Asheville unfolds in layers. A downtown built for wandering, a creative scene that plays out across studios, stages, kitchens, and workshops, and mountains that feel close enough to touch.

It is a place where creativity is lived, not curated. Meals come from chefs who know their farmers by name, art is made in former factories and riverfront studios, and the outdoors feels less like an activity and more like a constant presence.

Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, these 50 ideas offer a starting point for discovering Asheville the way locals know it: through food, art, music, nature, and the kind of moments that don’t always make an itinerary but stay with you long after you leave.

What are the top things to do in Asheville?

Visit Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville

1. You feel it the moment you stroll through Asheville’s vibrant city center – it’s a creative mountain vibe that speaks to people near and far. Lining the streets of this walkable, vibrant city center you'll find an eclectic mix of independent shops, craft breweries, and some of the best dining options in the southeast. The neighborhood invites imagination and exploration, and the list of experiences to enjoy here is extensive and ever-evolving.

2. Take in Asheville's freshest talent with the many lively street performances from talented buskers. The energizing sounds draw from places near and far, with instruments ranging from the ethereal Australian didgeridoo to found objects like washboards dripping with Americana. Reliable spots to catch a performance are around the Grove Arcade and near Pack Square.

3. Go shopping for cool indie wares, wearable art, local designs, and vintage styles at one of many chic boutiques and eclectic markets.

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours

4. Hop on a tour and learn how this hip mountain town came to be. Jump aboard LaZoom, the big purple bus, for an irreverent look into Asheville’s colorful history, or cruise through town on the hop-on-hop-off Gray Line trolley tours guided by local storytellers. If you fancy an amble, learn more about the city’s unique past on a self-guided walking tour along the Urban Trail, the Black Cultural Heritage Trail, the Asheville Architecture Trail, or the South Slope Mural Trail.

5. Peruse Asheville's legendary independent bookstores like Malaprop's, or enjoy your books with a side of bubbly at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.

6. Find that perfect piece of art or handmade craft available for sale at downtown art galleries, craft fairs, or the open-air market at Grove Arcade.

7. Climb to the top of Asheville's tallest buildings and enjoy the view from above at one of the many rooftop hangouts. See our guide to Asheville's best rooftop bars for the full list.

The Flat Iron Rooftop

8. Hear some drumming in the distance? Follow the rhythm to the downtown drum circle, a long-standing Friday night tradition.

9. Explore Asheville's darker side with a nighttime Haunted Asheville tour, or solve the clues to break out of an escape room at Breakout Asheville, Fox-n-Otter, or A-Escape.

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate

10. America's largest home and a living legacy of the opulent gilded age, the Biltmore sits on 8,000 acres just south of downtown Asheville. Tour George W. Vanderbilt’s 250-room château, or better yet, upgrade to a special behind-the-scenes or rooftop tour for a unique perspective. You'll also want to allow time to explore the century-old gardens, sample the offerings at Biltmore Winery, enjoy shopping and family activities at Antler Hill Village, and take advantage of some of the outdoor offerings, from horseback riding and falconry to biking and hiking.

11. Visit Biltmore Village, located outside the entrance of Biltmore Estate. Designed by Richard Sharp Smith to look like a small English Village, this former neighborhood for estate workers is one of the earliest examples of a planned mixed-used community. Wander the shaded cobblestone paths to explore the myriad shops, fine craft galleries, and eateries.

Experience the Great Outdoors

12. The great outdoors are calling. The breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains has lured travelers to the region for over a century, and no trip to Asheville would be complete without exploring some of America’s most cherished national forests, like Pisgah and Nantahala.

Thunderstruck Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

13. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as “America’s favorite scenic drive,” this 469-mile road passes right through Asheville and serves as your gateway to outdoor adventure.

14. Lace up your hiking shoes and explore timeworn trails dotting the mountain landscape. Trails range anywhere from easy-as-pie to whoa Nellie! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length, and difficulty level.

Craggy Pinnacle

15. Bike the Blue Ridge! Whether you bike the road or stick to the trails, there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself with a bike ride in the mountains.

16. Asheville is home to hundreds of native and migratory species of birds. Grab your binoculars and practice your birding skills. Bonus points if you spot a peregrine falcon; this threatened species likes to mate and nest in cliffs and rock faces in these mountains.

17. Discover Asheville's wild side. From foraging bears to herds of elk to remarkable species of fireflies, native wildlife abounds in the Blue Ridge. It's also easy to discover at the WNC Nature Center, which exhibits over 60 species native to Southern Appalachia.

18. Go waterfall hunting. There are hundreds of beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the region, and many are easy to access within a short walk from the car. Dip your toes into the cool waters at the base, or on a hot day, go for a swim. Just mind the slippery rocks, and never wade into the water from the top.

Silver Run Falls

19. Stand atop the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Mt. Mitchell is king of the Blue Ridge, standing 6,684 feet in elevation.

20. Discover the roots of the Southern Appalachian craft movement through exhibits and regular live craft demos at the Folk Art Center. You can also shop the crème de la crème of regional crafts handmade by artists of the venerable Southern Highland Craft Guild.

21. Visit a state park. Go deep into the heart of Western North Carolina, where you’ll find numerous state parks to explore, such DuPont and Gorges.

22. Catch native mountain trout or smallmouth bass by taking embarking on a guided fly-fishing expedition. Already a pro? Local outfitters are a great resource to find the secret spots teeming with fish.

Get Hooked on Guided Fishing Expeditions Asheville NC

North Mills River Recreation Area

23. Practice your best Tarzan yell as you zipline hundreds of feet above the forest canopy.

24. Make a splash! Get ready for an exhilarating rafting adventure down the area’s best whitewater rapids, or slide down an all-natural 60-foot waterslide to experience a pure and simple kind of refreshment.

25. If you want to keep your outdoor adventures closer to Asheville, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), tubing, or boating down the French Broad River.

Surprising Outdoor Adventures in Asheville, N.C.

French Broad River

26. Explore the nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Asheville Botanical Garden, both home to numerous indigenous species of mountain flora.

27. Go golfing at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country.

Taste Foodtopia

28. Asheville’s buzz-worthy food scene has cooked up a bountiful spread of amazing places to eat, and the momentum is only building. Our food culture serves as a magnet for innovative chefs and artisans, most of whom source their ingredients from the hundreds of farms surrounding the city. With so many options, one of the hardest decisions you’ll make here is where to dine.

Chai Pani

29. Get a little taste of everything by signing up for a food tour. You’ll be able to sample cuisine from numerous restaurants in an afternoon.

30. Go foraging in a place that has elevated the lost art of gathering food from wild places. Asheville is home to the first planned forest garden in the country (George Washing Carver Edible Park founded in 1997) and one of the largest foraging tour companies in the nation. Learn how to forage by taking a guided foraging expedition in the mountains.

31. Visit local farms to buy the freshest meats, veggies, and cheeses available in the mountains. This is a perfect way to take a little bit of Foodtopia back home with you.

32. Nosh on award-winning cheeses by visiting the multiple creameries along the WNC Cheese Trail.

33. Stock up on fresh local ingredients by shopping at one of the many farmers markets around town, or simply stop in for a bite to eat from one of the many vendors.

Where to Find Farmers Markets and Local Harvest in Asheville, NC

Asheville City Market

34. Sip the mountain’s finest nectar while visiting urban and rural wineries, or go for a free tasting at Biltmore Winery, the most visited winery in America.

Experience Mountain Culture

35. Asheville’s mountain culture has influenced some of the world’s greatest artists, writers, musicians and architects. They left an enduring mark on this region and many of their legacies are still present as you walk through town. Get a closer look into Asheville's rich heritage, and tap into the bohemian spirit that still influences Asheville today.

The Orange Peel

36. Catch a top-notch show at one of Asheville's theater companies, including Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts some of the best in local and national productions, NC Stage, and Asheville Community Theatre. In the warmer months, take in a free outdoor Shakespeare performance by the Montford Park Players.

37. Take a guided history tour with Asheville by Foot to learn more about Asheville’s incredible array of Art Deco buildings, including the Basilica of St. Lawrence, which boasts the largest free-standing dome in North America.

38. Visit the childhood home of literary legend Thomas Wolfe, which he immortalized in his autobiographical novel, Look Homeward Angel.

Visit the River Arts District

39. Immerse yourself in the colorful, creative River Arts District (aka the RAD). Along the riverbank of the French Broad, spend an afternoon strolling through former industrial warehouses filled with hundreds of working artist studios. Watch a live demo, peruse numerous galleries to find that perfectly handcrafted piece of art for your collection, or get hands-on with one of the many interactive programs available. You'll also find this neighborhood is home to some of Asheville's most popular restaurants and breweries, perfect for a pit stop in between galleries.

The River Arts District

40. Asheville is home to some classic, and in some cases, quirky museums. Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum, find vintage games at the Pinball Museum (yes, you can play!), or for a real throwback, visit the Antique Car Museum.

Listen to Live Music

41. Hailed as one of America’s “Greatest Music Cities,” Asheville’s live music scene acts as the heartbeat of the city. Intimate music halls, unassuming neighborhood bars, and even the streets of downtown play host to some of the best in local and national touring musicians. You’ll find the sound is steeped in old-time mountain music, but it’s the full spectrum of innovative musicians who truly define Asheville’s sound.

Top 2024 Summer Festivals & Events in Asheville

Downtown Asheville

42. Immerse yourself in one of Asheville's many music festivals taking place throughout the year. Downtown After 5, AVLFest, and LEAF Festival are among the most popular. You can also tap your toes for free Shindig on the Green, or make plans to attend the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the nation’s longest-running festival of its kind, usually held around the first of August.

43. Get up close and personal with your favorite artist at one of Asheville's many iconic music venues. The Orange Peel, a venue hailed as one of the best in the nation by Rolling Stone Magazine, and The Grey Eagle are among the many great places to see live music.

Downtown Asheville

44. Check out the Moogseum. Bob Moog was a pioneer of electronic music and a resident of Asheville. Learn about his legacy and try your hand at some of his synthesizers at the Moogseum in downtown.

45. Catch the classics as performed by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Each season, they perform a blend of timeless compositions and more contemporary arrangements.

Visit the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa

The Omni Grove Park Inn

46. Built for the ages, the iconic Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has adorned Sunset Mountain for over a century, and offers an amazing view of the western mountains. Built with giant boulders collected from the surrounding mountainside, this glorious lodge has welcomed 10 U.S. Presidents, is home to the nation's largest collection of arts and crafts furniture, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Watch the sunset while dining al fresco, take in a round of golf on the Donald Ross-designed course, or unwind in the 18,000-square-foot subterranean spa.

47. Let the stress of the day-to-day melt away in the hot tubs of Shoji spa, experience hot/cold therapy at Sauna House, feel the healing properties of a salt cave, or get pampered at one of the many day spas located throughout town.

The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn

Experience the Asheville Beer Scene

48. Asheville’s beer scene is celebrated by craft brew enthusiasts around the world. The secret ingredient is the mountain-filtered water, making for some of the most sought-after ales, stouts, and sour beers in the southeast. With some 50 area breweries pouring over 100 local craft beers on any given day, you’ll have plenty of options to try.

New Belgium Brewery / Photo: Tim Robison

New Belgium Brewing

49. Explore the beer scene by foot or on wheels. Many breweries are within walking distance from each other around downtown, but multiple brewery tour operators offer a safe way to explore further afield. Plus they can get you a behind-the-scenes peek at the operations. You can also pedal for beer on a people-fueled pubcycle. Before you head home stock up on local flavors at our specialty beers shops.

50. Want more ideas? Stop by the Asheville Visitor Center when you get to town, and the knowledgeable staff can provide further recommendations. The Visitor Center Shop is also a place to stock up on locally made goods and gifts.

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