Berkeley Springs State Park Baths
Soak in the historic warm mineral baths and the restored Roman bathhouse.
Morgan County · Eastern Panhandle
Things to Do in Berkeley Springs WV
America’s first spa town still does what it has always done best: warm mineral springs, healing baths, art galleries and mountain air. Berkeley Springs is a small town with a big reputation for relaxation.
Quick Info
- County
- Morgan County
- Best For
- Spas, hot springs, arts, romantic getaways
- Best Time to Visit
- Spring through fall; cozy in winter
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- Off US-522 in the Eastern Panhandle, about 2 hours from Washington, DC and 40 minutes from Winchester, Virginia.
The Town of Warm Springs
Berkeley Springs has been a destination since before the American Revolution, when George Washington bathed in its warm mineral waters. The springs still flow through the center of town in Berkeley Springs State Park, where visitors soak in the historic Roman and main baths.
The town has since become a haven for artists, healers and anyone seeking a slower pace. Galleries, studios, independent shops and wellness studios line the compact downtown, and spas of every kind offer massage, soaking and sauna.
Around it all, the Cacapon Mountains and the Appalachian Trail provide plenty of reasons to get outside between soaks.
Best Things to Do
Top Berkeley Springs Experiences
Cacapon Resort State Park
A mountain resort with a golf course, lake, trails and a lodge, 15 minutes away.
Arts & Gallery Scene
Explore studios and galleries in one of the region’s most creative small towns.
Historic Downtown
Walk the compact main street of shops, cafes, spas and a classic old-fashioned five-and-dime.
Appalachian Trail
Access the AT nearby for ridge walks and quiet forest miles.
Cacapon Lake
Swim, paddle and fish at the state park’s mountain lake.
Vintage & Antique Shops
Dig for treasures in the town’s quirky independent shops.
Star Theatre
A restored downtown venue for movies, music and community events.
Top Attractions
- Berkeley Springs State Park — the warm springs at the town’s center.
- Cacapon Resort State Park — golf, lake and mountain trails.
- Downtown Gallery District — art, craft and wellness studios.
- Star Theatre — entertainment in a historic venue.
- Appalachian Trail — access points in the surrounding ridges.
- Sleepy Creek Wildlife Area — quiet backcountry nearby.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Cacapon’s trails, the AT and Sleepy Creek offer miles of forest walking.
Golf
Cacapon’s championship course is one of the state’s most scenic.
Fishing & Boating
Cacapon Lake and the Potomac River nearby are popular for paddling and angling.
Horseback Riding
Guided rides through the Cacapon hills suit beginners and experienced riders.
Swimming
The lake beach and park pool are summer family favorites.
Wildlife Watching
The surrounding forests are rich with deer, turkey and songbirds.
Historic Attractions
The Roman Bath House in Berkeley Springs State Park dates to 1815 and remains in active use, making it one of the oldest public bathhouses in the country.
The town’s George Washington Heritage Trail links sites tied to the first president’s visits, and the historic commercial district preserves centuries of shopfronts.
The Museum of the Berkeley Springs tells the story of the springs and the people who came to them.
Restaurants
Tari’s Cafe
A long-running downtown favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lot 12 Public House
Upscale, seasonal dining in a beautifully restored building.
Panorama at the Peak
Farm-to-table plates with sweeping mountain valley views.
The Country Inn
Classic inn dining and a tavern in the historic downtown.
Local Coffee & Bakeries
Cafes for a relaxed morning between spa appointments.
Cacapon Resort Dining
Full-service meals at the state park lodge.
Places to Stay
- The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs — a historic inn in the heart of town.
- Cacapon Resort State Park lodge & cabins — a mountain retreat 15 minutes out.
- Coolfont Resort — a sprawling resort with spa and lakeside amenities.
- Downtown B&Bs — romantic rooms within walking distance of the springs.
- Cabin rentals — wooded getaways around Morgan County.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Cacapon Resort State Park — about 15 minutes.
- Hancock and the C&O Canal — about 30 minutes.
- Winchester, Virginia — about 40 minutes.
- Hagerstown, Maryland — about 40 minutes.
- Harpers Ferry — about 1 hour.
- Washington, DC — about 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, gallery strolls and soaking. Summer brings lake days at Cacapon and lively weekends downtown.
Winter is cozy and quiet, perfect for spa weekends, holiday shopping and fireside stays.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: soak in the warm mineral baths at Berkeley Springs State Park.
- Late morning: browse galleries and shops downtown.
- Lunch: a cafe on the main street.
- Afternoon: hike or paddle at Cacapon Resort State Park.
- Evening: dinner at a farm-to-table spot, then a show at the Star Theatre.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: a leisurely spa morning, an afternoon of galleries and shops, and an elegant dinner downtown.
Day 2: a morning hike or round of golf at Cacapon, a lake swim in summer, then a drive to Harpers Ferry on the way home.
Berkeley Springs on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Berkeley Springs WV known for?
Its warm mineral springs and historic bathhouses, its thriving arts scene, and its reputation as America’s first spa town.
Can you soak in the springs?
Yes. Berkeley Springs State Park offers public baths, and many local spas provide private soaking tubs.
Is Berkeley Springs good for a romantic getaway?
Absolutely — inns, spas, galleries and mountain scenery make it a favorite couples’ escape.
What is there to do near Berkeley Springs outdoors?
Hike at Cacapon or Sleepy Creek, play golf, paddle Cacapon Lake or walk a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
When is the best time to visit Berkeley Springs?
Spring and fall for outdoor activities, or winter for a cozy spa weekend.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Berkeley Springs guide is written to help you plan a restorative Eastern Panhandle getaway.
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