50 Expert‑Curated Activities in Asheville, NC

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, this guide is your essential companion. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned local, the following 50 experiences showcase the best of Asheville’s culture, nature, food, and entertainment.

#1 Downtown Asheville

Stroll through Asheville’s vibrant city center, where independent shops, craft breweries, and top‑rated restaurants blend into a unique mountain atmosphere.

#2 Street Performers

Enjoy Asheville’s dynamic street talent by watching skilled buskers perform in the downtown square.

#3 Shopping

Explore boutique shops for indie designs, wearable art, and vintage treasures.

#4 History Tours

Take a LaZoom purple bus tour, hop‑on hop‑off trolley, or self‑guided walk along the Urban Trail to learn Asheville’s colorful past.

#5 Bookstores

Browse independent bookstores such as Malaprops or sip champagne with your dog at the Battery Park Book Exchange.

#6 Art & Crafts

Discover handmade pieces in downtown galleries, craft fairs, and the open‑air market at Grove Arcade.

#7 Rooftop Views

Climb to the top of Asheville’s tallest buildings for panoramic views; see our guide to 11 of the best rooftop bars.

#8 Drum Circle

Join the long‑standing Friday night drum circle in downtown Asheville for a rhythmic community experience.

#9 Haunted Tours

Explore Asheville’s darker side with a nighttime haunted tour or the interactive escape challenge Conundrum.

#10 Biltmore Estate

Tour George W. Vanderbilt’s winter chateau, choose a behind‑the‑scenes or rooftop tour, stroll the historic gardens, horseback ride, bike trails, or enjoy free winery tastings. The Antler Hill Village offers dining, shopping, and family activities.

#11 Biltmore Village

Walk the former workers’ neighborhood now filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

#12 The Great Outdoors

Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains by visiting Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.

#13 Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive America’s favorite scenic road that begins in Asheville and opens the region to outdoor adventure.

#14 Hiking

Use the Asheville Hike Finder to locate trails from easy to challenging, and enjoy breathtaking vistas.

#15 Biking

Ride the Blue Ridge on roads or trails for a scenic mountain challenge.

#16 Birdwatching

Spot native and migratory species, including the peregrine falcon, with binoculars.

#17 Wildlife Observation

Observe bears, elk, and other wildlife from a safe distance.

#18 Waterfall Hunting

Explore accessible waterfalls, swim cautiously, and follow safety guidelines.

#19 Mount Mitchell

Ascend the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,635 feet.

#20 Folk Art Center

Visit this premier venue on the Parkway for regional handmade crafts.

#21 State Parks

Explore Chimney Rock, DuPont, Gorges, and other state parks for hiking and scenery.

#22 Fly Fishing

Join local outfitters for guided trout and bass fishing expeditions.

#23 Zip Lining

Soar hundreds of feet above the forest canopy for an adrenaline rush.

#24 Whitewater & Waterslide

Enjoy rapids or a natural 60‑ft waterslide for a thrilling water adventure.

#25 Water Sports

Try stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing, or boating on the French Broad River.

#26 Arboretum & Gardens

Walk nature trails at the NC Arboretum and Asheville Botanical Gardens, home to native mountain flora.

#27 Golfing

Play on some of the region’s most beautiful and challenging courses.

#28 Foodtopia

Asheville’s culinary scene thrives on farm‑to‑table ingredients sourced from local farms.

#29 Food Tours

Sample a variety of local restaurants on a guided food tour.

#30 Foraging

Learn to forage sustainably with a guided mountain expedition.

#31 Farm Visits

Buy fresh meats, produce, and cheeses directly from local farms.

#32 Cheese Trail

Sample award‑winning cheeses along the WNC Cheese Trail.

#33 Farmers Markets

Shop or snack at town farmers markets for fresh local ingredients.

#34 Wineries

Enjoy free tastings at Biltmore or explore other urban and rural wineries.

#35 Mountain Culture

Explore Asheville’s artistic heritage, from historic artists to contemporary creatives.

#36 Theatre

See productions at the Wortham Center, NC Stage, Asheville Community Theatre, Magnetic Theatre, and the free Montford Park Players Shakespeare performances.

#37 Guided History Tour

Learn about Asheville’s Art Deco architecture and the Basilica of St. Lawrence with Asheville by Foot.

#38 Thomas Wolfe

Visit the childhood home of the famed novelist.

#39 River Arts District

Stroll former warehouses turned artist studios, galleries, restaurants, and breweries along the French Broad.

#40 Museums

Explore the Asheville Art Museum, Pinball Museum, and antique car museum.

#41 Music

Enjoy Asheville’s live music scene, spanning mountain folk to contemporary acts.

#42 Festivals

Attend Downtown After 5, LEAF, Brewgrass, Shindig on the Green, or the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.

#43 Venues

Experience shows at the Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and ISIS Music Hall.

#44 Moog Music Factory

Tour the factory and Moogseum where Bob Moog’s first synthesizer was built.

#45 Classical Music

Enjoy performances by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and Asheville Lyric Opera.

#46 Omni Grove Park Inn

Stay at this historic lodge with mountain views, golf, and spa amenities.

#47 Spas

Relax at Shoji Spa, a salt cave, or other day spas throughout town.

#48 Beer Scene

Sample craft brews brewed with mountain‑filtered water; Asheville leads the nation in breweries per capita.

#49 Brewery Tours

Explore breweries via Brews Cruise, pub‑cycle, or specialty beer shops.

#50 Visitor Center

Drop by the Asheville Visitor Center for personalized recommendations and local insights.