Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Travel Guide
Welcome to America’s first spa, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia! Founded in 1776 as the town of Bath, Berkeley Springs is known for its natural hot springs and supposed healing benefits. The water, used for thousands of years by Native Americans, stays at a constant 74.3 degrees. Today, Berkeley Springs is home to a small population but receives regular tourism from visitors all over the country. Visitors can frequent one of the many spas in the area, including the Roman baths operating in the Old Roman Bath House, shop at many of the specialty stores downtown, and experience the beauty of the local area via hiking and biking. Many cafes are located downtown for a quick bite or consider sitting down at one of the fine dining eateries specializing in local ingredients. Take a trip back in time and experience the history, relaxation, and indulgence of Berkeley Springs, WV!
Berkeley Springs is within driving distance of Baltimore, MD (1hr 42min, 107 miles), Washington D.C. (1hr 50min, 101 miles), and Pittsburgh, PA (2hr 33min, 153 miles). Travelers from further away can fly to Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) and drive the remaining 40 minutes to town.
Start your trip to Berkeley Springs with a visit to Berkeley Springs Salt Cave, The Renaissance Spa, or Berkeley Springs State Park for a relaxing spa treatment. No trip to Bath can be complete without a soak! Schedule a private soak in the Old Roman Bath House in the state park, built in 1815. Interested in the history of Berkeley Springs? Be sure to visit the museum in the state park, and check out Washington’s Bathtub by the springs!
Another key component of Berkeley Springs is artisan shopping. There are well over a dozen shops in the downtown area. Stop by The Naked Olive for olive oil, Berkeley Springs Antique Mall for antiques, Inspired Chaos for clothing and souvenirs, and Sage Moon Herb Shop for tea and candles. Be sure to stop by the Berkeley Springs Farmer’s Market on Sundays for local produce, baked goods, and delicious food options.
The surrounding area of West Virginia and Maryland is beautiful and provides plenty of scenery and recreation for visitors. Visit Cacapon Resort State Park for lodging, biking, and hiking. Hop on the Western Maryland Rail Trail alongside the C&O Canal and bike the 28-mile trail. Take a drive up to Prospect Point and see a view of the Potomac River and the hills of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania!
A long day of soaking and shopping will require some food! Start your day with a coffee or tea at Fairfax Coffee House. Grab some focaccia and a vegetarian meal at Mary’s Vegetarian Café and Bistro, or have a light bite at Charlotte’s Cafe. Consider stopping by the Treetop Restaurant and Lounge for a burger and a beer. Enjoy dinner with a season, locally sourced, prix-fix meal at Lot 12 Public House. Have a beer (or try the Spa Water) and some BBQ at Berkeley Springs Brewing Company, try a flight at Cacapon Mountain Brewing, or savor something new at Cold Run Valley Winery. Finish off the day with soft-serve ice cream from Pap’s Dairy Dreams.
Need a place to stay in Berkeley Springs? There are no chain hotels in town, but a few are near the interstate in Hancock, MD. The town is home to several inns for visitors, such as Mendenhall 1884 Inn Bed and Breakfast and The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. Sullivan’s Camp Cacapon and Happy Hills Campground are located nearby and offer a variety of campsite options. Need a place to yourself? Consider these Vrbos: Log Cabin for 5, Large Cabin for 13, and Turtle Pond Cabin for 14.
Berkeley Springs is a cute, mountain town with a rich history and a dedication to relaxation and health. Whether you visit for a soak in the Roman baths, a fine dining experience, or a fun shopping trip, you’ll be impressed by this small town's big charm.
Whatever you’re into, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Berkeley Springs that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
