If you’re planning a sudden trip to enjoy various attractions, read on. Here we offer detailed information on things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, with your family and friends. Also, we provide you with some essential tips to make your trip a wonderful experience. Check it out now!
Photo by Drew Perales on Unsplash
Â
Top activities to do in Asheville, North Carolina
Drive Blue Ridge Parkway
Did you know that the Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s favorite drive”? This iconic 754-kilometer route connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and various outdoor activities.
The best way to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway is to drive short or long distances, depending on your itinerary in Asheville. There is access to some of the best trails in the country, suitable for all skill levels with short hikes or more challenging routes. This is the ideal place to enjoy a picnic in nature with wonderful views.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center offers maps, trail information, and interactive exhibits on the area’s history and nature. However, due to weather conditions, many sections of the Parkway may be closed during the winter months (November through March).
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Â
Tour Biltmore Estate and Gardens
Visiting the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States is one of the things to do in Asheville. The self-guided tour allows you to access all the rooms of the mansion and lasts approximately two hours. The Rooftop tour offers panoramic views from the mansion’s rooftops and balconies and runs daily starting at 10:00 a.m.
Also, the Legacy of the Land tour provides a daily bus tour of the property to explore the history of the grounds and its structures; and the Vineyard tour includes a visit to the winery for wine tasting.
Among Biltmore’s gardens, you can stroll among flowers, fountains, and scenic trails. Antler Hill Village is an area with stores, restaurants, and a farm where you can learn about the area’s agricultural heritage.
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
Â
Explore Art Galleries in the River Arts District
The River Arts District in Asheville is a large arts center with many galleries that stretches along the French Broad River and is known for its creative atmosphere and cultural offerings. Among the most prominent galleries is St Claire Art, known for the works of Stephen, who uses “Dialuminism” to allow light to pass through layers of paint and create stunning effects.
Modern Muse Gallery exhibits works by its founders and other local and regional artists. It is an excellent place to see artists in action. Blue Spiral features an impressive collection of contemporary art and crafts, with an exhibition calendar that includes multiple concurrent shows.
Every second Saturday of the month, the River Arts District hosts an event where you can explore open studios, meet the artists, and enjoy live demonstrations. Several galleries offer workshops where you can learn art techniques directly from professionals. Get a map at any of the galleries to make your tour of the district easier.
Â
Hike Pisgah National Forest Trails
One of the things to do in Asheville is to hike and explore the Pisgah National Forest. Among the most notable trails is the Art Loeb Trail, which traverses several famous peaks and connects to Camp Daniel Boone. It is known for its spectacular views and diverse scenery.
Pink Beds Trail Loop is an easy, family-friendly trail through beautiful forests and meadows, ideal for relaxing hikes. Moore Cove Falls Trail is short and takes you to an impressive 50-foot waterfall, where you can walk behind it. Looking Glass Rock Trail takes you to an overlook with panoramic views of the Pisgah National Forest, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Be sure to bring a map of the area because some trails can be difficult to follow without proper signage. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate hiking shoes, especially if you plan to hike longer or more difficult trails.
Â
Walk Downtown Asheville’s Historic Sites
Asheville is popular for its rich history and attractive architecture which offer a glimpse into its past. Here are some of the most notable historic sites you can’t miss in downtown Asheville during your stay:
Biltmore Estate: America’s largest mansion, built by George W. Vanderbilt, with a French Renaissance style and 250 rooms and beautiful gardens.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial: Located in the childhood home of novelist Thomas Wolfe, with exhibits on his life and work.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence: Famous for its self-supporting elliptical dome, the largest in North America, built between 1905 and 1909. It features the Spanish Renaissance style with its impressive stained glass windows.
Jackson Building: A historic skyscraper that was the tallest in Asheville when it was completed in 1924, known for its neo-Gothic architecture.
Asheville Museum of History: Features exhibits on local history in a restored mansion that is the oldest working house in the city.
Grove Arcade: Known as Asheville’s “original mall,” this Art Deco building has unique stores and restaurants.
Â
Taste Craft Beer at Asheville Breweries
For beer lovers, taking a tour of local breweries is one of the things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. For example, New Belgium Brewing Company is famous for its Belgian-style beers and sustainable approach, offering guided tours and ample space for tastings.
Wicked Weed Brewing specializes in hoppy, outdoor-fermented beers and has a cozy restaurant. Highland Brewing Company was Asheville’s first craft brewery and offers a variety of traditional and modern beers in a family-friendly environment. Also, TRVE Brewing Co. focuses on darker beer styles and bold flavors.
Â
Hike to Waterfalls Near Asheville
Be sure to explore the natural beauty of Asheville, North Carolina, especially its stunning waterfalls. Hiking trails lead to some of them, such as Looking Glass Falls, famous for its impressive fall and plunge pool. It is an ideal place to take pictures.
Catawba Falls is a trail that goes through a beautiful valley and crosses several rivers, and at the end a beautiful waterfall awaits you. Rainbow Falls drops from a height of 45 meters, and during the summer, you can enjoy abundant wildflowers along the trail. Skinny Dip Falls offers a beautiful waterfall with many levels that form deep pools ideal for swimming in the summer.
Â
Explore Science at Asheville Museum
Visiting the Museum of Science is another thing to do in Asheville, North Carolina. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a variety of interactive exhibits that turn learning into fun. Among the highlights is Colburn Hall of Minerals, which includes more than 350 types of minerals found in North Carolina and gems cut from around the world.
The Teratophoneus Curriei replica lets you learn about paleontology, and the Forest Ecology exhibit is a play area that simulates an Appalachian forest, where kids can climb and explore a giant bird’s nest. The STEM Lab is a space dedicated to scientific activities where workshops and educational programs are organized for young explorers, and in the Water and Sand Zone, children can learn about topography and ecology.
Â
Zipline in Asheville’s Mountains
If you’re passionate about ziplining, Asheville offers exciting experiences in a breathtaking natural setting that are not to be missed. For example, Navitat Canopy Adventures offers guided tours through the trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains with spectacular views. The tour includes ziplines that reach great speeds and impressive heights.
Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures includes 9 ziplines and 1 suspension bridge, with panoramic views of the city and mountains. The full tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $85 for the full tour and $59 for a shorter version. Participants must be at least 8 years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. French Broad Adventures offers an exciting canopy tour that includes approximately 1.3 km of ziplining, with lines reaching up to 300 meters in length. They also offer packages that combine ziplining with rafting.
Â
Walk Trails at Botanical Gardens
The Asheville Botanical Gardens, located at the University of North Carolina, offers a unique experience for nature lovers and hikers. This urban oasis spans 4 acres and features a circular trail with more than 600 species of plants native to the Southern Appalachians.
Among its main attractions are bridges that cross streams and offer beautiful views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Admission to the gardens is free, although donations are accepted to maintain the site. Picnic tables are available, so it is a good place to enjoy an outdoor lunch with your family and friends.
Â
Expert Tips for Visitors in Asheville
- The ideal months to visit Asheville are April through June and September through early November when temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its best.
- Be sure to book accommodations and some activities in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular sites such as the Biltmore Estate or participate in art workshops in the River Arts District.
- To avoid long lines at popular restaurants like Sunny Point Café and Tupelo Honey, arrive just when they open.
- Don't miss the opportunity to sample artisan chocolates at the French Broad Chocolate Factory and enjoy Asheville's great beer offerings.
- Take advantage of the mornings to explore the trails of the Pisgah National Forest; arriving early will allow you to enjoy the tranquility and make parking easier.
- Consider a jeep tour through the national forests to see impressive waterfalls such as Looking Glass Falls.
- Join a walking tour of downtown to learn about Asheville's great musical history, including stops at iconic venues such as The Orange Peel.
- Don't forget to explore the Asheville Art Museum and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial to learn more about local history.
- If you plan to hike, research routes and take a physical map along with GPS apps, as well as plenty of water and food.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Â
Ready For Ashevile? Not Just Yet!
Heading to Asheville, North Carolina? Stay online affordably with Yoho Mobile eSIM. Whether you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or downtown, Yoho Mobile provides reliable internet at a low cost. It’s quick and easy—perfect for travelers who want to stay connected without breaking the bank.
