Asheville North Carolina is a unique city positioned in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s been long known for its important historical past and of course its proximity to the splendors of mother nature. And more recently Asheville has developed a serious vibrant art scene and beer culture.
So it’s no wonder that Asheville NC is the perfect place to visit, just about any time of year. If you’re planning to come for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll have an amazing time. But when you’re planning your itinerary, it’s important to know what there is to do and what you really shouldn’t miss out on. To help you out, this list has some of the best things to do in Asheville NC, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor fun.
1. Downtown Asheville
When you want to get acquainted with Asheville the first thing you should do is take a stroll downtown and soak in the artsy mountain town vibe. You’ll discover colorful murals all around downtown Asheville while you check out the unique shops, museums, restaurants, cocktail bars and beer joints.
Downtown Asheville is abuzz with activity all week but especially on the weekends you’re likely to find local musicians performing on street corners and a diverse crowd of onlookers.
Whether you’re traveling with family and kids, a romantic weekend getaway, or making a solo sojourn to Asheville you’ll want to check out the downtown scene for sure.
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The mural ‘Golden Threads’ by Doreyl Ammons Cain is located in downtown Asheville by Pack’s Tavern
2. Take a Tour of Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is so much more than just a visit to a historic mansion, making it one of the most popular things to do in Asheville.
Built between 1890 and 1895 for George Washington Vanderbilt the place is something to see, with over 250 rooms it’s the largest private home in the United States.
Beyond the house, there’s so much to do on the estate. There are restaurants, shops, hiking trails, special exhibitions and even a vineyard with wine tastings.
Public tours of the Biltmore Estate first began in 1930 and now you can choose from a variety of tour options including a Rooftop Tour, Wine Tasting Tours, and several self-guided tours.
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3. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
NOTE: October 26, 2024, Per National Park Service website alert: Ridge Parkway is partially closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Most of the road closures are in the North Carolina section. Check for road closures before traveling in the area.
One of the best activities to do in Asheville is to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This slow, scenic drive is a perfect way to soak in the beauty of mother nature. Along the way, there are tons of scenic lookouts, hikes, and quaint mountain towns.
No matter what time of year you come, the views are breathtaking. But it must be said that this awesome mountain range has some of the best fall foliage in the whole country.
So, if you can swing it, a visit in October is ideal but hey spring and summer are not too shabby either!
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If you can make it happen drive the Blue Ridge Parkway during fall foliage season in October
For more fun things to do around Asheville check out my list of the best day trips from Asheville too.
4. Pisgah National Forest
The beautiful Pisgah National Forest surrounds the city of Asheville.
This fabulous woodland offers so many opportunities for outdoor fun. You can hike along miles of trails, bike, fish, and even go swimming.
A venture to the top of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain on the east coast, is a must-do for hard core hikers looking for a strenuous hike.
For something more moderate check out Looking Glass Rock Trail, especially beautiful with fall colors.
Pisgah National Forest becomes a tapestry of colors in the fall
5. Asheville Pinball Museum
A visit to the Pinball Museum is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Asheville.
With 35 vintage pinball machines and 35 vintage video games, you don’t have to be a pinhead to have a blast.
Just pay the entrance fee and you can try out all of the games. This way you don’t have to worry about bringing all the quarters from your piggy bank.
6. North Carolina Arboretum
It’s a treat to stroll the 65 acres of manicured gardens or hike any of the 10 miles of trails at the North Carolina Arboretum.
There are tons of native plants to enjoy as well as one of the largest bonsai collections in the US.
Events throughout the year at the arboretum make it fun for everyone. At Arbor Evenings you can sip wine and enjoy live music as you stroll the gardens.
Winter Lights are a fun holiday celebration.
Be sure to view the extensive bonsai collection at North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville
7. River Arts District
The industrial neighborhood has been transformed into RAD, Asheville’s River Arts District.
Repurposed warehouses, factories, and buildings now house artist studios and galleries along the French Broad River.
A visit to RAD is one of the coolest things to do in Asheville where you can see artists at work, buy an authentic work of art, or enjoy dining out.
Some of the best restaurants in Asheville are in the mix in the River Arts District.
8. Woolworth Walk Art Gallery
Get to the heart of the Asheville art scene at the Woolworth Walk Art Gallery.
This space lets 160 local artists display and sell their work to visitors. So, when you buy a piece, you’re supporting the local artists of Asheville.
The original 1938 Woolworth building has been restored so when you enter, it’s like stepping back in time. You can even enjoy a bite to eat or an egg cream soda at the luncheonette.
Visit the old fashioned soda fountain at Woolworth Walk in downtown Asheville
9. WNC Farmers Market
The WNC Farmers Market offers so much more than just fruit and veggies. Instead, you’ll find everything from jams and syrup to woodcarvings and wine.
Truthfully, WNC Farmers Market is one of the best places to visit in Asheville, even just to stroll around and see what there is to see.
And since it’s open all year it’s one of the best things to do in Asheville for foodies year round.
10. Asheville Murals
In downtown Asheville spend some time walking around and exploring the murals around town like the Dolly Parton mural, Lexington Gateway mural, and my personal favorite, the Chicken Alley mural.
You won’t even have to look at the street sign to know you’re at Chicken Alley, the mural tells the story.
You can’t miss the Chicken Alley mural (by Molly Must) in Asheville NC!
11. Botanical Gardens at Asheville
At the Botanical Gardens at Asheville you’ll be surrounded by the splendor of mother nature. You’ll stroll the gardens and discover the magnificent plant life cultivated here.
The gardens specialize in plants native to western North Carolina. So it’s like submerging yourself in the beauty of Asheville.
The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens is when the flowers are in bloom.
So mid-April and Mid-August are ideal. The wondrous wildflowers are in full bloom typically from April through May.
12. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park
If you want to take your outdoor adventures up a notch head to the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park.
This is definitely one of the most exhilarating things to do in Asheville.
Here you can get your adrenaline pumping as you climb the obstacles high in the air or zipline through the park.
There’s even a zipline park designed for kids ages 4 to 10, making it one of the best family-friendly things to do in Asheville.
13. Drink Craft Beer
The beer scene is choice in Asheville. Known as the Beer City USA, it boasts the most breweries per capita in the entire country.
So, it’s obvious that having a drink at one of these awesome breweries is definitely one of the best things to do in Asheville.
You could even make a whole trip to Asheville focused on getting to know the beer scene.
Some of the favorite breweries in Asheville are definitely Wicked Weed Brewery, Burial Beer Co., Bhramari Brewing, and Highland Brewing.
14. Folk Art Center Asheville
This is a marvelous place for anyone even mildly interested in Appalachian arts and craft and it’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir made in the Southern Appalachians.
Folk Art Center is at milepost 382 on Blue Ridge Parkway and it only takes about 15 minutes to drive from downtown Asheville. Plus, it’s free to visit!
The Asheville Folk Art Center is also home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Go upstairs and you’ll find a vast array of Appalachian art and crafts including weaving, woodcarving, paintings, sculptures, baskets, furniture, and more.
There’s also a Parkway Store where you can buy national park souvenirs and get travel maps, info, and brochures.
And the Mountains to Sea Trail can be accessed right next to Folk Art Center. North Carolina’s Mountains to Sea Trail is a 1,175 mile trail stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks!
Peruse the Folk Art Center for splendid handmade gifts and souvenirs in Asheville
15. Vintage Shops and Local Boutiques
Stroll downtown Asheville and shop the vintage clothing stores along with one-of-a-kind local boutiques where you’ll find the best and most unique Asheville souvenirs.
Shop at Sugar Britches for upcycled and hand crafted whimsical adornment.
Honeypot Vintage Emporium is a fun shop with a good selection of used clothing, hats, and accessories.
Spare Chayng is the place to shop for fun gifts including local artwork, cool jewelry, vegan gifts, tons of cool stickers and more. I bought quite a few stickers for my car at this shop :)
Another downtown boutique you should check out is L.O.F.T. which is an acronym for Lost Objects Found Treasures. This is the place for treasure hunting among a huge collection of gift items, bunches of stickers, and assorted tchotchkes.
These are just a few of the unique boutiques you’ll find in Asheville.
In downtown Asheville NC you’ll find lots of unique shops like Honeypot Vintage Emporium
16. Pack Square Park
This city park in the heart of Asheville is a wonderful green space with a fountain/splash pad that’s fun for kids to play around.
This public square is where festivals and free outdoor concerts take place in Asheville such as Symphony in the Park and Shindig on the Green.
Pack Square Park is also where Asheville Veterans Memorial is located.
Pack Square Park is where you will find the Veterans Memorial in Asheville
17. Self-Guided History Walking Tour
Spend a couple of hours walking the Asheville urban trail with a self-guided history tour with thirty stops along the way.
Learn the highlights of Asheville’s history with the help of the handy urban trail app and enjoy exploring downtown while also picking up some interesting facts and info.
This walking tour is one of the best things to do in Asheville for history buffs but everyone can enjoy this fun way to explore downtown.
18. Walk around Montford Historic District
Just north of downtown you’ll find beautiful historic homes and Bed & Breakfast lodgings in the Montford neighborhood with large tree lined streets that make for an enjoyable walk.
An interesting feature of the Montford Historic District is the variety of architectural styles, ranging from Greek Revival to Victorian, and Queen Anne style to Colonial Revival.
The historic Montford neighborhood has beautiful Victorian-era homes and Bed & Breakfast lodgings
This is also where the Asheville Visitor Center is located so it’s a great place to get maps and brochures about all sorts of things to do around Asheville.
For those interested in viewing old gravestones the Riverside Cemetery in Montford is the final resting place of American writers O. Henry and Thomas Wolfe.
And during your wanderings you may even see a couple of adorable goats hanging around (or standing on the shed roof) in Montford. Known as the Goats of Cumberland (for the street they live on) these two are so cute!
Goats are one more thing you may see in Montford area historic district of Asheville
19. Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
A featured stop on the Asheville Urban Trail the Thomas Wolfe house is a museum and historic house on North Market Street.
Watch a film and visit the museum for free then for a small fee ($5 as of this writing) you can tour the boyhood home of author Thomas Wolfe and learn about the American author’s life as well as early 20th century life in Asheville.
20. Take a Comedy Bus Tour
Looking for a few laughs in Asheville? Hop on the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour or get into some scary stories with the Ghosted Comedy Bus Tour.
For something more kid friendly you can sign up for the Lil Boogers Tour to keep the kids amused with jokes, puns, and a few magic tricks too.
For some laughs check out LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour
21. Asheville Museum of Science
Learn and explore at the small but fun and interesting Asheville Museum of Science. This is my favorite kind of museum because they have hands-on exhibits.
The Asheville science museum is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids!
22. Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum
If vintage vehicles get your heart revving then you won’t want to miss the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum in Asheville.
Located at Grovewood Village, the museum is open from April through December and admission is free but donations are appreciated.
23. Grovewood Gallery
Also in Grovewood Village you will find an art gallery that’s not only filled with amazing art from around the United States but also American made furniture and lighting that will have your mood glowing in no time.
Grovewood Gallery is open year round and it’s an excellent place for browsing as well as souvenir and gift shopping.
24. Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum
Another free museum in Asheville is the tiny but fascinating one-room display area where you can step back in time with artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of Biltmore Industries.
Have a look at the antique loom and imagine what life was like at a bustling weaving shop back in the early 1900s.
Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum is open daily from April through December from 10 am to 5 pm. Private group tours are also available for a fee.
25. Asheville Museum of History
Newly reopening in 2023 after extensive refurbishing and upgrades the Asheville Museum of History opens it’s doors in the fall at Smith-McDowell House.
The museum’s mission is to “preserve and promote the history and legacy of Western North Carolina through interpretation, education, collection, and collaboration”.
The museum will also feature an interactive timeline exhibit to give visitors a broad overview of regional history using stories, photographs, and artifacts.
Open Wed – Sat from 11 am to 5 pm
26. Asheville World of Radio
With interactive exhibits and all sorts of historical facts, anecdotes, and loads of radio equipment on display this is where any radio nerd will be vibin’ but anyone interested in learning about history of radio and communications will also find this a delightful experience in Asheville.
You will want to plan your visit carefully as the radio museum is only open on Saturdays from 1 pm to 3 pm, located in the Elm Building of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
27. Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Located in downtown Asheville the Basilica Saint Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr features gorgeous architecture, colorful stained glass windows, beautifully carved wooden doors, and a massive dome.
It this church makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to Europe, it’s because it was designed by Catalan (Spain) architect Rafael Guastavino who arrived in Asheville to work on the Biltmore Estate. His system of interlocking tiles in the enormous vaulted ceiling is magnificent both in function and design.
Check visiting hours for self-guided tours before you arrive.
Take a tour of the magnificent Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr
28. Asheville Art Museum
When the weather isn’t perfect you can spend some time indoors with American art from the 20th and 21st centuries at Asheville Art Museum.
With special exhibits and the onsite café and museum store making it an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon of art appreciation and grab a bite to eat.
Plus, art museum gift shops often have some fun and innovative souvenirs.
Spend a couple hours enjoying the artwork at Asheville Art Museum
29. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Asheville
This is one of the best stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) as it offers educational displays, maps, a gift shop, and of course park rangers on site to answer all your questions and offer advice.
Talk with the park rangers and explore the visitor center displays to discover things like where to find beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
At the visitor center you’ll find exhibits highlighting the Blue Ridge region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and local traditions. There’s also a cool interactive digital map of the BRP.
Here you can also watch the 24-minute movie The Blue Ridge Parkway-America’s Favorite Journey.
In addition, there is also a short 1.5 mile loop trail that’s part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
At milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway this is not your run-of-the-mill visitor center, make a point to check it out!
Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384 is home to the BRP Visitor Center in Asheville
Final Thoughts
As you can see Asheville North Carolina is a special place full of fun things to do. So no matter what time of year you’re headed to this beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this list of fun things to do in Asheville NC makes sure you don’t miss a thing.
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