Things to do in Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Martinsburg was incorporated in 1778 and named after Colonel Thomas Bryan Martin, a nephew of Lord Fairfax.
- During the American Civil War, the city changed hands dozens of times due to its strategic position on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
- The city's historic downtown features the 'Triple Brick' construction technique, which is rare in other parts of the United States.
- Martinsburg sits at the intersection of the I-81 corridor, making it a critical logistics hub for the mid-Atlantic region.
About Martinsburg, West Virginia
Martinsburg serves as the seat of Berkeley County and acts as the primary gateway to West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. The city’s identity is rooted in its mid-19th-century industrial expansion, characterized by the rail infrastructure found at the Martinsburg Roundhouse and the surrounding Baltimore and Ohio and Related Industries Historic District. Visitors interested in local origins can explore the General Adam Stephen House & Triple Brick Museum, which preserves the colonial history of the city's founder. Beyond its industrial core, the area offers rural landmarks like the Parks Gap Iron Bridge, showcasing the region's historical engineering. The community maintains a mix of Appalachian heritage and suburban development within the Shenandoah Valley corridor.
Highlights of Martinsburg, West Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century railroad architecture in the country.
Museums
Learn about the life of the city’s founder, Adam Stephen, and view rare period artifacts.
Historical places
Photograph a piece of industrial-era engineering that represents the region's rural development.
Historical places
Walk through the district that illustrates how the B&O Railroad transformed this region into a key transport center.
Temples
Visit a prominent local institution that serves as a landmark of the city's community landscape.
Top things to do in Martinsburg, West Virginia
The 47 highest-rated places in Martinsburg, West Virginia, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the Blue Rid...
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Parks
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves the 184.5-mile towpath and waterway that operated from...
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Parks
Berkeley Springs State Park is a historic public park centered around natural warm mineral springs that maintain a const...
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Historical places
Old Town Winchester is a historic pedestrian mall spanning several blocks along South Loudoun Street in Winchester, Virg...
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Museums
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is a multidisciplinary cultural center featuring the historic 18th-century Gle...
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Parks
Maryland Heights is a prominent hiking destination within the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offering expansive...
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Parks
Fort Frederick State Park preserves a stone fort built in 1756 during the French and Indian War to defend the Maryland f...
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Museums
The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is a four-story hands-on educational facility designed for children up to age 12....
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Places of interest
Around Martinsburg, West Virginia
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Martinsburg, West Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Martinsburg, West Virginia
Late spring to early autumn, as the temperate climate is ideal for touring historical outdoor sites and the nearby Shenandoah Valley landscapes.
1-2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the local historical districts and the museums.
A personal vehicle is necessary for navigating the city and reaching historic sites on the periphery, as public transit is limited.
Stay in the downtown area to remain close to the historic districts and the primary heritage sites.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options are generally more affordable than in nearby D.C. metro areas.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 47 curated attractions in and around Martinsburg, West Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Martinsburg, West Virginia right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 16 places to explore.
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