Overview
White Sulphur Springs is a small town in West Virginia and is perhaps the only place where you can sleep at one of Americas nicest hotels, tour a secret government controlled underground bunker under it, and walk in the footsteps of former American presidents all as part of one experience.
Located right next to Lewisburg, WSS is the home of the Greenbrier hotel which is one of the most acclaimed hotels in the USA. Many presidents have stayed in this hotel, 28 to be exact, and one (named Dwight D. Eisenhower) got the idea to build a bunker under the building.
13 sights · 64 things to do · 19 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier
The main draw of White Sulphur Springs and likely the only reason you're visiting. Non-registered guests are welcome to visit and explore the hotel and its ground if they have advance reservations for dinner or golf tee …
White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery
Produces 10 million rainbow trout eggs annually and restores wild freshwater mussels to the Ohio River. Visitor center with display pool, aquariums and exhibits. Guided and self-guided tours available.
Greenbrier State Forest
Over 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain for hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, archery, horseshoes, volleyball, muzzleloading rifle range, hunting and fishing. Nearby Kate's Mountain is 3,280 feet hi…
Lake Sherwood
164-acre lake for hiking, biking, boating, swimming, fishing and camping.
Oakhurst Links
The first golf course in the USA, established in 1884. 9 holes, par 37. Games are played today in the same way as when the course was first opened; with replica 19th-century, long-nose, hickory-shafted clubs made in St A…
Bunker Tours
Take a 90 minute guided tour through a secret military bunker located under the Greenbrier hotel.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Snowshoe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LWB Greenbrier Valley Airport, Lewisburg — 7 mi away. Directions
- ROA Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport, Roanoke — 37 mi away. Directions
- GSO Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro — 119 mi away (major hub). Directions
The nearest airport is Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) just west in Lewisburg. It offers commercual flights to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $180–$599 a night (typical $599), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$220, mid-range ~$670, comfortable ~$760.
Options are grouped as Bed and Breakfasts, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, Lake Sherwood
- Lunch 42 Below
- Afternoon Guided Hike, Presidents’ Cottage Museum
- Dinner Café Carleton
- Evening JJ’s Sports Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Greenbrier State Forest, Bunker Tours, Interior History Walking Tour
- Lunch Draper’s Café
- Afternoon The Greenbrier Story: A Historical Presentation, Abs Blast Fitness Class
- Dinner Greenbrier Royale
- Evening Lobby Bar
Day 3
- Morning The house made of coal, Exterior History Walking Tour, Lamp Light Glass Art Glass Blowing Observation
- Lunch In-Fusion
- Afternoon Blue Bend Recreational Area, Adventure Zone
- Dinner In-Room Dining
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Beginning in 1778 White Sulphur Springs was primarily visited for its water springs. The town quickly became a tourist destination for the alleged magical powers these springs had. A resort was built onto the site. It went through many improvements and name changes but the resort known as the Greenbrier was not established until 1913.
The current Greenbrier was built by the railroad company who operated a station across the street (that still exists). The current interior of the hotel was designed by Dorothy Draper in the late 1940s. She was responsible for restoring the hotel to its former glory after it was converted into a hospital for the US army during the second World War.
During the late 1950s President Eisenhower asked the Greenbrier to assist in the creation of a secret bunker to protect congress. The bunker was constructed as a shelter from nuclear fallout. It was stocked with supplies until its decommissioning in 1992.
Read
Many books have been written about the Greenbrier. It is a popular setting for various novels. Many ghost stories have been written about the hotel due to its paranormal activity.
Watch
In 2022 Fox Nation produced a holiday romance film titled "Christmas at the Greenbrier".
Get in
By car
- Two main roads run parallel to each other through White Sulphur Springs: US-60 — which runs from Charleston to Richmond, Virginia in the east — and I-64 — which runs from Beckley through Charlottesville, Virginia to Richmond, Virginia.
By train
- Route stopping in White Sulphur Springs:
- Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.
By plane
The nearest airport is Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) just west in Lewisburg. It offers commercual flights to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Get around
By Car
All locations in the town center are located along or near US-60 or WV-92.
- Mountain Transit Authority, 1096 Broad Street in Summersville, +1 304-872-5872 or +1-877-712-9432. Daily bus service is available through the MTA with 2 stops in WSS with buses arriving approximately every hour.
See and do
The main reason people visit White Sulphur Springs is for:
Do Greenbrier High Intensity Interval Training Class
Participate in a 60 minute professional workout.
Do Pickleball
Do Shuffleboard
Do Spa
Do Casino
If you're not staying at the Greenbrier or want to escape it one afternoon there are also some other activities outside the resort.
See The house made of coal
Built in 1959 by Tip Myles using 30 tons of coal. In the past, it's served as a visitors' center, a lounge and a gift shop. There are three coal houses in West Virginia; one of the two others, a privately-owned ranch-style home, is only a few hundred feet away. (The third is in Williamson.)
See Blue Bend Recreational Area
More information available at the White Sulphur Ranger District, 410 E Main Street, +1 304-536-2144. Part of the Monongahela National Forest. Two campgrounds with 40 campsites, fishing, hiking, biking and picnicking.
Do Oakhurst Links
The first golf course in the USA, established in 1884. 9 holes, par 37. Games are played today in the same way as when the course was first opened; with replica 19th-century, long-nose, hickory-shafted clubs made in St Andrews, Scotland, and "guttie" balls hit from sand tees. Many guests choose not only to play 1884 style, but to dress 1884 style as well; knicker rentals are available for $15. In keeping with the traditional spirit, players walk the course rather than using carts, carry only four clubs (no bag), and must avoid the roaming flocks of sheep. Complimentary gingersnaps and lemonade are available after your game.
Buy
The Greenbrier
Shop American Artisan
Shop Babydog Boutique
Shop Bellissima
Shop Crepe Myrtle Bags & Beads
Shop Dorothy Draper Home
Shop Fizzy’s Land of Oz
Shop Flying High
Shop Gibson’s Studio
Shop Gillespie’s Events & Florals
Shop Golf Pro Shop at The Golf Club
Shop Greenbrier Avenue Jewelry
Shop Greenbrier Avenue Ladies
Shop Greenbrier Avenue Men’s
Shop Greenbrier Online Store
Shop Jenuinely Jeni
Shop Kate’s Mountain Adventures
Shop Lamp Light Glass Art Studio
Shop My Sister’s Circus
Shop Outdoor Swim Shop
Shop Perfect Image
Shop Ralph Lauren
Shop Studio G Hair Salon
Shop Tennis Shop
Shop The Candy Maker
Shop The Doll House – Garden Shop
Shop The Greenbrier Gourmet Shoppe
Shop The Greenbrier Shoppe At Tamarack
Shop The Greenbrier Shoppe & Newsstand
Shop The Spa Boutique
Shop Virtu
Shop Yarid’s
Town Center
Eat
The Greenbrier
Eat The Greenbrier Gourmet & Coffee Bar
Town Center
Eat April's Pizzeria
Pizza, calzones, sandwiches, Italian dishes.
Eat Route 60 American Grill
Soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, burgers.
- Valley View Country Club, 2640 Big Draft Road, +1 304-536-1600. Open 8AM to 8PM March through October. Lunch, dinner and homemade specials.
Drink
The Greenbrier
Sleep
Bed and Breakfasts
Camping
- Gheny Nook Campground, 12322 Pocahontas Trail (near Neola), +1 304-536-9017. Over 200 campsites. Two fishing ponds, ATV trails, biking trails.
Go next
- Lewisburg is about 15 minutes west on I-64.
- Covington, Virginia is about 30 minutes east on I-64.
- Beckley is about 1 hour west on I-64.
- Roanoke, Virginia is about 1.5 hours southeast on I-64 / US-220.
- Charleston is about 2 hours northwest on I-64.
- Lynchburg, Virginia is about 2 hours southeast on I-64 / US-501.
- Charlottesville, Virginia is about 2 hours east on I-64.
- Richmond, Virginia is about 3 hours east on I-64.
Nearby
Lewisburg
City / town · 50 listings · 7 mi away
Hillsboro
City / town · 1 listings · 24 mi away
Marlinton
City / town · 6 listings · 32 mi away
Richwood
City / town · 12 listings · 32 mi away
Hinton
City / town · 10 listings · 33 mi away
Warm Springs
City / town · 4 listings · 35 mi away
Salem
City / town · 18 listings · 38 mi away
Blacksburg
City / town · 20 listings · 39 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.