Win a Breathtaking Bryson City Giveaway
There are so many fun things to do in Asheville and Western North Carolina. The hard part is figuring out how to fit it all into one day! Our website showcases a 90-mile radius around Asheville, covering 16 counties. We include something for everyone, year-round.
Asheville's vibrant downtown buzzes with award-winning restaurants, music venues, performing arts, art galleries featuring local artists, museums, and boutiques. Beyond the city, you'll discover national treasures, mountain towns with their own character, and guided tours you won't find elsewhere. National forests and parks offer hiking trails, waterfalls, spectacular mountain views, climbing, and thrilling adventures at every turn.
Start making your wish list with help from our extensive guide—just click the links below for even more ideas and Asheville attractions.
Asheville & WNC: Top Things to Do & Places to Go
Adventure Center of Asheville, Outdoor Family Fun!
Family adventures for ages 4 and over: Climb our Treetops Adventure Park with over 70 challenge elements with 7 different aerial trails, zip our Kid Zip park (ages 4-10), or Asheville Zipline… More Information
The North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special…
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures…
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips on the French Broad River just outside of Asheville, or just a short drive is 500-acres of family-friendly adventure near Bryson City… More Information
Navitat Canopy Adventures
Celebrating its 15th year in Asheville, Navitat Canopy Adventures offers world-class zipline tours and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fly high on the Mountaintop Tour, featuring… More Information
Shoji Hot Tub Retreat & Spa
Soak away your stress in a private hot tub under a canopy of trees, dip into an invigorating cold plunge, and relax in the cedar sauna. After your soak, get a customized massage and a variety of…
Asheville Salt Cave & Spa
Experience a unique oasis in Asheville, a salt-enriched microclimate that allows the body and mind to gain relaxation and balance. The power of salt therapy has been known for centuries. Plus, get… More Information
Highland Brewing Co.
(12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville) Visit the pioneers of craft beer in Asheville, brewing since 1994. Stop by their big Tasting Room to sample 15 brews every day of the week, along with live…
Tryon Foothills Wine Country
Visit five wineries in the prime isothermal wine growing area in the beautiful foothills near Columbus and Tryon: Parker-Binns Vineyard, Overmountain Vineyards, Russian Chapel Hills Winery,…
Top Spas In and Around Asheville
Relax and rejuvenate as you get pampered at a spa. From natural hot springs to world-class destination spas, there are plenty of choices. We have been a destination for wellness for centuries.…
Polk County Outdoors
Experience the mountains in any season at the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Explore gorges, hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic sites surrounded by beautiful vistas. There are… More Information
Biltmore Winery
Sample wines in the Tasting Room, included in admission to Biltmore Estate. Enjoy specialty tastings and a variety of tours. Shop for all the Biltmore wines and plenty of gift items. Located in…
French Broad Adventures
Asheville’s closest adventure experience offers whitewater rafting, ziplines, and canyoneering expeditions just 30 minutes from Downtown Asheville. Experience a fun-filled rafting adventure… More Information
Sierra Nevada Brewery
(100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River) See their impressive east coast brewery in south Asheville - complete with a taproom, big restaurant, free tours, events, and live music.
Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…
American Museum of the House Cat
See a fascinating collection of 10,000+ cat-related curiosities, including many rare and fascinating antiques, collected by "CatMan2" for the past 20 years. One of the few museums in the country…
Grovewood Village
Discover a hidden gem rich with art and history adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. This site is home to Grovewood Gallery, an outdoor sculpture garden, and two museums. 111 Grovewood Rd. Free on…
Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Play a huge variety of games and 3,800+ slots, along with live action tables for Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and more. Find a big variety of great restaurants, hotel, spa, shopping and more.…
Morganton & Burke County
Stroll through downtown shops and galleries, visit craft breweries, and enjoy great restaurants. Take the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. It's also home to the Waldensian Heritage Museum and movie… More Information
Beech Mountain
This is the coolest town on our list for temperature (highest town in the eastern USA at 5,506 feet elevation). While it's very popular for skiing and snowboarding each winter, they have an…
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Come and enjoy the atmosphere and bounty of the mountains. The retail area features displays of high-quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and…
Linville Caverns
North Carolina's only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations, and an underground stream. Guided tours.
Madison County
Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch or Lover's Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp and explore the unspoiled mountains… More Information
Banner Elk
This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation is located between the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski areas, near Grandfather Mountain hiking, and has great restaurants, breweries, and…
Find Foodie Favorites
Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene. Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. In downtown, walk to 60+ locally-owned innovative…
Top 8 Zip Line Canopy Tours
Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area of the North Carolina Blue…
Hands-On Learning & Children's Museums
Find children's museums and other hands-on learning centers in Asheville and Western NC including STEM-focused, interactive play, science museums, aquariums, and more.
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50
Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas. You can reach elevations of 5,000+ ft. Our mile-by-mile guide of the…
Wineries Near Asheville
Find many fun, friendly wineries for sampling local wines, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery at their vineyards. Many are located near each other - perfect for visiting several in a day…
Downtown Asheville
Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs. Visit Pack Square Park, dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or…
Shopping Guide
Shop 'til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area. Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won't find anywhere else. See the best areas…
Lake Santeetlah
This gorgeous lake in Graham County is mostly surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville.
Cradle of Forestry
Travel back in time with historic cabins, crafters, old logging equipment, guided tours, movies, food and shopping. Home of the first forestry school (opened in 1898) in America. In Pisgah…
River Tubing
Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge - with rentals and…
LaZoom Tours
Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current…
Asheville Art Museum
Explore an outstanding collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history at the Asheville Art Museum. Groups… More Information
Top 75+ Outdoors - Asheville & NC Mountains
Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land. Get outside in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains with our 70…
Asheville Art Classes & Lessons
Take an afternoon- or week-long painting or pottery class/workshop in Asheville at studios in and around Asheville. Group or private lessons are designed for beginners and experienced. Take…
Best 40 Museums & Historic Sites
Explore a big variety of very interesting museums and historic places in Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns, filled with the fascinating history and culture of the Appalachian…
Live Music & Dancing, Downtown Asheville
Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week.
Fly Fishing
Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women.
Jackson County Top 30
So many things to do—art, train excursions, heritage sites, and more! Includes the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville, and Sapphire.
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
Best 75 Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and…
River Arts District
Some 185 working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it…
Gem Mining Top Spots
Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the mountains of North Carolina for many years. Most gem mines in the Asheville and Franklin areas are open from spring through autumn. Also…
DuPont State Forest
Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride a multitude of trails to see many waterfalls and lakes on 10,000 acres. Plus, picnic on mountaintops and swim at Hooker Falls. Visitor center, free…
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can…
Wine & Cocktail Bars
Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails.
18 Scenic Drives
See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way.…
Asheville Outlets
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I-26, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly,…
Sliding Rock & Swimming Holes
Be a kid again and splash around in a cool mountain swimming hole. Ride down Sliding Rock, swim under a waterfall, sun on a mountain beach or pristine lake, or spend a lazy day tubing down a…
Waterfalls Top 60
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full…
Performing Arts
Enjoy many choices for great theatre, plays, music, dance, and more in Asheville and nearby areas.
Pet-Friendly Guide
Traveling with your dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains that includes lodging, hiking, Biltmore, kennels, dog parks and more.
Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery, and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are…
Top Beer & Local Craft Brews
Taste your way through Beer City USA at craft breweries and pubs in and near Asheville. Many are located downtown, so you can create your own walking tour. See our top spots for local brews.
Bryson City, Smoky Mountains
Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river. Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies …
Weekend Getaways: Discover Top 40 Coolest Mountain Small Towns Near Asheville
There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina. Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its…
NC Stage Company
Enjoy professional theatre in the heart of downtown Asheville with world-class productions in a very intimate setting (only 127 seats!). They also host concerts and other events, so something is… More Information
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC
Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the…
Mount Mitchell
Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be…
Top Guided Tours & Experiences
Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our list of favorites.
More Things to Do in Asheville and WNC
Asheville Festivals & Events
Asheville celebrates year-round with festivals nearly every weekend—from art and craft shows to music and food events. Most are free! Check our calendar of events for seasonal highlights throughout the year.
Essential Asheville Experiences
Grove Arcade: Step inside the Grove Arcade, a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Asheville filled with specialty shops, local restaurants, and artisan vendors. This architectural landmark hosts an outdoor craft market where you can browse work by regional artists.
Montford Historic District: Explore the Montford Historic District, located just north of downtown, where turn-of-the-century architecture tells the story of early Asheville. Take a walking or driving tour through tree-lined streets showcasing Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Arts and Crafts homes from the early 1900s.
Asheville Pinball Museum: Play to win at the Asheville Pinball Museum, a downtown treasure featuring over 80 pinball machines and classic arcade games. Pay one admission price and play all day on vintage and modern games spanning decades of gaming history.
Botanical Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens of Asheville, located just two miles from downtown at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. The gardens showcase around 600 native plant species from the Southern Appalachian Mountains along a peaceful half-mile trail. Admission is free.
Folk Art Center: Shop the wonderful Southern Highland Craft Guild store at the Folk Art Center just north of Asheville. Find a variety of creations from hundreds of artists, browse rotating exhibitions in several galleries, and watch an artist at work.
The Orange Peel: Catch a live concert at The Orange Peel, Asheville's premier music venue, bringing nationally touring acts to an intimate 1,100-capacity space. The legendary springy dance floor and excellent acoustics have made this downtown club a favorite stop for musicians and music lovers alike.
West Asheville: Discover West Asheville's funky, bohemian character along Haywood Road just across the French Broad River from downtown. This neighborhood buzzes with independent restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, vintage clothing boutiques, and record shops.
Craggy Gardens: Drive to mile-high Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning mountain views and summer rhododendron blooms. The scenic trails here offer crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas without requiring a strenuous hike.
Black Mountain: Venture to the charming small town of Black Mountain, just 15 minutes east of Asheville. The town's artistic community, mountain backdrop, and slower pace make it a perfect day trip. The walkable downtown features more than 40 shops, 30 restaurants, and multiple craft breweries.
