BEST Things To Do In Asheville, NC

Before you make your way to Asheville, North Carolina, take a look at our list of the 10 best things to do in Asheville, NC.

00:00 - Intro
0:22 - 10. Hiking
1:09 - 9. The Biltmore Estate
1:50 - 8. Asheville Pinball Museum
2:24 - 7. Enjoy Some Craft Beers
3:04 - 6. Zip Lining
3:42 - 5. North Carolina Arboretum
4:19 - 4. Skiing & Snowboarding
4:49 - 3. The River Arts District
5:23 - 2. Tubing & Rafting
6:01 - 1. Downtown Asheville

If you're looking for things to do in downtown Asheville, NC, look no further. We've compiled a list of fun things to do in Asheville for visitors of all ages. Let's take a look at what the beautiful city of Asheville, North Carolina has to offer.

10: Hiking
It’s no secret that Asheville and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country. Whether you’re staying in a scenic cabin or booking accommodations closer to the city, you definitely don’t want to miss exploring the nearby mountain ranges and trails.

9: The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home, built by none other than George Vanderbilt. The estate is located on over 8,000 acres of land, and offers more than enough activities to keep any visitor entertained. The estate also houses 7 different restaurants that are sure to satisfy any craving. For the wine connoisseur, you’ll want to stop by the award-winning winery for some complimentary tastings and other fun events.

8: Asheville Pinball Museum
Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville is the Asheville Pinball Museum. For just a few dollars admission, you can play pinball to your heart’s content. The facility houses over 40 unique pinball machines from different eras. In addition to playing unlimited games, you’ll be able to learn about each of the machines and their unique place in pinball history.

7: Enjoy Some Craft Beer
Ashville is packed with local breweries, offering a range of craft beers that range from simple lagers and ales to one-of-a-kind IPAs. You’ll find many of these breweries located in Downtown Asheville, although even those that are outside walking distance are worth a visit. When you’re in the mood for a brew, you can’t go wrong with Asheville Brewing Company, one of the city’s oldest breweries.

6: Zip Lining
If you want to enjoy the scenic views that Asheville has to offer, but hiking isn’t quite extreme enough for you, you might want to book a zip lining expedition. These expeditions also extend beyond the zip lining courses themselves, as you can expect to travel through the trees and enjoy other attractions at each location. If you’re traveling with young family members or if you like to err on the side of caution, don’t worry. Each location has a variety of zip lining courses to choose from.

5: The North Carolina Arboretum
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just a few miles south of Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum offers acres upon acres of gardens, trails and wildlife. The gardens feature one of the most botanically diverse settings in the country, including a unique bonsai collection that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll also find miles of trails that you can hike or bike along.

4: Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re in the mood to see some snow, Asheville offers some of the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding on the east coast. You have plenty of options to choose from, including the popular Wolf Ridge Ski Resort north of Asheville, or the Cataloochee ski area to the west. Both of these locations offer a full range of snow activities, including skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

3: The River Arts District
The River Arts District is located just a few miles outside of Downtown Asheville. This district is filled with plenty of dining options, brewpubs, and of course, art! The galleries, which are located in industrial and historical buildings, feature over 200 artists. There’s plenty to pique your interest.

2: Tubing & Rafting
If you’re traveling to Asheville during the warmer months, you have to take advantage of the water activities that are available. For a relaxing afternoon, you’ll want to start with some casual river tubing at options like the French Broad River, the Green River Gorge or Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1: Downtown Asheville
If you do anything during your visit to Asheville, it should be making a stop in Downtown Asheville! Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best of what the city has to offer. This includes Asheville Brewing Company, which we covered earlier, as well as Curate, one of the city’s highest-rated restaurants. The majority of the shops in downtown Asheville feature local artists and goods, celebrating the distinct culture that Asheville has to offer. You’ll also find the Asheville Art Museum, which houses breathtaking displays of all sizes.

[kiraluvsmakeup]

I love Asheville, its great for vacation. I've been there many times and the Biltmore estate is out of this world breath taking..

[sassykaren]

I actually used to live not too far away from Asheville. I used to live in the North Georgia mountains for 13 years, and I really miss living there. It truly was so beautiful to drive the back roads around all the mountains.

[martincortes]

I had never heard of this place and after doing a lot of research on more well-known and US News (love that site) showed me this was the best fall place to get away. I'm looking for outdoor adventure and hiking so this fits me really well and is even within driving distance (live in PA) here I come Asheville

[bradysundheim]

Pretty good list. One thing that could definitely be on the list: The Omni Grove

[BucketListTravellers]

We like the mix of natural activities and more urban activities that Asheville has to offer.

[theaudoness]

asheville is my soul city, love it there, my grandparents live in franklin about 45 minutes away so i’ve gone my entire life and i’m so glad it’s getting the praise it deserves. it’s for people who enjoy both the outdoors and big city/urban activities, biltmore especially will exceed all your expectations. unc asheville is my #1 choice for university and i hope to spend a portion of my life there. 🖤

[Vampire_elise]

For anyone wondering other breweries to visit there's one that my brother-in-law's brother owns it's called noble cidery it's really good check it out while you're on your vacation

[Pieldenieve]

I loved the Biltmore Estate. The weather was wonderful, too.

[brucecampbell]

People from Asheville would never tube the French Broad river. But the White Water Rafting in the surrounding area is the best in the country.

[superaa]

Visit the Grove Arcade shopping center down town. Architecture is from about 1929. Carved faces on walls inside. Nice shops and restaurants there too.

[foil_fencer]

The biltmore home is pretty cool and the gardens and the winery is pretty cool even tho im not the age to drink but it is pretty cool!!

[editamarin]

I will going to visit Asheville on fall 🍁 😜

[foil_fencer]

I’m gonna go to Curate in 2 days and it is the best Tappas restaurant I’ve ever been to!!! Or the one in Washington DC (tie) but it is worth the expense of the food 100

[foil_fencer]

I’ve been to Asheville 2 times. We kind of close to it just hours away. Though, going in the summer on the weekend is very crowding, and it’s kinda not worth it like go on the week days instead. Less crowded

[samuelfredrick]

does the Pinball museum have the AC/DC Highway to hell Pinball machine? That would be so rad. I've always wanted to play it.

[andreamills]

You could go tubing down the French Broad river and get a bacterial infection from the raw sewage after a summer rain.

[poppytzu]

I live in Mills River and only venture into Asheville a couple of times a year - and only because I have to. The trash is everywhere - Asheville has become filthy. Those enabling the drug addicts do a photo shoot and clean up areas from time to time but there are many camps, and they all look like landfills. The Asheville City Council has no clue what to do and is supportive of drug users and their crime - but has no support for the communities and their safety. You need to see the Biltmore - it's awesome but nothing compared to our beautiful Blue Ridge Mts. But stay in the lovely surrounding cities like Black Mt., Waynesville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Brevard. They are clean and they are safe. Asheville is not safe anymore - vagrants on drugs are on every corner and many are violent.

[diegosalgado]

well, it was so weird to watched this video after lived is so weird....great smoky mountain is amazings, there is no other place in world like that...i highly recommend to visit the great smoky love Cali and the west coast..but there is no place in earth than the WNC (western north carolina), .... Visit Charleston as well,

[LittleTravelChannel]

Blue Ridge Parkway should be it own thing on the list.

[dardeb]

Returning on business in September. Not one of my favorite places. Lots of homeless and tents scattered around on my last trip.