10 Easy Road Trips From Martinsburg, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Berkeley County
Looking for
fun, easy day trips from Martinsburg, West Virginia without driving all day? You’re in luck. Within about an hour or less, you can hit charming small towns, riverside hangouts, mountain views, historic battlefields, and quirky eats in the
surrounding counties of:
And yes, we’re talking about
out-of-county road trips only—so nothing in Berkeley County itself.
Whether you’re planning a Saturday adventure, hosting out-of-town guests, or just bored on a Sunday afternoon, these short trips will give you plenty of
things to do near Martinsburg without a big budget or a long drive.
1. Harpers Ferry, WV – History, Hiking, and River Views
County: Jefferson County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 30–35 minutes
If you only do one road trip from Martinsburg, make it
Harpers Ferry
Cute historic streets with old brick buildings and small shops
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with museums and Civil War history
Scenic overlooks like the famous view from Maryland Heights
Plenty of hiking, tubing, and rafting on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers
If you enjoy walking, park once and spend the day exploring on foot. Try grabbing a coffee, walking through the lower town, then crossing the footbridge over the river. The
rush of the water and the
view of the cliffs make it feel like you’re far from home, even though you’re not.
2. Shepherdstown, WV – Artsy College Town on the Potomac
County: Jefferson County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 25–30 minutes
Shepherdstown is one of those places that feels a little bit bohemian and a little bit historic at the same time.
Here’s what makes it a great half-day or full-day trip:
- Walkable downtown with bookstores, cafés, and local shops
- Good food – from casual diners to more upscale spots
- A nice riverfront area near the Potomac for a quiet stroll
- Occasional festivals, markets, and live music thanks to Shepherd University
If you like people-watching, grab an outdoor table, order lunch, and just soak in the small-town college vibe. It’s a relaxed road trip from Martinsburg that doesn’t require a lot of planning.
3. Berkeley Springs, WV – Spa Town With Hot Mineral Springs
County: Morgan County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 35–40 minutes
Ready to slow down a little? Head to
Berkeley Springs, one of the country’s oldest spa towns.
What you can do there:
- Soak in the historic mineral baths at Berkeley Springs State Park
- Get a massage or spa treatment at one of the local spas
- Browse art galleries and antique shops downtown
- Drive or hike up to Prospect Peak for a sweeping view of the valley
On a chilly day, that warm mineral water hits the spot. It’s an easy, laid-back trip from Martinsburg if you want to feel like you’re on vacation without paying for a big resort.
4. Cacapon Resort State Park – Hiking, Lake, and Mountain Views
County: Morgan County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 45–55 minutes
If you’re craving fresh air and trees, head a bit past Berkeley Springs to
Cacapon Resort State Park.
You’ll find:
- Hiking trails for all levels, from short walks to longer climbs
- A lake with a sandy beach area that’s great in summer
- Picnic spots perfect for a grill-out
- An overlook at Cacapon Mountain with wide open views
Bring a cooler, pack some snacks, and make a simple day of it. For a lot of people from Martinsburg, this becomes their go-to spot for a quick nature escape.
5. Antietam National Battlefield – A Quiet, Powerful Place
County: Washington County, MD
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 30–40 minutes
Just across the border in Maryland,
Antietam National Battlefield is one of the most important Civil War sites in the country.
What to expect:
- A driving tour with marked stops at key locations
- Open fields, stone bridges, and historic farm buildings
- A visitor center with exhibits and a short film
- A very quiet, reflective atmosphere
Even if you’re not a history buff, walking the same ground where such a major event happened is moving. It’s also a good spot to teach kids a bit of history in a real, hands-on way instead of just a textbook.
6. Downtown Hagerstown, MD – Arts, Food, and City Park
County: Washington County, MD
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 25–30 minutes
Hagerstown offers more of a small-city feel compared to the little towns nearer to Martinsburg.
You can easily build a full day around:
- The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in lovely City Park
- City Park’s ponds, ducks, and walking paths
- Shops and restaurants in downtown Hagerstown
- Seasonal events like festivals, concerts, and markets
If your idea of a fun road trip includes a good meal, a bit of culture, and a pretty park, Hagerstown checks all of those boxes without being too far from home.
7. Winchester, VA – Old Town Charm and Apple Country
County: Frederick County, VA
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 35–45 minutes
Winchester is a classic
Shenandoah Valley city with a lively historic district and deep roots in apple farming.
Don’t miss:
- Old Town Winchester – a pedestrian-friendly area with shops and restaurants
- Plenty of local breweries, coffee shops, and dessert spots
- The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley with gardens and exhibits
- Seasonal fun like the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
If you like strolling and browsing, this is a great day trip from Martinsburg. It’s also a good “date day” idea: brunch, a walk, and maybe a drink at a local spot before heading home.
8. Berryville, VA – Small-Town Main Street and Farm Visits
County: Clarke County, VA
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 40–50 minutes
Berryville is the kind of traditional small town that feels straight out of a postcard.
Here’s what makes it worth the drive:
- A cozy Main Street with local shops and cafés
- Farmer’s markets and farm stands in season
- Nearby wineries and countryside drives
- Old buildings and churches that give it a classic feel
If you’re in the mood for a slow-paced Saturday—coffee, a walk, a bit of window shopping—Berryville is an easy win. Pair it with Winchester for a fuller day if you have the time.
9. Charles Town, WV – Racing, Casinos, and Historic Streets
County: Jefferson County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 25–30 minutes
Want a little more excitement? Head to
Charles Town, home of
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
You can:
- Catch live horse racing on select days
- Try your luck at the casino (if that’s your thing)
- Walk around the historic downtown area
- Grab dinner at one of the local restaurants
Even if you’re not into gambling, watching the horses run under the lights can be a fun evening outing. Just set a clear budget beforehand and treat it like paid entertainment, not an investment.
10. Potomac River Scenic Stops – Bridges, Parks, and Photo Ops
Counties: Washington County, MD & Jefferson County, WV
Approx. drive from Martinsburg: 20–40 minutes, depending on where you go
Sometimes, you don’t need a specific town—just a pretty place by the water.
Along the Potomac River near Martinsburg, you’ll find several
small parks, boat ramps, and overlooks in Maryland and West Virginia. A few ideas (check maps before you go):
- Shepherdstown boat ramp area – peaceful river access
- Various C&O Canal towpath access points in Washington County, MD
- Scenic pull-offs near Harpers Ferry and upstream
Pack a simple picnic, maybe a couple of folding chairs, and just park yourself by the river for the afternoon. It’s a low-cost, low-stress way to hit “reset” without going far.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From Martinsburg
To make these short drives even smoother:
- Leave with a rough plan, but stay flexible. Sometimes the best part is the unexpected coffee shop you find along the way.
- Check hours for museums, parks, and restaurants before you go, especially in winter or on holidays.
- Keep a “go bag” in the car with water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a blanket for impromptu picnics.
- Use back roads when you can. The country scenery around Martinsburg is half the fun.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Martinsburg?
There are so many
things to do near Martinsburg, WV once you step just outside Berkeley County—river towns, mountain parks, historic sites, and cozy main streets in
Jefferson, Morgan, Washington (MD), Clarke (VA), and Frederick (VA) counties.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Which of these spots is your favorite?
- Did I miss a hidden gem you always recommend to friends?
- What’s your go-to day trip when you need a quick escape?
Drop a comment with your favorite out-of-county road trip from Martinsburg or share your own tips for exploring the area.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy day trips from Martinsburg, WV. The more we share our local favorites, the more everyone gets to enjoy this beautiful corner of the Mid-Atlantic.
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