10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Wheeling, WV
Looking for fun
day trips from Wheeling, West Virginia that don’t require a long drive? You’re in luck. Within about an hour of Wheeling (in every direction), you’ll find small towns, river views, hiking trails, historic sites, and plenty of great food.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Ohio County
1. Bridgeport & Martins Ferry, OH – Classic River Town Vibes (Belmont County)
Just across the river from Wheeling, you can be in
Belmont County, Ohio in minutes. It’s amazing how different things can feel after a quick bridge crossing.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk or jog along the riverfront areas in Martins Ferry and enjoy Ohio River views.
- Check out small, family-owned diners and pizza shops in Bridgeport and Martins Ferry.
- Drive the back roads for rolling hill views and old farmsteads.
If you’ve ever just driven through on your way to somewhere else, try slowing down and exploring a bit. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and see everyday river town life up close.
2. Historic St. Clairsville, OH – Shopping & Small-Town Charm (Belmont County)
About 15–20 minutes west on I‑70 from Wheeling,
St. Clairsville makes for an easy half-day trip.
Why go? It’s a classic Ohio county-seat town with a walkable main street, historic buildings, and modern conveniences nearby.
Ideas for your visit:
- Stroll through downtown and admire the architecture around the Belmont County Courthouse.
- Browse local shops and antique stores for vintage finds and WV/OH memorabilia.
- Enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the local restaurants or diners.
If you’re looking for
things to do near Wheeling with shopping and food, St. Clairsville is close, simple, and stress-free.
3. Blame My Roots & Jamboree Country – A Country Music Pilgrimage (Belmont County)
Country music fans know this region well. Even if you’re not headed to a show, it’s fun to explore the area around the old
Jamboree in the Hills grounds, now home to events like
Blame My Roots Fest.
What to do:
- Take a scenic drive along US‑40 and nearby country roads to soak in the rolling Appalachian foothills.
- Plan your visit around a summer music festival or local live music night.
- Hit a local bar or roadhouse in the area for a casual meal and maybe some karaoke.
Even on a quiet day, the open fields and rural roads make a peaceful escape from city traffic.
4. Steubenville, OH – Murals, History & River Views (Jefferson County)
About 30–40 minutes north of Wheeling along the Ohio River,
Steubenville is one of the best short road trips from the Wheeling area.
Highlights include:
- Dozens of colorful downtown murals celebrating local history and culture.
- A classic riverfront setting for walks, photos, and watching barges float by.
- Seasonal festivals and events that bring the streets to life.
If you enjoy photography, this place is a gold mine. I once spent an entire afternoon just wandering alleyways, finding new murals and angles. It’s also a nice spot to bring visiting family—easy to walk, easy to park, and full of local flavor.
5. Wintersville & Rural Jefferson County, OH – Easy Country Escape
Just west of Steubenville you’ll find
Wintersville and a mix of open fields, small neighborhoods, and wooded hills.
Why it’s worth a quick drive:
- Enjoy an unhurried country drive on two-lane roads with very little traffic.
- Stop at roadside diners or ice cream stands for a laid-back meal.
- Explore small local parks and playgrounds if you’ve got kids along.
If you’ve had a busy week, this area is perfect for a “no big plan” drive—just roll the windows down, put on a playlist, and see where the road takes you.
6. Washington, PA – Historic Downtown & Modern Comforts (Washington County)
Drive about 40–45 minutes northeast of Wheeling and you’ll land in
Washington, Pennsylvania, the county seat of Washington County.
It’s a nice mix of old and new: historic homes, a walkable downtown, and plenty of shopping and food options around the edges of town.
Things to do:
- Walk around the historic district and check out the old architecture.
- Visit local museums or heritage sites that highlight Pennsylvania’s early days.
- Make time for coffee, pastries, or a sit-down meal in one of the town’s cafes or restaurants.
If you’re hunting for
easy weekend getaways from Wheeling that still feel relaxed and affordable, Washington is a smart pick.
7. Small-Town Pennsylvania Drives – Canonsburg & Beyond (Washington County)
Once you’re in Washington County, keep going a bit farther into the small towns. Places like
Canonsburg and surrounding communities give you a taste of western Pennsylvania life.
What to enjoy:
- Rolling hills and farm country that look beautiful in every season.
- Local bakeries, pizza joints, and diners that feel like they’ve been there forever.
- Simple walks through quiet neighborhoods and small town centers.
If you like taking the “long way home,” this is a great area for slow back-road exploring before you point the car back toward Wheeling.
8. Wellsburg, WV – Riverfront Relaxation (Brooke County)
Head about 30 minutes north along the West Virginia side of the Ohio River and you’ll hit
Wellsburg in Brooke County.
This is a calm, easy-going river town—perfect when you want to get out of the house without doing anything complicated.
Ideas for your Wellsburg visit:
- Walk along the riverfront and watch the boats go by.
- Explore the main streets, check out local shops, and talk with friendly locals.
- Stop at a small café or bar for a snack or early dinner.
If crowds aren’t your thing, Wellsburg offers a quieter alternative to bigger towns, while still giving you that “I went somewhere today” feeling.
9. Follansbee & Northern Brooke County, WV – A Laid-Back Afternoon Drive
Just south of Wellsburg,
Follansbee and the nearby communities of Brooke County make another quick outing from Wheeling.
Why go:
- Enjoy an easy riverside drive that’s relaxing instead of stressful.
- Stop in town for a casual bite to eat at local restaurants.
- Take short walks around neighborhoods and riverside areas.
This is one of those trips where the drive itself is half the fun. It’s great if you only have a couple hours but still want a change of scenery.
10. Glen Dale & Moundsville, WV – Small-Town Life in Marshall County
Head south of Wheeling along the West Virginia side of the Ohio River and you’ll roll into
Glen Dale and
Moundsville in
Marshall County.
These towns are close enough for a quick outing but far enough that it feels like a real road trip.
What you can do:
- Take in river views from various pull-offs and streets near the water.
- Wander through town streets and check out local businesses.
- Enjoy the slower pace, away from the busier feel of Wheeling traffic.
This is a great direction to drive if you love following the river and seeing how each town along it has its own personality.
Tips for Planning Your Wheeling-Area Day Trips
To keep your
short road trips from Wheeling fun and low-stress, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about an hour, but traffic and weather can stretch that a bit.
- Look up local events: Festivals, farmers markets, and parades can turn a simple outing into a full-day adventure.
- Pack a small bag: Toss in water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a phone charger.
- Bring cash: Some older diners and small-town shops still prefer cash or have card minimums.
You don’t need a big budget or tons of vacation time to explore. Even a free afternoon can feel like a mini-vacation if you point your car toward somewhere new.
Where Will You Go First?
From riverfront towns in
Belmont County, Ohio to quiet streets in
Brooke County, West Virginia and rolling hills in
Washington County, Pennsylvania, there are plenty of
things to do near Wheeling that don’t require crossing multiple states or spending a fortune.
Which of these 10 short road trips are you most excited to try? Have you already visited any of these spots and found a favorite diner, scenic overlook, or walking route?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know your best tips. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy day trip ideas from Wheeling, WV.
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