The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC

The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina, is a lively city in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its breathtaking scenery, charming shops and eateries, and local craft beers, Asheville offers something for every type of traveler. 

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a journey for your tastebuds, our comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Things to Do in Asheville, NC

From must-see tourist attractions to top-rated restaurants, we've shortlisted the top things to do in Asheville. Here are our top picks:

Explore Asheville's nature

1. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway 

Dubbed "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is a slow-paced, scenic drive through the Southern Appalachian mountains. 

Connecting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the parkway comprises 469 miles of breathtaking scenery. Expect stunning mountain ranges, plant and wildlife sightings, and plenty of stopping points for taking in the view and snapping some photos. 

This iconic Asheville experience isn't one to miss!

2. Hike or bike through forests and to waterfalls

The Blue Ridge Parkway also provides access to the region's best hiking trails and mountain biking opportunities. The Black Balsam Knob, Graveyard Fields, and Craggy Pinnacles are just a few favorites.

The Asheville area is home to numerous stunning waterfalls. Popular spots include Looking Glass Falls, Silver Run Falls, and Upper Whitewater Falls. These scenic wonders are perfect for day trips, with walking and biking trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes and rides.

3. Visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center is a 42-acre wildlife park home to over 60 species of animals and plants native to the South Appalachians. It's the ideal family day out and the perfect spot for wildlife lovers. 

Here, you can see hundreds of species, including black bears, sea otters, and red pandas, and learn the history of these unique animals.

The center hosts daily programs allowing visitors to get up close and personal with otters, turtles, and more. There are also plenty of play areas throughout the nature center for kids to enjoy during their visit.

Visit Asheville attractions

4. Explore Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate is Asheville's most famous attraction. George Vanderbilt built this 250-room mansion in the 1800s and features grand architecture, art exhibits, and stunning botanical gardens. 

Finish your trip by dropping into the estate's adjoining Antler Hill Village for fun activities for families, couples, and groups of friends. The village offers shopping, dining, an outdoor adventure center, a farmyard, and wine tasting, so there's something for everyone.

5. Visit the River Arts District

Home to over 270 working artists, Asheville's River Arts District (RAD) is a buzzing creative hub along the French Broad River.

Wander through the studios, watch artists at work, and perhaps take home a unique piece of art. The area also offers riverfront dining and drinking spots, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.

If you're visiting in May or November, be sure to catch the RAD Studio Stroll, when all the studios open their doors for live demonstrations like glass blowing, pottery making, and painting. 

Experience Asheville's food and drink scene

6. Enjoy craft beer at local Asheville breweries

Asheville has the most breweries per capita in the USA, so it's no wonder it's been named Beer City USA almost every year since 2009.

Take a beercation and visit local favorites like the Highland Brewing Company, Zillicoah Beer Co., and New Origin Brewing Company. Or, take a guided beer bike or bus tour for a creative way to sample craft beer from multiple microbreweries. 

When you're done brewery hopping, visit one of the best Restaurants in Asheville to soak up the beer. 

7. Drink and dine at Asheville rooftop bars

Enjoy views of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond it from Asheville's tallest buildings. 

Dine on Cuban cuisine and sip mojitos and rum drinks at Hemingway's Cuba, or visit Capella on 9 for craft cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates.

These rooftop spots offer great drinks, a vibrant atmosphere, and some of the best views in Asheville city center. 

8. Enjoy the city's culinary delights

Asheville's food scene includes much more than Southern classics and NC barbecue (although Buxton Chicken Palace and 12 Bones Smokehouse do these very well!) 

Visit Cúrate for award-winning Spanish tapas, Vinnie's for authentic Italian with a family feel, and Plant for an organic vegan feast. For pastries and bread, swing by OWL bakery, while French Broad Chocolate is a must for other sweet treats. 

Whatever your culinary preferences, Asheville's vast range of eateries is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For more recommendations, check out our guides to the top casual restaurants and best upscale restaurants in Asheville. 

Get involved in adventure activities in Asheville

9. Zipline through the mountains

Asheville is home to several top-rated ziplines and adventure experiences. Navitat Canopy Adventures offers stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views from a 350ft high and ¾ mile-long zipline. Meanwhile, the Adventure Center of Asheville provides family-friendly experiences suitable for kids of all ages. 

For the real thrill seekers, just 35 miles away from Asheville is the steepest and fastest zipline in the US: The Gorge. The Gorge features 11 ziplines and vertical drops of up to 1,100ft. This activity is not for the faint of heart!

10. Glide down the French Broad River

The French Broad River flows right through Asheville, providing plenty of watersporting opportunities. Try paddleboarding, tubing, kayaking, or boating down the river. 

French Broad Outfitters is a local water adventure leader, providing a range of tours, experiences, and rentals for the whole family. 

Check out Asheville's shopping and entertainment

11. Wander through Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville is a charming area for passing a lazy afternoon. Walk through its historic streets, pop into local boutiques, and explore art galleries. Head to Grove Arcade for unique artisan shops, sip a brew from Rowan Coffee, grab a bite to eat at S&W Food Hall, then finish the day with a tipple at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.  

If you're visiting on a Saturday, don't miss the Asheville City Market. This farmer's market event is perfect for purchasing local crafts and souvenirs and checking out fresh produce.

12. Experience Asheville live music at iconic venues

Asheville's music scene is as vibrant as its art studios. The Orange Peel is the heart of it, having hosted everyone from local acts to big-name artists like Bob Dylan and The Smashing Pumpkins. 

The Grey Eagle, Asheville Music Hall, and Salvage Station are among other local favorites. Be sure to check their calendars for concerts and events during your stay.

Where to stay in Asheville, NC

Asheville is a bucket list destination for many staycationers, and it's not difficult to understand why. From breathtaking natural beauty to hip cultural centers and fun adventures, this city has it all. 

Where could be better than one of our luxury vacation rentals in North Carolina to make base whilst you explore?

Wander Asheville Meadows

Wander Asheville Meadows was named the Most Beautiful Rental in North Carolina by Architectural Digest, which praised its ability to 'frame the mountains as art.' The property has also been featured in GQ, TimeOut, and CondeNast Traveler. 

This modern bungalow is surrounded by the serene pasturelands of North Carolina's tranquil Riceville Valley. Despite its middle-of-nowhere feel, the rental is just a 12-minute drive from Downtown Asheville, enabling visitors to soak up the city's stunning nature and vibrant culture.

The property features smart mattresses equipped with the latest automatic pressure relief, personalized firmness, and experiential relaxation technology. Other amenities include high-tech workstations, smart speakers, and an outdoor pool with views of the forest. 

Wander Black Mountain 

Wander Black Mountain is a Scandinavian-inspired cottage tucked high in the trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a scenic 30-minute drive from bustling Asheville. 

The unique, immersive design of this cabin-esque property gives guests a feeling of sleeping high up in the trees. Despite its secluded feel, the cottage is equipped with contemporary amenities, including a private hot tub, smart mattresses, a fire pit, and dedicated workspaces.

Perfect for a varied getaway, Wander Black Mountain lets you escape into the serenity of the treetops while keeping Asheville's vibrant culture and attractions within easy reach.