The West Virginia panhandle town of Berkeley Springs brims with history, culture, and scenic beauty. From spa days to tee times, museums to fishing holes, this picturesque region has it all.
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve created a guide to the 12 best things to do in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. With so many different options, even the pickiest travelers will find something to their liking.
Let’s get started — book your stay at Blue Maple and check out our guide to everything you’ll want to do when you get here.
1. Soak in the Mineral Springs
Berkeley Springs holds the title of America’s first spa town — among other notables, President George Washington himself once bathed in the mineral springs here. You can channel our first president with a luxurious soak of your own at the Old Roman Bath House.
Located in Berkeley Springs State Park, this historic structure dates back to 1815 and contains nine individual walk-in tubs available for private use. The mineral waters of the warm springs have long been renowned for their healing properties, so you’ll have to give them a try for any aches and pains.
2. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
If you’re seeking a little more rest and relaxation after “taking the waters,” as visitors to Berkeley Springs once said, embrace the spa day spirit and check out the other options in town. The state park and Roman Bath House are far from your only choices — you can get excellent massages, facials, hot stone treatments, and much more, all within a short drive or walk.
The Atasia Spa and Renaissance Spa both have full treatment menus, so stop by to see what’s on offer. As an added bonus, the Renaissance Spa is located inside the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. Save some time for a relaxing walk around the historic hotel grounds after you’ve been thoroughly pampered.
3. Spend a Day at Cacapon Resort State Park
Just a 15-minute drive from Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park boasts a variety of activities that will appeal to any kind of visitor. Book a tee time at the 18-hole golf course or continue to indulge at the full-service Healing Waters Spa. The park also draws plenty of outdoor enthusiasts to fish, hike the trails, and — soon — ride the park’s forthcoming mountain bike network.
You could easily spend a full day at the park, and its indoor and outdoor dining options mean there’s no need to bring a picnic lunch. Visitors will have plenty of things to do here, and considering its close proximity to Berkeley Springs, stopping by is a no-brainer.
4. Cast a Line
Anglers, rejoice — Berkeley Springs is surrounded by excellent fishing holes. You can choose from several different areas to cast a line, both on flatwater and in our creeks and rivers. Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, Back Creek, and Cacapon Resort State Park are all excellent places to start.
But if you really want to find the best fishing spots, you might want to ask the locals for their opinions. Some may just be willing to share their favorite locations for catching smallmouth bass and trout, both of which swim in the nearby waters.
5. Canoe the Cacapon River
The Cacapon River, which winds through the West Virginia panhandle, is a canoeing and kayaking paradise. Since the rapids here don’t get much crazier than mellow, Class I riffles, you can even set out in an inner tube without worrying about an accidental thrill ride.
As you float down the river’s gentle waters, you’ll pass soaring sandstone canyon walls and dense forests. The Cacapon is best enjoyed in the summer, though the occasional low water levels might make it difficult to set out. Check the water forecast ahead of time and be prepared to pivot if needed.
6. Panoramas at Prospect Overlook
Soaring above the Potomac River, Prospect Overlook is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Berkeley Springs region. From up on Prospect, you can view three different states — Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia — and take in some seriously unfiltered beauty from a unique vantage point.
The turnoff to Prospect Overlook may be difficult to find, so use GPS and ensure you have cell service or accurate map downloads at hand before setting out. While you won’t find too many amenities up here, the incredible views will more than make up for it, no matter what time of year you swing by.
7. Shop ‘til You Drop
Like many small towns in the Appalachian region, Berkeley Springs is filled with cute, quaint little shops that sell everything from healing crystals to antiques. For the latter, swing by the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall features 30 different vendors selling everything from vintage dolls to locally made crockery. If you’re hunting for the former, meanwhile, Sage Moon Herb Shop sells all kinds of different gear to anyone who’s interested in alternative healing methods.
Other retail standouts include Black Cat Music Shop, Country Roads Inspiration, and Country Traditions Emporium (its opening hours change throughout the year, though). There’s always a hidden gem or two tucked away in Berkeley Springs, so come prepared to find something unexpected while you’re out shopping.
8. Visit the Museum of the Berkeley Springs
Located within Berkeley Springs State Park, the Museum of the Berkeley Springs shares the area’s unique history and culture with visitors. It’s right upstairs from the Old Roman Bath House, making it the perfect stop after a spa treatment or a soak.
Shake off the spring waters and get to know all about the fascinating town of Berkeley Springs through a series of exhibits and artifacts on display. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
9. Catch a Matinee at the Historic Star Theatre
Opened in 1928, the Historic Star Theatre is located in downtown Berkeley Springs and is a must-see for any film buffs. The theater screens second runs of popular movies, and on certain days, tickets are free — nothing stopping you from sinking into a comfy seat and enjoying the show (or two).
Make sure to grab yourself a bucket of popcorn. This isn’t any old movie theater treat — the popcorn is made using a Very Manley machine that dates back to 1949, and the freshly popped kernels are coated in clarified butter.
10. Stargaze at the Morgan County Observatory
Located within Berkeley Springs city limits, the Morgan County Observatory aims to improve public access to astronomy education and equipment. With that in mind, the observatory is always open to the public and admission is free, so anyone can come by and stargaze in this unique spot. If you want to reserve a private viewing, it will cost you, but the wonder of soaking up the sky with only your travel companions for company may be well worth it.
Do your best to visit Berkeley Springs during one of Morgan County Observatory’s special events. Their popular meteor shower viewings draw locals and tourists alike to share in the awe of these spectacular celestial happenings.
11. Hit the Trails
Berkeley Springs is surrounded by a network of stunning hiking trails that will take you to panoramic viewpoints, intriguing historical spots, and much more. Here are just some of the hikes we recommend:
- Cacapon Ridge Trail (1.2 miles, moderate)
- Paw Paw Tunnel Trail (4.9 miles, moderate)
- Ziler Trail (3.3 miles, difficult)
12. Get to Know Local History
Besides being the first American spa town, Berkeley Springs is located on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a man-made waterway that allowed for the transportation of goods during the 1800s and early 1900s. Just a 30-minute drive from Berkeley Springs, you’ll find the C&O Canal’s Cushwa Basin — a fun day trip with plenty of historical significance.
The Cushwa was constructed to help vessels load and unload cargo and is one of the few places along the canal wide enough for a boat to turn completely around. Today, visitors can bike along the towpath that runs beside the canal, explore exhibits in the old Trolley Barn, and venture out into the charming town of Williamsport, Maryland.
Explore Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
The small town of Berkeley Springs is packed with excitement. Though we’ve covered our 12 favorite things to do here, don’t let this list limit you—there are even more that we didn’t have room to discuss in this article.
When you book your stay at one of our Blue Maple vacation rentals in the Berkeley Springs area, you’ll be close to everything this region has to offer. You don’t want to miss out on all the excitement, so book your trip dates today and get ready to check out Berkeley Springs!