Berkeley Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples considered the warm waters here neutral territory where healing took precedence over conflict. Today, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, retains that sense of sanctuary. Known as “America’s First Spa,” this charming town in the West Virginia panhandle invites you to slow down, soak in mineral-rich springs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

George Washington himself was a regular visitor, famously surveying the land and purchasing a lot here at age 16. The town blends this deep colonial history with a funky, modern arts vibe. Whether you are sipping water straight from the public tap or hiking the ridges of Cacapon Mountain, Berkeley Springs offers a rejuvenating escape just a short drive from the hustle of the East Coast cities.

Taking the Waters Like Washington

What truly sets Berkeley Springs apart is the water. Flowing at a constant 74.3°F from five main sources, the springs discharge 2,000 gallons per minute. Unlike exclusive resorts where the springs are hidden behind high paywalls, the water here is celebrated publicly. The centerpiece is Berkeley Springs State Park, the smallest state park in West Virginia, which sits smack in the middle of town.

Here, history isn’t just in a museum; you soak in it. The Old Roman Bath House, built in 1815, offers private walk-in tubs filled with 750 gallons of heated mineral water. It is a no-frills, authentic experience that has remained largely unchanged for two centuries. For a modern twist, the main bathhouse offers massages and saunas, but the ritual of “taking the waters” remains the town’s enduring soul.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Berkeley Springs State Park - The heart of the town. This 7-acre park contains the bathhouses, the public spring tap, and the swimming pool. Entrance to the park is free; baths start around $25-$30.

George Washington’s Bathtub - Located within the state park, this stone-lined primitive tub portrays how the first president bathed in the springs. It is a free, open-air photo op and a tangible piece of history.

Cacapon Resort State Park - Located 10 miles south of town, this massive 6,000-acre park offers a lodge, golf course, lake for swimming and boating, and extensive hiking trails. Entry is free; activity costs vary.

The Berkeley Springs Castle - A distinct stone fortress built by Colonel Samuel Taylor Suit in nearly 1885. While often private and closed to interior tours, the castle is a striking landmark visible from the town and makes for great exterior photography.

Panorama Overlook - Located 3 miles west of town on Route 9. This roadside pull-off offers one of the most famous views in the region, looking out over the Great Cacapon River valley and the Potomac River. Free to access.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Berkeley Springs is a scenic drive through the rolling hills of West Virginia. It is approximately 100 miles from the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metro areas, making it an easy weekend trip. A car is essential here, as public transportation is non-existent and attractions like Cacapon State Park are a few miles outside the town center.

When packing, bring layers. The mountain weather can shift quickly, and evenings can be cool even in summer. If you plan to visit the bathhouses, bring your own robe and flip-flops to save on rental fees, though the facilities do provide them for a small charge. Most importantly, bring empty jugs or water bottles, the municipal water here is spring-fed, but the dedicated public tap in the park offers the purest mineral water for free, and filling up is a beloved local ritual.

Whether you come for the vibrant fall foliage festival, the cozy winter solitude of the spas, or the lush green hiking of summer, Berkeley Springs offers a unique mix of wellness and wilderness. It is a place where you can touch history, heal your body, and relax your mind, all within a few friendly city blocks.