10 Easy Road Trips From Point Pleasant, WV: Fun Things To Do Nearby
If you’re based in
Point Pleasant, West Virginia and craving a quick escape, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can reach small river towns, lively college cities, peaceful parks, and classic West Virginia scenery.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips to explore nearby things to do in:
- Gallia County, Ohio
- Meigs County, Ohio
- Cabell County, West Virginia
- Jackson County, West Virginia
- Putnam County, West Virginia
All of these spots are outside Mason County, but close enough for a relaxed day trip. So fill up your gas tank, grab a coffee, and let’s hit the road.
1. Stroll the Riverfront in Gallipolis, Ohio (Gallia County)
Just across the river and a short drive up U.S. 35,
Gallipolis feels like a small New England town dropped along the Ohio River.
Head to the
Gallipolis City Park and the riverfront area. Wide sidewalks, historic homes, and big shade trees make it perfect for a slow walk. On a sunny afternoon, you’ll see families tossing Frisbees, folks walking dogs, and teens taking photos along the river.
Don’t miss:
- Downtown shops – Browse antiques, local crafts, and small boutiques.
- River views – Bring a camp chair and watch the barges roll by.
- Seasonal events – Fairs, car shows, and holiday lights are common in the park.
If you like the small-town charm of Point Pleasant, you’ll feel right at home in Gallipolis.
2. Explore History at the French Art Colony (Gallia County, OH)
Still in Gallipolis, the
French Art Colony combines local history and the arts in a cozy, welcoming space. It’s set in a 19th-century home surrounded by tall trees and a quiet yard.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Art exhibits from regional artists
- Occasional music nights and festivals in the warm months
- Workshops for painting, crafts, or kids’ projects
If you enjoy creative spots but don’t want a stuffy museum feel, this place hits the sweet spot. It’s relaxed, friendly, and easy to enjoy even if you just pop in for a short visit.
3. Scenic Drives & River Views in Meigs County, Ohio
Head north along the
Ohio River Scenic Byway into
Meigs County for a classic backroads drive. This is the kind of trip where the drive itself is the main attraction.
Roll down the windows, turn on your favorite playlist, and follow the river. You’ll pass:
- Old farmhouses and barns
- River overlooks where you can pull off safely and take photos
- Small river towns with diners and local hangouts
Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, maybe some cookies—and stop at a roadside pull-off. It’s a low-cost, low-stress way to recharge.
4. Step Back in Time in Pomeroy, Ohio (Meigs County)
For a quirky small-town experience, point your car toward
Pomeroy, snug between the river and the hillside. The streets are narrow, the buildings are old, and the whole town has a “frozen in time” feeling— in a good way.
Things to do in Pomeroy:
- Walk along the riverfront and check out the murals and river views.
- Pop into local cafes or diners for a burger or slice of pie.
- Check for live music or small festivals on weekends in warmer months.
If you like snapping photos, bring your camera. The unique layout of Main Street and the bridge over the river make for some great shots.
5. Big-City Energy in a Small Package: Huntington, WV (Cabell County)
When you’re ready for more action, head down U.S. 35 and I-64 to
Huntington in Cabell County. It’s a comfortable drive from Point Pleasant and offers plenty to do in one day.
Around downtown and the campus area you’ll find:
- Marshall University – A classic college feel with green lawns and student energy.
- Local restaurants – Everything from pizza and burgers to nicer sit-down spots.
- Coffee shops and dessert spots – Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’ve been craving more variety in shopping and dining than a small town can offer, Huntington is your go-to quick trip.
6. Hands-On Fun at the Children’s Museum in Huntington (Cabell County)
Traveling with kids? Build a whole road trip around the
Children’s Museum in Huntington (check current name and location before you go, as some children’s museums and discovery centers in the area shift or rebrand).
Expect:
- Interactive exhibits where kids can touch, build, and explore.
- Plenty of space to play on a rainy or cold day.
- Educational fun that doesn’t feel like school.
It’s a nice change of pace from screen time. On my own visit with friends’ kids, we had to practically drag them out at closing time. Be sure to bring snacks and a change of clothes if your little ones tend to get messy.
7. Outdoor Time at Ritter Park, Huntington (Cabell County)
If you’d rather be outside, make a beeline for
Ritter Park, one of the prettiest green spaces in the Huntington area.
What you’ll find:
- Walking and jogging paths for an easy workout
- Open lawns for frisbee, reading, or just lying in the grass
- Beautiful flower beds in season, great for photos
It’s also a great stop if you’ve been driving for a while and just need to stretch your legs. Grab a coffee in town, then take a slow walk under the trees.
8. Quiet Country Vibes in Ripley, WV (Jackson County)
Head east toward
Ripley in Jackson County for a classic small-town West Virginia feel. Ripley is one of those places where people still wave from their front porches.
Around town, you can:
- Wander through the courthouse square and check out the historic buildings.
- Visit local shops for gifts, crafts, and antiques.
- Look up local festivals, especially around July 4th, when the town really comes alive.
If you like slow-paced trips where you can just wander, window-shop, and talk with locals, Ripley makes a relaxing day out from Point Pleasant.
9. Riverfront Relaxing in Ravenswood, WV (Jackson County)
Also in Jackson County,
Ravenswood sits right on the Ohio River, making it a good spot for mellow riverside time.
Here’s how to spend a few hours:
- Walk or sit along the riverfront and watch boats go by.
- Grab a simple meal at a local diner or pizza place.
- Drive some of the nearby country roads for rolling hill views.
This is the kind of easy road trip where you don’t need a strict plan. Just drive, stop where it looks interesting, and let the day unfold.
10. Shop & Dine in Teays Valley / Hurricane Area (Putnam County, WV)
When you’re in the mood for modern comforts—chain stores, big-box shopping, and plenty of restaurant choices—head to the
Teays Valley / Hurricane area in
Putnam County.
Along the I-64 corridor you’ll find:
- Shopping centers for clothes, home goods, and more
- Casual chain restaurants that are easy for groups or families
- Nearby parks and neighborhoods for a short walk after lunch
It’s not a “tourist attraction” in the usual sense, but sometimes a satisfying road trip is just a new place to run errands, try a different restaurant, and break your routine.
Tips for Planning Your Point Pleasant Day Trips
To make the most of these short road trips from Point Pleasant, WV:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within about 30–75 minutes, depending on your route.
- Watch the weather – Riverfront walks and scenic drives are better on clear days.
- Call ahead – For museums, events, or festivals, check hours and schedules online.
- Pack a small bag – Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger can save your day.
Think of these road trips as “mini-vacations” you can take anytime—no hotel booking, no big budget, just a tank of gas and an open afternoon.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Point Pleasant?
Now it’s your turn.
- Have you visited any of these places near Point Pleasant?
- Do you have a favorite cafe in Gallipolis or a secret picnic spot in Meigs County?
- Is there a Huntington restaurant or Jackson County event you’d recommend?
Share your own tips, stories, and must-see spots in the comments. Your ideas can help other travelers plan their next little adventure from Point Pleasant.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in or near Point Pleasant, WV. A simple share might inspire someone’s next weekend road trip.
Comments
Post a Comment