Traveling solo is one of my biggest passions. Following my rhythm, getting up late with no other plan than lounging at the beach while in Mexico, strolling the streets under a full moon at 1 am in Granada, or having dessert for dinner in Buenos Aires, I get to do whatever I want, and that’s a real treat. I love traveling with family and friends, but I’ll never stop gifting myself those “honeymoons with myself,” as I call them. 

Asheville is such a great place for solo travelers! It offers a great combination of places and experiences where you can be alone or mingle with locals to meet new friends and socialize. I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do on your solo trip to Asheville, many of which I love doing when my kids are with their dad and I find myself alone (but never lonely!). 

I suggest you join some Facebook groups so locals and former visitors can help you plan your trip. I love Asheville Foodies, Visit Asheville, and our own What’s Happening, Asheville? page, featuring the best events. 

If you’re traveling solo to Asheville, here are some fun things to do!

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Fun Things to Do as a Solo Traveler in Asheville

1. Join a Magic Hour Photo Shoot Cocktail Crawl & Tour

One of the challenges of traveling solo is getting good photos of yourself that are not selfie. Of course, you can ask others to capture your special moments, but nothing beats professional shoots.

This Airbnb Photo Shoot and Cocktail Crawl experience hosted by Kristin Shelly combines a downtown bar crawl with a professional photo session during Asheville’s magical golden hour. 

So, all you have to do is relax, enjoy a craft cocktail on a rooftop, take in the views, and pose as a superstar. Those portraits will make unique souvenirs, and maybe you’ll meet friends! Check out Kristin’s photography here.

2. Tour the River Arts District with Jordan 

Jordan leads a fun and interactive tip-based walking tour around the River Arts District (RAD) that will give you the best insights about the trendiest area of town. You’ll learn about the history of the buildings, visit the art studios, interact with the artists at work, get excellent Asheville travel tips, and try yummy complimentary drinks and snacks. 

Of course, you can always stroll the RAD alone or as an addition to the tour. The studios are open to the public, and the artists are happy to talk to visitors – some even offer workshops and classes! But taking this tour is an excellent first approach to the area and a good chance to meet a local expert and mingle with other travelers. 

3. Have a Double Cheeseburger at Baby Bull

Baby Bull in the River Arts District has fantastic burgers, and it’s one of my favorite places to eat alone after a stroll around the studios or along the French Broad River. The Double Cheeseburger is simply perfect! 

Made with two 4 oz certified Angus beef patties, American cheese, house bread and butter pickles, Duke’s mayo, and caramelized onions on a Martin’s potato bun, it’ll be one of the highlights of your solo trip to Asheville. The Lobster Roll is also memorable, and the fries and zucchini fries are also excellent. 

Take advantage of Burger Monday deals, and don’t forget to take a photo of the Good Vibes tower mural next door – it’s one of Asheville’s most photographed landmarks.

4. Brunch Like Local at Vivian

Vivian, also in the River Arts District, is a husband- and wife-owned restaurant with a neighborhood vibe offering excellent upscale meals. I have yet to try something I don’t like. It serves one of the best off-the-tourist track brunches in Asheville, and you shouldn’t leave town without a visit.

When I’m on my own, I always appreciate the casual, cozy ambiance, the super-friendly service, and, of course, the farm-to-table food and craft cocktails. From the Lamb Benedict to the Shrimp Kedgeree and the Deep-Fried Chicken Biscuit, you really can’t go wrong. But do make reservations, as this is a small space that fills up quickly. 

5. Pamper Yourself at the Sauna House 

If you’re looking for a pampering experience during your solo trip to Asheville, the Sauna House offers one of the most restorative and rejuvenating Asheville wellness experiences with traditional and infrared saunas and cold plunges. Repeating the “Hot, Cold, Relax” formula during the two-hour session will prepare you to climb a mountain… after a good nap! 

I love going there solo because the upstairs sauna and cold plunge aim to foster social wellness. Hence, the lounge furniture, uplifting music, and plenty of chances to interact with locals and visitors. 

The downstairs is a quiet area, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a retreat-like atmosphere. Be sure to make reservations if you plan to go during the weekend.

6. Join the Fender Bender LaZoom Brewery Tour 

The purple buses of LaZoom Comedy Tours are a local landmark and taking a tour is one of the best things to do in Asheville if you’re flying solo. They have family-friendly and adult-only tours, including a super fun ghost tour. Bonus: dogs are welcome on all tours!

The Fender Bender Tour features live music on board and hits three breweries. This is a fun way to approach the local beer scene as a solo traveler to Asheville while making new friends and having a blast singing and dancing.

7. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers great fun and awe year-round. From hiking trails for all levels to scenic drives, breathtaking vistas and outdoor recreation are always guaranteed. It’s especially spectacular when the fall foliage is on full display, but it’s also lovely in the other seasons with lush forests, wildflowers, historic tunnels and bridges, and snowy mountains.

There are many overlooks, trails, and visitor centers along the road, with opportunities to stretch your legs, take in the views, or lay a picnic blanket and enjoy local goodies. Some popular stops near Asheville include Craggy Gardens (amazing 360-degree views!), Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam Knob, and the Folk Art Center. The route between Asheville and Mount Mitchell is one of the most scenic drives near Asheville.

8. Spend the Day at Biltmore Estate

Every visitor to Asheville should go to Biltmore Estate at least once. Your day ticket will give you access to the French Renaissance Vanderbilt’s chateau, which has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces! Check the website for seasonal events, activities, and exhibitions. 

One of the best parts of traveling to Asheville solo is that you can take lots of time to explore the grounds and gardens. Don’t miss the free wine tasting at The Winery. And if you’d like to take a tour, I loved the Backstairs Tour). Of course, if you want to treat yourself, you can always stay at one of the on-site hotels and experience it all from the inside. 

9. Mingle with Locals on Haywood Road 

One of my favorite things about traveling solo is that, by shifting the focus from friends, my kids, or other travel companions, I am more open to spontaneous conversations with locals and opportunities naturally follow. 

Haywood Road is the center of West Asheville, a free-spirited, artistic part of town where you won’t see as many tourists as in downtown or the River Arts District. This iconic street is full of cool shops, from thrift stores where you can find vinyl, vintage clothing, and home goods to a black cat lounge and magic shop called House of Black Cat Magic. 

Also, some of the best restaurants in town are on this corridor, including Sunny Point Café (best brunch in Asheville!) and award-winning Neng Jr’s serving Filipino food. If you want to try something new, Elevated Kava is a great place to relax with kava, participate in alcohol-free events, and meet new friends!

10. Discover Asheville on a Self-Paced Trail 

A great way to make sure you don’t miss any historical landmarks is to follow one of the City of Asheville’s free walking tours, with the newly added Black Cultural Heritage Trail being an excellent option. My co-workers and I walked the downtown section of it to honor Black History Month and found new places and learn a lot.

These trails allow you to discover different areas and aspects of town at your own pace while leaving room to explore local shops, cafés, restaurants, breweries, urban parks, and street art. 

Some of my favorite stops are the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, the iron sculptures at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, the Grove Arcade, and the historic Stephens Lee Recreation Center (you can get a unique downtown view from the playground next door!).

11. Attend a Festival in Downtown Asheville

The many festivals in Asheville are another great opportunity to glimpse the city’s culture and interact with locals. While the parks downtown are more active during the warmer months, there are incredible buskers year-round, especially around the Grove Arcade.

The Asheville Drum Circle takes place every Friday at Pritchard Park around 6 pm and it has an awesome vibe. Everyone is welcome to bring their drums and their dance moves! 

If you visit between June and September, go Downtown After 5 (DTA5) on Lexington Ave, which features local bands and vendors. This festival is free.

Shindig on the Green is an ongoing summer (July and August) event happening every Saturday around sunset, featuring on-stage Appalachian musicians and dancers. It’s held at Pack Square, Asheville’s most active urban park and home to many other festivals year-round.

12. Shop at Sugar Britches

Sugar Britches is one of the best places to shop in downtown Asheville. It’s such a fun store! You’ll love the vibe and the curated collection of vintage and upcycled clothing featuring items for men and women and tons of unique accessories. This is a go-to place for locals to find treasures and party outfits.

13. Find the Right Place to Stay

Asheville has many lodging options, from luxury and boutique to affordable hotels, one-of-a-kind Airbnbs, and glamping sites; you’ll find something to perfectly match your solo trip to Asheville.

If you are looking for solitude, nature, and giving yourself extra love and care, check out the Asheville Glamping Star Dome, which has a private hot tub perfect for stargazing. A more upscale option is the Grove Park Inn, one of the best hotels in the US.

If you want to interact with other travelers, try a bed and breakfast, like the historic Inn on Montford, which has live music on the weekends and social hours for guests. Another great option for solo travelers is the newly opened hostel The Lazy Tiger.

14. Spend Some Time in Montford

The historic district of Montfort is within walking distance of downtown and a great place to spend some time going at your own pace. First, sit down for a meal at local favorite All Day Darling. 

This is my go-to place for a quick but excellent bite or a unique beverage while working on my computer. It’s open from 7am to 9 pm, there is indoor and outdoor seating, the staff is super friendly, and it’s full of locals hanging out with their dogs. 

Afterwards, take some time to explore Montford’s ample streets, parks, greenways, and the historic Riverside Cemetery, where you can find Thomas Wolfe’s grave. 

15. Take a Food Tour with Stu Helm

Stu Helm hosts fantastic food tours with six to eight stops and lots of incredible food. This is a great way to alternate your lovely solo dining experiences with more interactive meals. Plus, you’ll get tips and insights from one of Asheville’s most respected foodies.

These are walking tours around downtown, and you’ll get the chance to meet chefs and owners, giving you a more comprehensive overview of Asheville’s food scene. You can join a group tour or book a private experience.

16. Take a Walk Around Asheville’s Urban Gardens

If you are like me and flowers and pollinators make you the happiest, visit one or both of these urban gardens, especially if you’re here in the spring, summer, or fall. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local flora and fauna while exploring different parts of town.

The North Carolina Arboretum has miles of well-maintained trails and gardens, an impressive collection of azaleas, and seasonal exhibits and events. The entrance is free, but there is a small parking fee per car. You can bring a picnic or dine at the on-site bistro.

The Asheville Botanical Gardens in North Asheville are very close to downtown and offers a good break from the urban action. There is a small creek, three Instaworthy bridges, lots of flowers, and, since it’s next to the UNCA campus, you’ll see students lying on the grass, doing yoga, and playing music. 

Have you visited Asheville on your own? What was your favorite solo activity in Asheville? Please let me know in the comments!

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