Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center
A dazzling 1928 movie palace hosting concerts, films and touring shows beneath a starry ceiling.
Cabell County · Ohio River
Things to Do in Huntington WV
A river city with a college-town pulse, Huntington pairs grand historic theaters and museums with leafy parks, a walkable downtown and one of the best food scenes in West Virginia. Here is how to spend your time in the Jewel City.
Quick Info
- County
- Cabell County
- Best For
- Arts, dining, parks, family museums
- Best Time to Visit
- April through October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- I-64 along the Ohio River; about 1 hour from Charleston and 3 hours from Columbus, Ohio.
The Jewel City on the Ohio
Huntington grew as a rail and river town at the western edge of West Virginia, and that heritage still shows. Historic neighborhoods, a restored 1928 movie palace and a compact downtown now sit beside Marshall University’s campus and miles of riverfront green space.
Much of the city’s energy comes from its food and arts scene. Coffee shops, breweries and independent restaurants cluster around Pullman Square and the Old Central City antiques district, while the Huntington Museum of Art anchors a wooded hilltop on the city’s south side.
Whether you are here for a Marshall game, a theater show or a slow weekend of parks and cafes, Huntington is easy to enjoy on foot and by car.
Best Things to Do
Top Huntington Experiences
Ritter Park
Acres of rose gardens, walking trails, tennis courts and a beloved playground.
Huntington Museum of Art
Fine art, glass and an outstanding collection of firearms, set in a peaceful sculpture garden.
Pullman Square
The heart of downtown: dining, a cinema, live events and a summertime concert series.
Heritage Farm Museum & Village
A living-history Appalachian village with log cabins, crafts and farm animals for all ages.
Harris Riverfront Park
River views, a boat ramp and amphitheater, plus access to the Paul Ambrose Trail.
Old Central City Antiques
A historic district packed with antique shops and a Saturday farmers market.
Camden Park
A classic family amusement park with a wooden coaster and old-fashioned midway.
Top Attractions
- Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center — one of the finest surviving atmospheric theaters in the country.
- Huntington Museum of Art — free galleries, a conservatory and beautiful gardens.
- Ritter Park — the city’s green living room, with roses, trails and playgrounds.
- Marshall University campus — the fountain, memorial and campus museum.
- Heritage Farm Museum & Village — Appalachian history brought to life.
- Harris Riverfront Park — the best place to watch the Ohio River roll by.
Outdoor Activities
Paul Ambrose Trail
The PATH greenway links Ritter Park with the riverfront for easy walking and cycling.
River Fishing
The Ohio River supports bass, catfish and sauger; bank access is available at city parks.
Paddling
Kayak and canoe launches along the Ohio open up flatwater trips and island views.
Beech Fork State Park
Twenty minutes south: a lake for swimming, boating and fishing, plus wooded trails.
Golf
Public courses such as Sugarwood offer rolling Appalachian layouts near town.
Disc Golf & Tennis
Ritter Park and nearby parks add courts, disc golf and endless picnic spots.
Historic Attractions
The Keith-Albee is the centerpiece of Huntington’s historic downtown, a 1928 theater restored to its Moorish-inspired glory. Nearby, the old Frederick Building and downtown commercial blocks trace the city’s railroad-era prosperity.
Heritage Farm Museum & Village preserves Appalachian life through relocated log structures, a one-room school and working craft demonstrations. Marshall University’s campus adds the Memorial Fountain and a solemn plane-crash memorial.
In the Old Central City district, antique storefronts and the historic Central City Market keep the neighborhood’s early-1900s character alive.
Restaurants
Black Sheep Burrito & Brews
Inventive burritos and local beer in a casual downtown setting.
Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House
A Huntington institution serving spaghetti and steaks since the 1930s.
Le Bistro
A long-running fine-dining room known for French-inspired classics.
Nawab Indian Cuisine
A local favorite for curries, tandoori and vegetarian plates.
Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar
Wood-fired pies and oysters in a relaxed, social space.
Old Central City Cafes
Coffee shops and bakeries perfect for a market-morning break.
Places to Stay
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntington — downtown and walkable to Pullman Square.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Huntington — riverfront rooms beside the civic center.
- Pullman Plaza Hotel — central for theater and dining nights.
- Hampton Inn & Suites — reliable interstate-side option for road-trippers.
- Beech Fork State Park cabins — a lakeside base 20 minutes from town.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Beech Fork State Park — about 25 minutes.
- Camden Park — about 15 minutes.
- Charleston WV — about 1 hour east on I-64.
- Bluestone Lake — about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Ashland, Kentucky and the Greenup Locks — about 30 minutes.
- Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Kentucky — about 45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for parks, trails and festivals. Summer brings concerts at Pullman Square, amusement-park days at Camden Park and lake time at Beech Fork.
Winter is quieter, but the theater and museum scene keeps the city lively, and holiday lights brighten the riverfront.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: coffee and a walking loop through Ritter Park’s rose garden.
- Late morning: the Huntington Museum of Art’s galleries and conservatory.
- Lunch: a downtown bite near Pullman Square.
- Afternoon: Heritage Farm Museum & Village, then antique browsing in Old Central City.
- Evening: dinner followed by a show or film at the Keith-Albee.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: downtown and Ritter Park, the museum in the afternoon, then dinner and a Keith-Albee performance.
Day 2: morning at Beech Fork State Park for a hike or paddle, an afternoon at Camden Park with the family, and a riverfront sunset at Harris Riverfront Park.
Huntington on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Huntington WV known for?
Marshall University, the historic Keith-Albee Theatre, Ritter Park and a strong local food and arts scene.
Is Huntington WV worth visiting?
Yes — it offers a walkable downtown, excellent restaurants, family attractions and Ohio River scenery.
How far is Huntington from Charleston WV?
About 50 miles, or roughly one hour, along I-64.
What free things can you do in Huntington?
Ritter Park, Harris Riverfront Park, the PATH trail and browsing Pullman Square and Old Central City are all free.
What is the best time to visit Huntington?
Late spring through early fall for festivals and outdoor events, with October especially pleasant.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication sharing the best destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food across West Virginia. Our Huntington guide is researched and written to help you plan a smarter trip.
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