Top 35 Asheville Attractions and Things To Do

This unique granite formation shoots over two thousand feet high. Chimney Rock really lives up to its name.

You can experience all its glory atop the mountain via an elevator. Don’t worry; there are more amazing sights to see at this gorgeous park.

The main attraction at Chimney Rock State Park is the Hickory Nut Falls Trail which offers an unforgettable view from its 404-foot waterfall.

The trail is moderate to strenuous but well worth it once you reach the peak – giving visitors breathtaking scenic views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge below.

There are also other trails throughout the park that are less strenuous for those who would prefer an easier hike or stroll through nature’s beauty.

When you arrive at the city's busy downtown area, you'll know you're in Asheville! From the unique mountain vibes to pedestrian-friendly regions, you’ll sense a new level of welcome and warmth.

The streets are lined with a wide range of locally owned businesses, craft breweries, and some of the best restaurants in the area.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Asheville, check out the many fancy shops to find unique, handmade, and vintage pieces made by local designers.

Did you know that Asheville's newest musicians and artists perform at exciting street shows? Learn more from the locals about where this attractive mountain town came from and how it changed over time.

Self-guided walking tours along the Urban Trail are famous or ride the hop-on-hop-off trolley tours led by local storytellers.

Night-time expeditions of the Asheville Ghost Tours will show you the spookier parts of the city, while the Breakout Rooms will leave you with a memorable puzzle-solving experience.

Asheville was founded in 1797 and named after former NC Governor Samuel Ashe.

Biltmore Estate is considered one of the top attractions in Asheville, and for a good reason.

It's a 250-room estate George Washington Vanderbilt II built on 135,000 square feet of land in 1895.

The Biltmore Estate boasts 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, which took six years to construct! Nevertheless, people continue to visit this attraction for its beauty and lavish French Renaissance.

Locals and high-profile individuals, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson, have visited the now 8,000-acre estate.

Great-grandson Bill Cecil Jr. is currently the president and CEO of Biltmore Company.

This historic, family-owned estate is the most popular place in Asheville because of its Châteauesque-like architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and forestry programs.

Besides self-guided and audio tours, visitors can bike, hike, kayak, ride horses, shoot sporting clays, and enjoy the falconry and fly fish.

That said, if you’re a little tight on cash, you might not want to pop into Biltmore Estate because of their high entrance fees.

However, if you manage to cough up the price, the experience inside is worth the while.

Richard Sharp Smith, known for designing and supervising the construction of the Biltmore Estate, built an impressive number of homes in the Montford Area Historic District, now one of the many Asheville tourist attractions.

In the early 20th century, the neighborhood was home to some of the most prominent characters from the book, "Look Homeward, Angel" by Thomas Wolfe.

Moreover, over 600 homes in the community are on the National Register of Historic Places, and many are members of the 'Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association.' Walking around the Montford neighborhood is a unique experience of its own.

You’ll see the city’s beautiful buildings and historic structures and experience some of the best hospitality this neighborhood can provide.

When you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Black Walnut B&B Inn, Montford Park, the Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast, and the Riverside Cemetery, where Thomas Wolfe is buried.

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, have inspired young artists and painters for over a decade.

Serving as a gateway to breathtaking views, this is where progressive culture thrives.

NYC-born and bred Pattiy Torno, who later became chair of the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission, is considered part of the city's artistic pioneers.

Her name and works spread like wildfire when she inaugurated CURVE Studios in the River Arts District in 1984.

Today, the studio is home to over 12 artists working on different art mediums to express themselves.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Asheville, you’ll enjoy taking a stroll along the mile-long stretch of the peaceful French Broad River.

The river is lined with old factory structures renovated and designed to house art galleries.

When you’re here, check out the CURVE Studios, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Riverview Station, and the brand-new Pink Dog Creative for a thrilling experience.

Did you know that people-watching is fun and relaxing? Sitting in Pack Square Park and watching people walk by can be therapeutic if you're looking for free things to do in Asheville.

Situated in the middle of Asheville, the park was named after the city’s benefactor, philanthropist, and lumber tycoon George Willis Pack in 1900.

Today, it is surrounded by classic art-inspired buildings, making it one of the most-visited places in Asheville.

If shopping is more your thing, Biltmore Avenue is where you’ll find some of Asheville's most recognized stores, including bookstores, record stores, clothing boutiques, general stores, and pubs.

Famous author Thomas Wolfe grew up in what is now known as the 'Thomas Wolfe Memorial.'

The house was built in 1883 and acquired by Julia Wolfe, Thomas Wolfe’s mother, in 1906, when Tom was just six years old.

Unfortunately, the place brought nothing but trauma after being converted into a boarding house.

These traumatic events inspired Wolfe's novel, 'Look Homeward, Angel.'

In his book, it was referred to as the "Old Kentucky Home."

He lived here for a decade before enrolling at the University of North Carolina.

After his mother passed away in 1938, the house remained a memorial.

It was only after 1949 that the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site opened its gates to guests.

In 1971 the house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

If you’re looking for some of the best Asheville attractions, catch a guided tour Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Asheville has been home to many prominent arts, literature, music, and architecture figures.

In many ways, you’ll still see their artistic footprints all over the city when you stroll down the streets.

From minimalism to modern, and even Bohemian, you’ll experience the different vibes that keep this city alive.

Join the guided history tour by 'Asheville by Foot' to learn more about how these artists influenced Asheville today.

These tours are 1.5 to 2 hours long, and you’ll see some of the best places to visit in Asheville. If you’re looking for a more theatrical thrill, check out the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, NC Stage, the Asheville Community Theatre, and the Magnetic Theater.

In the warmer months, locals and tourists love the free outdoor Shakespeare production exclusively performed by the Montford Park Players.

Are you looking for adrenaline-pumping attractions in Asheville? Then, you won’t regret checking out the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route that’s also America’s longest linear park.

This world-famous scenic drive goes right through Asheville's center, basking you in the glory of lush forests, beautiful mountains, and valleys.

Although the Blue Ridge Parkway is far from the city’s glitz and glamour, it has some of the most beautiful views worth seeing.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is busy during the fall because of the sheer number of tourists who come to see the beautiful leaves turn orange! However, for a less-crowded experience, mid-summer is a good time to check out the place.

If you want to learn more about the Blue Ridge Parkway visiting the Visitor Center is a must-see in Asheville.

Located not too far from Pack Square Park, you’ll find various exhibits to learn about the natural flora and fauna, the traditional Appalachian culture, the history of the Cherokee, and why the Parkway construction took over 50 years to complete.

Enjoy nature as you follow the 1.4-mile loop trail from the visitor center parking area.

This links up with the 1,175-mile-long Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which goes from the NC mountain regions to the coastal zone.

There is a 22-feet long interactive map at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and a 24-minute instructional video that summarizes the Blue Ridge Parkway history and its natural features.

So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Asheville, you know where to head!

If you’re looking for upbeat spots in Asheville, you can’t go wrong with music.

The Asheville music scene has its roots dipped in traditional mountain music, but the city's unique sound comes from the many young musicians that called Asheville their home.

Asheville is considered one of America's "Greatest Music Cities" because of its live music scene.

Some of the best local and national touring musicians perform in Asheville's small concert halls, neighborhood taverns, and even on the sidewalks downtown.

The Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Asheville Lyric Opera performs yearly, showcasing their timeless compositions and contemporary covers.

Take part in music festivals in Asheville and enjoy live music, or join the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the country's oldest festival.

Watch a free concert at Shindig on the Green or go to a show at one of Asheville's famous venues to see your favorite band or musician up close and personal. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

If food is on the agenda, some excellent places serve delicious cuisines in downtown Asheville.

For vegetarians and vegans, visiting the Plant is Food, Rosetta's Kitchen & The Buchi Bar, the Green Sage and Laughing Tree Café is a must-visit in Asheville.

If you’d rather up the game and dabble in something more exotic, an award-winning Indian food restaurant called Chai Pani should definitely be up your alley.

For the best French food, visit Bouchon or head to Stone Bowl for authentic Korean cuisine.

Other good restaurants include Buxton Hall Barbeque and H&F Burger, but for real Appalachian food, head to the Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, an old restaurant in Asheville with a diverse menu and a chill atmosphere.

If you’re more into museums and enjoy a trip to the past, the best Appalachian arts and crafts collection in the US is located at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center, about 11 miles from downtown Asheville.

Frances Goodrich, a former missionary, opened the center in 1980, but its roots go back to the 1800s.

But during the Great Depression era, the center promoted the works of various artists to help them become household names.

The Craft Guild Folk Art Center is home to three different galleries, a library and a bookstore, an auditorium, and an original Allanstand Craft Shop from the 1920s.

The Graft Guild Folk Art Center won’t disappoint you if you're looking for history-inspired Asheville attractions.

Today, this center is home to over 1000 artists and artisans from nine south-eastern states.

Looking for fun things to do in Asheville? How about fishing? Whether you prefer trout or bass or just want to bask in the glory of nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle, there are plenty of fishing options in Asheville.

For fly fishing, you can book half or full-day trips with Hunter Banks Company, Curtis Wright Outfitters, or Asheville Fly Fishing.

Don’t know how to fish? No problem; if you ask, the guides will gladly help! Get hooked and learn more about what makes this city a must-visit place for fishing.

Initially built for Saint Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr, this Roman Catholic minor basilica is a beautiful example of the significant architectural success of the city of Asheville.

Unsurprisingly, it is one of the many popular Asheville attractions.

The Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino designed the ornate church and built it with the help of Richard Sharp Smith, a local legend.

As part of the National Register of Historic Places, the basilica has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America that measures 52 feet wide and 82 feet high.

The interior of the historic basilica is adorned with a marble altar from Tennessee and stained glass from Munich.

There are sculptures of saints from Italy, a wooden carving of the Virgin Mary, and Saint John the Apostle from Spain.

Follow visiting hours listed on their website for free walk-in self-guided tours.

If you’re looking for beautiful sights in Asheville, you can’t go wrong with the stunning Botanical Gardens at Asheville.

Located a little over a mile from Pack Square Park, the garden stands on a 10-acre piece of land across the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

The garden is home to over 600 plant species, of which 50 are uncommon, rare, or endangered.

Besides plants, the garden’s highlight is its half-mile wheelchair-accessible loop trail that’ll take you around the park, where you can see authentic cabins and a springhouse.

When you’re tired, rest in one of the garden’s gazebos and listen to the soothing sounds of the stream and the cool breeze.

The gardens are open during daylight hours, and admissions are free.

So, if you’re looking for free things to do in Asheville, you know where to go!

Asheville is a haven for nature lovers. With over 300 different kinds of plants, not knowing what to eat is not an option.

If you’re looking for options on what to do in Asheville, learning more about what plants to eat and which ones to avoid is a much-needed skill to stay healthy.

No Taste Like Home has educated locals on gathering safe-to-eat wild plants since the mid-90s through their Wild Food Adventures efforts.

You’ll learn how to forage for different kinds of greens, berries, seeds, nuts, wildflowers, and mushrooms that grow naturally around the fields and forests of North Carolina.

A Wild Food Stroll lasts about 1½ hours and teaches the participant how to gather safe wildlife food to survive.

Tourists can take their collected items home or exchange them for free snacks at any restaurant in the area.

The Asheville Pinball Museum is located just around the Grove Arcade in central Asheville.

Arcade lovers from the 80s and 90s, and even the younger generation, can experience playing at least seventy restored pinball machines and old video games.

At $15 for adults and $13 for kids under 10, anyone who loves arcade games can stay as long as they want without paying more.

If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Asheville, this museum has your back.

You’ll find games and devices from the 1950s to the 1990s waiting for you to relive your childhood and help the younger generation enjoy games from the past.

It's a one-stop shop for gamers since there are appetizers, soft drinks stalls, local beer, and other alcoholic beverages for sale.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for exciting places to visit in Asheville, zipline tours should be a bucket list priority. Navitat Canopy Adventures offers traditional zipline tours with an eco-friendly twist.

These tours will help you experience, enjoy, and learn how to appreciate the beauty of Asheville’s nature.

The Treetop Tour has six ziplines, one of which is over 1,250 feet long! If you can’t decide which zipline tour works for you, check out the Ultimate Adventure Tour.

It’s an action-packed tour that’ll take you through the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Asheville, river rafting is a great way to spend your vacation, relax, and pause time.

Nantahala Outdoor Center provides tourists with a guided river rafting experience down several iconic rivers in the southeast.

Whether you want a fun day out, a relaxing ride, or a thrilling one with a more challenging river rafting tour, Nantahala Outdoor Center has your back.

From Class II to Class III rapids, you’ll enjoy your day rafting away from the city’s chaos! If kayaking is more your thing, the French Broad Outfitters provides four different kayaking tours to check out.

Are you looking for options on what to do in Asheville? Well, the water is what you are waiting for!

The Biltmore Equestrian Center offers two-hour guided rides through the beautiful countryside of Asheville.

This is the only horseback riding tour in Asheville that takes riders around a historic property's trails.

Expert guides can accommodate up to four people with a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual pass, or an overnight stay at one of the estate’s luxury properties.

The 8,000-acre estate has more than 80 miles of color-coded equestrian trails, and for over 25 years, it has been the spot for Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride.

If you want to enjoy a ride or two, you’ll need to reserve at least two days in advance to check out some of the best attractions in Asheville.

Even before the city became well known as the hippest music town of the 21st century in the Blue Ridge area, Robert Moog was already a resident of Asheville.

He was an engineering physicist who invented the first commercial synthesizer before moving to Western North Carolina in 1978.

Moog also taught at the University of North Carolina at Asheville during the early 1990s.

This famous innovator and his inventions helped influence and shape how popular Asheville music has grown today.

The Moog Store offers small group workshops to learn about the company's history and see Robert Moog’s most innovative inventions.

Naturally, the 'Moogseum' is among the most visited Asheville attractions and a major achievement of the Bob Moog Foundation because it brings Moog's legacy and the science of sound to life.

Are you looking for exciting places to go in Asheville? Check out the North Carolina Arboretum for a fun day with your family.

Standing proud in the Southern Appalachian Mountains south of Asheville, the arboretum is home to lush greenery and manicured trails boasting various native plants along the way.

Members’ parking is free, but tourists will pay a small fee, which is worth it!

With over 65 acres of gardens, you can hike, bike, or relax.

From here, you can check out the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

Every year, the arboretum hosts a fun display of lights -- an open-air light show created using over one million lights! If you’re lucky, you’ll experience ArborEvenings, an evening program where you can sip, stroll, and absorb the natural beauty surrounding you.

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Savory Thyme Café for refreshments to keep you going.

If you’re looking for some of the most popular Asheville tourist attractions, and if you’re an animal lover, the Western North Carolina Nature Center has you sorted.

With over 42 acres dedicated to animal awareness, the center’s mission is to help people understand the different animal habitats, diversity, and everyday life of various animals.

The center is home to more than 60 animal species, including reptiles, amphibians, foxes, otters, coyotes, black bears, and even the rare red wolf.

The center hosts several events throughout the year.

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, you can hike around the center's grounds and absorb Asheville’s natural beauty and atmosphere.

If you believe beer cures all ales (pun intended), Asheville is known for its craft beer scene! There are many breweries in the city; some are nationally well-known, while others are smaller local brands.

The first brewery in Asheville was Highland Brewing Company which opened in 1994.

It has remained on top of the charts for "Best Beer City."

If you’re looking for what to do in Asheville, check out guided tours of the brewing facilities at the Highland Brewing Company.

These tours are free and happen every day! From live music to beer releases and beer dinners, there are many guided tours you can check out and participate in this weekend!

If you’d rather expand your search, check out the Wicked Weed Brewing Pub that’s a short distance away from Pack Square Park.

Wicked Weed is famous for its sour beers that you can purchase from their shop.

Other breweries include The Wedge, Twin Leaf, and Burial.

This historic inn in Asheville, NC, has stood proudly on Sunset Mountain for over a century! If you’re looking for places to visit in Asheville, Omni Grove Park Inn should make it to your bucket list.

Besides the golf course designed by Donald Ross and the impeccable view of the mountains and the sunset, the iconic lodge is famous for its award-winning subterranean spa.

The spa’s design will drop your jaw! Besides the jaw-dropping ceiling, the spa plays music and consists of two waterfalls that ultimately relax you.

During the Cold War; the lodge was used as a relocation facility.

Its rich history adds depth and dimension to the overall atmosphere.

Omni Grove Park Inn is the ultimate luxury destination to relax and unwind.

Looking for fun things to do in Asheville? How about checking the Kolo Bike Park? Part of Asheville’s Adventure Center, the bike tours provide four miles of mountain bike trails on a rolling terrain.

Bikers of all experiences can visit the Kolo Bike Park to push themselves to the edge, learn new skills, polish their current skills, and have a good time.

Want adventure? No problem! You'll find single-track trails with different obstacles, pump tracks for beginners and experienced riders, dirt jump lines, and more.

The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a fun place to go in Asheville, both for kids and adults.

The adventure park has over 77 obstacles hooked to over 30 trees and high poles in the wooded park.

These obstacles are categorized into seven aerial adventure trails for beginners and expert adventurers.

What makes this park a "Truly Asheville Adventure" are the sky kayaking, the air snowboarding, the parkway tunnel, swinging hula hoops, the zip hang glider, and the bumper boats.

This adventure park isn’t a playground only for kids! The lower routes are great for younger hikers or adults who want to take it easy, while individuals who want to feel like a Ninja Warrior should try the 40- to 50-foot-high Red and Black Trails.

Here’s a great way to see all of Asheville tourist attractions and get a feel of what this city is all about.

When you’re onboard the Gray Line Trolley, you can tell the tour guides are excited and enthusiastic as they explain the different attractions and the history behind them.

There are many tours, most of which are hop-on, hop-off types.

Whether you want to dive deep into the city’s history and virtually experience what it took to build Asheville or have kid-friendly discussions to spark interest, you’ll love these tours.

Be sure to call in advance to book a reservation.

Welcome to Grovewood Gallery, a building that, at some point in time, was used as a woodworking and weaving factory for one of the most prominent Asheville tourist attractions – Biltmore Estate.

Today it is home to numerous arts and crafts from over 500 artists from various parts of the USA.

Besides displays of their work, you’ll also find sculpture gardens promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.

Overall, the gallery will transport you back in time as it carries that cheery Old-World vibe.

Are you looking for upbeat spots in Asheville for a fun evening? The Pritchard Park Drum Circle is an exciting way to ring the weekend every Friday night.

At this park, a group of drummers performs every week, except during cold winter months.

When you’re here, expect a set of impromptu jams and beats that’ll fill you with joy while your feet automatically start tapping to match the drum beats.

Here you’ll find drummers playing dunduns, congas, djembes, shekeres, and other types of drums to create an unforgettable symphony.

While some people will sit to enjoy the different sounds, others will form groups to dance to the drum beats and have fun.

You can sit back and watch or join the fun and entertainment!

So, what’s the motto behind the Pritchard Park Drum Circle? It’s to keep Asheville weird!

Back in 2001, a group of 10 drummers began performing for the public, but as time went by, more drummers joined to showcase cultural diversity and entertain the crowd.

Some drummers won’t mind teaching you how to play drums!

The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) may be one of the most recent places in Asheville to have opened its doors to the public.

Although AMOS began accepting tourists in November 2016, its journey started nearly a century ago with bank president Burnham Standish Colburn at its helm.

Home to some of the most exciting interactive exhibits, AMOS is a one-of-a-kind place that’ll leave you with more answers than questions.

Want to learn how to make rain? No problem! The museum has a French Broad River water table that helps you understand how rain is made.

A Hurricane Simulator shows you what a dangerous wind force can do and the damage it can cause.

A dinosaur exhibit lets you get up close with nature's biggest predator – the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

It's not every day that you get to hang out with dinosaurs! Finally, check out the Colburn Hall of Minerals for all the minerals Burnham collected in his lifetime.

All beautiful cities in the USA have a few luxury spa choices to spoil and pamper yourself while you get away from the city’s glitz and glamour.

Situated in the Grove Arcade, Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa provides the perfect environment to relax and unwind before you begin ticking other Asheville tourist attractions from your bucket list.

It’s essential to take care of yourself every now and then to ensure you’re in top condition to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

The spa’s motto is to provide its customers with the highest level of pampering, filled with luxuries and indulgences to make the visit worthwhile.

Besides their signature 20-to-45-minute foot soaks, they provide relaxing add-ons, including hand, foot, head, neck, and shoulder massages.

Before you hop on another Asheville tour, pamper your feet, relax, and unwind to get the most out of your vacation.

The spa also has a store where you can purchase handmade candles, artisanal products, and other apothecary items.

That said, you’ll need a credit card or cash guarantee to book an appointment, ideally two days before your visit.

The LaZoom bus is by far among the craziest and most entertaining things to do in Asheville.

Most of LaZoom's comedy tours are suitable for the entire family, while others are for adults only and may require everyone onboard to be 18+.

As a LaZoom passenger, you’ll enjoy the tour around Downtown Asheville while "ghosts" who get on and off the bus share stories about the city's darker past.

If you’re 21+, you may be allowed to grab a few drinks from the bar and take them with you on the bus before the tour begins.

Enjoy the ride but don’t drink too much because some trips don't have bathroom stops.

With four tours suited for different age groups, LaZoom Asheville dog-friendly bus tours are a great way to learn about the city without feeling overwhelmed.

The tours last between one and three hours, depending on your selected tour type.

So, if you want to experience a must-see in Asheville locations, LaZoom is the way forward!

Looking for chill ways to ring in the weekend while you’re in Asheville? Check out the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, less than half a mile from Pack Square Park.

The center is home to many artists that perform different acts, including the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance.

Besides entertainment, this 500-seat center hosts summer camps and community classes, including yoga, dance, meditation, and much more.

This must-see in Asheville also provides master classes in theatre, dance, and music.

So, if you want to do something fun this weekend, you know where to head!