Things to do in Asheville NC

Things to do in Asheville for adults

Discover the Blue Ridge Parkway

This is Asheville’s “instant wow” activity! The Blue Ridge Parkway gives groups high-elevation viewpoints, without needing a full-day trek. You'll be able to hop out for a short hike when you feel like it. The Blue Ridge Parkway is especially attractive in the fall, when the tree colors put on a sensational autumnal show. Tip: Check the weather before heading up, to ensure you bring suitable clothing.

Tour the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is Asheville’s headline attraction for a reason. There’s enough to see and do at the largest privately-owned home in the US to easily fill a whole day. Between house tours and garden strolls, enjoy shopping and dining. Grown-up groups seeking a unique experience can explore the estate's award-winning collection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines - with either a complimentary wine tasting, or a pre-booked tour and premium tasting at the Biltmore Winery. Tip: Book earlier entry times if you want a calmer feel, then save the late afternoon for gardens and a more relaxed pace. Complimentary wine tastings are available with a daily admission ticket, on a first-come, first-served basis (12-5pm daily).

Sip your way through Asheville’s craft beer scene

As well as wine, Asheville is famously brewery-forward. One of the easiest ways for adults to sample the craft beer scene is with a guided walking tour, or a leisurely tasting crawl in and around Downtown - home to the best local breweries. If you love planning travel around events, Asheville Beer Week and Asheville Oktoberfest offer the perfect excuse for you and your pals to enjoy tastings, pairings and events that spotlight and celebrate the local brewing community.

Visit the North Carolina Arboretum

For a gentler outdoor day with gardens and trails, the North Carolina Arboretum is a go-to. Immerse yourselves within the picturesque 434-acre campus. Discover gardens and natural areas, including a bonsai exhibition garden, and 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails to embark on with your pals. There's also plenty of exhibits and nature activities for multi-generational groups to enjoy. Tip: The fall and spring are especially beautiful times of year to visit. For visitors looking to head out on the bike trails, bike rentals are available at the Bent Creek Experimental Forest (located adjacent to the Arboretum).

Things to do in Asheville for families

Enjoy the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway

For families staying in Asheville, no vacation would be complete without a trip out to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. This activity is perfect because you can tailor the day to the needs of your family. Enjoy a short scenic drive, stop to take in the overlooks and savor a picnic - no epic hike required!

The choice of mixed ability routes also ensures there’s plenty of “choose-your-own” adventure options, to suit families wanting a hike. Tip: Plan ahead by checking the weather before-hand and packing extra layers.

Enjoy a family day out at the North Carolina Arboretum

Nearby, the North Carolina Arboretum in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest (Pisgah National Forest) is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, for another timeless day trip with the kids. Explore the beautiful themed gardens (including the mentioned Bonsai Exhibition Garden) and the 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, that work for all ages and energy levels.

When tummies begin rumbling, the Arboretum offers picnic-friendly facilities and there's on-site dining at the Arbor Eatery - with indoor seating plus a covered patio for alfresco mealtimes.

Explore the River Arts District

The River Arts District is fun for families because it’s not just “look at art” - it’s watch-it-being-made! This working creative corridor lin Asheville lets families see artists stretching canvases, welding, weaving, and throwing clay. With educational pottery studios and galleries close together, families can enjoy carefree browsing and fun activity workshops and classes in one walkable district.

Head Downtown

Downtown Asheville is built for family-friendly wandering - with local boutiques and shops to explore alongside live music and friendly street entertainment. When hunger strikes, Downtown serves up something to tempt all tastebuds - from comforting Diner fare and tasty tacos to gourmet world-food, doughnut shacks and chocolate lounges.

Tip: Key family events in Downtown Asheville include the LEAF Global Arts Festival in October and the festive winter holiday lights.

Romantic things to do in Asheville for couples

Be woo-ed by the Biltmore Estate

The Gilded age vision of George Washington Vanderbilt, the Biltmore Estate offers an epic backdrop for a memorable day date. Tour something iconic, wander the grounds, then stretch the afternoon out with a drink and a late lunch. As well as the mix of immersive tours and memorable dining, the Biltmore Estate offers wine tours and tastings at their award-winning winery - for a unique activity to complement the romantic outdoor trails and house tour.

Head to Blue Ridge Parkway

For couples seeking some escapism in nature, enjoy a scenic drive along one of the no.1 things to do in Asheville NC. Cruise to a viewpoint, and snuggle up together in some warmer layers, as you watch the mountains soften in the golden light.

Couples arriving before sunset can also explore the hiking trails, before the sun dips. Top-rated hiking trails include the 360-degree views from Devil’s Courthouse (MP 422) and the waterfall-filled Graveyard Fields (MP 418).

Indulge in a Spa day

For a proper “treat yourselves” vacation moment, book a spa day at The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn. This atmospheric, mountain-built spa is designed for guilt-free indulgence. Soak up the expansive spa with multiple water features and experience the luxury spa treatments. Tip: Couples seeking side-by-side pampering should experience the 50-80 minute long "Couples' Massage" - a customized treatment based on the "Grove Park Classic Massage".

Experience the French Broad River together

For a laid-back, outdoorsy date, hit the French Broad River for a scenic hike, or some carefree tubing or a kayaking session. Local companies make it easy to book a tubing or kayaking experience - with hassle-free shuttle services also available. Tip: Featuring class I-II rapids, with faster class III-IV sections near Hot Springs, make it a multi-hour experience, for longer time on the water.

Enjoy a River Arts District wander

If you like easy-going dates that feel a little different, the River Arts District is ideal - with studios, galleries and daily workshops providing a fun and interactive setting. You'll also be able to watch artists in action and purchase a memorable souvenir.

Tip: Afterwards, savor the cafés and breweries in nearby Downtown (1 mile/ 5-minutes' drive away) - for a fun and varied day out in Asheville.

FAQs for things to do in Asheville NC

What are the most popular events in Asheville?

Some of the most popular seasonal events in Asheville include:

1. Downtown After 5 concert series - April to September
2. Asheville Beer Week - spring (timing varies)
3. LEAF Festival - spring and fall (typically held twice yearly)
4. Independence Day block parties - July 4
5. Shindig on the Green - summer
6. Mountain Dance and Folk Festival - August
7. Asheville Oktoberfest - October
8. Warren Haynes Christmas Jam - December

What are the must-see attractions in Asheville?

Top picks include Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the River Arts District.

What are the best outdoor activities?

Asheville offers plenty of scenic outdoor activities. From the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and classic hiking trails like Craggy Gardens, to the botanical trails in the North Carolina Arboretum and water-based activities on the French Broad River.

Is Asheville good for families?

Yes! Especially because you can balance scenic drives and hikes with family-friendly tubing experiences and hands-on creative workshops. The Arboretum’s family-friendly nature activities and the River Arts District’s working studios promise plenty of “no boredom” days.

How do I get around Asheville?

Downtown Asheville is very walkable once you’re there, but for Parkway drives, trailheads, and areas like the Arboretum, you’ll want your car or to arrange a private car rental or rideshare, depending on your itinerary.

What is the best time to visit Asheville?

Although Asheville is a great year-round destination, visiting in fall is the prime season. The leaf scenery is a spectacle in itself and well worth coinciding your Asheville stay around it. Spring is also a sweet spot for the hiking and botanical gardens, while summer brings festivals and lively outdoor evenings.

Where to stay for the best things to do in Asheville

A private vacation rental makes experiencing Asheville even easier - with welcome home comfort and privacy for slow mornings and ambient evenings. Equipped with kitchen diners, exclusive amenities like games' rooms and optional outdoor space with pools and hot tubs, our Asheville vacation rentals set the scene for a memorable North Carolina break.

Choose from scenic mountainside cabins and modern townhomes to central condos close to all the action. Perfect for families, large groups and couples, experience North Carolina in classic comfort and convenience, with Top Villas.