaria, and much more.
The antique shop is well laid out, with items properly stacked so that visitors can search for any artwork or item they wish to purchase.
2. Rest in the Calacino Pizzeria and Sports Bar
For over 80 years, Calacino’s has served great cuisine and good fun in South Beckley, West Virginia.
The restaurant began its operations in 1934 and has served the community fresh and tasty pizza ever since.
Pizza Calacino is baked in a stone oven at a high temperature. The result is a delicious hot pie with a thin, crispy crust.
In addition to pizza, Calacino’s offers appetizers, salads, spaghetti, and “stackers,” unique French bread pizzas made with sourdough bread.
In addition, guests can take advantage of eight large-screen televisions and a 100-inch projection screen to watch all their favorite sports and see the Mountaineers and the Herd!
They even occasionally provide live music performances if you want to relax in a relaxed atmosphere while listening to live music.
Just so you know, Calacino’s is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.
3. Try Something New at Pasquale’s
The best Italian cuisine in the region has been attracting loyal patrons to Pasquale’s for over 55 years.
Their welcoming and relaxed atmosphere have made them a year-round attraction for locals and tourists.
They specialize in both intimate meals and group gatherings. Enjoy a fine lunch in one of their cozy formal dining rooms, comfortable sunrooms with television, or outside on their terrace.
Everyone will be satisfied with more than fifty restaurant offers that include different pasta selections, steak, seafood, chicken, lamb, octopus, pizza, and much more.
Have a meal at Pasquale’s – lunch or dinner – and they will quickly earn a place in your heart.
Cool Places in Beckley, WV
1. Grandview National Park
One of the best things to do in Beckley is to visit Grandview State Park.
The atmosphere here is laid-back, and it’s the perfect place to cool off while enjoying the spectacular view of the New River.
The main part of Grandview Park includes five hiking trails, the New River Lookout, picnic areas with playgrounds, ranger walks and talks, and a visitor center that is open occasionally.
Grandview National Park is an excellent place to view picturesque displays of Catawba rhododendrons and these ornamental flowers in the spring.
The white rhododendron blooms in July, while the purple blooms in mid-May.
The park is quite beautiful in its own right with many fun and exciting things to do with friends and family and should be considered on your list of things to do in Beckley.
2. Experience The Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest
Located at 200 Sycamore St, Elkins, WV, more than one-third of the 900,000-acre Monongahela National Forest is a vast forest area and a natural wilderness paradise.
Although it’s not in Beckley, you can drive at least an hour to this forest. It also offers hundreds of miles of trails and back roads for people to explore and enjoy, much like Seneca Rocks State Park.
The Monongahela River provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including wilderness camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Campsites, picnic areas, and tourist centers are scattered throughout the forest.
Visitors can also enjoy scenic views, country roads, flowing streams, flora, and fauna.
It may take an hour to get here from Beckley, West Virginia, but the experience will be worth it.
3. Join a Yoga Class at the Balanced Life Studio
Balanced Life Studio is a “HOT” meditation and wellness center that provides various yoga classes and health counseling.
Their main goal is to enlighten clients on the basic meaning of yoga. Balanced Life Studio’s mission is to educate the public about the benefits of yoga, barre, holistic nutrition, and health counseling for “mind, body, and spirit.”
They provide a wide selection of yoga classes and professional training in a safe and supportive learning atmosphere.
They offer classes in Yin & Yang, Power, Devotional, Yoga Sculpt, and many other types of yoga.
Conclusion
This has to be the best thing you’ve come across today regarding your vacation in Beckley.
The fun and best things in Beckley, as listed in this article, are only the tip of the iceberg, and we are optimistic that you’d experience more.
