There are a bunch of extraordinary things that make Asheville the terrific place it is. Take a gentle, four-season climate, access to outdoor adventures year-round, excellent spa and wellness experiences, a nationally acclaimed food scene, tons of breweries, music venues, and annual festivals, and combine it with a caring, conscious community and a little bit of weirdness, and you’ve got Asheville!

But, of course, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and one has to come here to experience it all at once. Or, like an Ashevillian would say, “to get the vibe.” To do so, certain activities must be part of your Asheville bucket list because they will give you insights into the different aspects of our rich, vital culture. 

This is a small city (or a big town). Only about 100,000 people live here, but there is so much to do all the time. We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Asheville – stick to this list and you’re sure to enjoy your time in Asheville as much as we do! Have fun, savor delicious food, enjoy the mountain views, buy hippy gifts, be yourself, and always remember to honor our slogan: “Keep Asheville Weird!”

*Note that this article was written prior to Hurricane Helene and several of these spots may be temporarily closed.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

61 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Asheville

1. Take a LaZoom Comedy Tour 

Joining a LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour is easily one of the most fun things to do in Asheville. The purple open-air buses with mustaches and eyelashes host a comedy, vaudeville, and history experience that can only happen in Asheville.  

You’ll love spending time in the LaZoom Room lounge before jumping on board. Plus, taking a photo with the mural of Sister Bad Habit is one of those must-do Asheville activities!

You’ll be guided through downtown’s bars, breweries, and haunted places by the most hilarious tour guides. While most tours are for adults only, there is a family-friendly “Lil Boogers” option kids will adore. All tours are dog-friendly with just one requirement:  “All dogs must have a good sense of humor.”

2. Picnic Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the country’s most scenic roads. Exploring it is one of the most rewarding things to do in Asheville during every season. It offers breathtaking mountain views (without even having to leave the car), all kinds of hiking trails (more on that by the end of the article), historic landmarks, and it’s one of the best spots to see the fall foliage in Asheville. 

It’s open year-round (sometimes sections are closed during the winter due to the weather), offering fun opportunities to walk or ride your bike. Make sure you stop at Milepost 384, where the main visitor center is.

3. Try Indian Street Food at Chai Pani

Downtown Asheville’s Chai Pani won the James Beard Foundation’s 2022 Outstanding Restaurant Award, and it’s still one of the best places to eat in Asheville. Every bite feels like an explosion of flavors and textures, and the hospitality is outstanding.

This place serves up Indian street food. From the chaat (snacks) and the Indian wraps to the thalis and the uttapam (savory crepes), there’s a lot to try here! 

4. Go to Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest point east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet). You can drive nearly to the peak and get incredible views, making the journey 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville so worth it. There are plenty of trails, a small museum, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

5. Grab Frozen Treats at The Hop 

The Hop is the most loved ice cream in town. Find out why by trying the salted caramel ice cream. If you bring your furry friend along, The Hop has frozen treats for them, too! 

Locations:

North Asheville: 640 Merrimon Ave, Asheville.

Downtown: Patton Ave, Asheville.

West Asheville: 721 Haywood Road, Asheville.

6. Stop at the Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild and a perfect spot to appreciate authentic Appalachian arts and crafts and get unique gifts.

Location: 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville.

7. See What’s Up at Pack Square

Pack Square is Asheville’s most famous urban park in the heart of downtown. It’s home to many festivals and events, from massive art shows to music events like the famous Shindig on the Green in the summer. 

It’s also the place to gather for protests and celebrations. Your kids will have a blast playing on grassy areas and cooling down at Splashville, a summer splash fountain with cool, photogenic lighting features.

8. Stop by Pack’s Tavern 

You can have a solid lunch here or just take a photo with “Pack’s Yellow Truck,” one of the most photographed Asheville landmarks and a must on any Asheville bucket list. 

Location: 20 S. Spruce Street, Asheville.

9. Take a Hood Tour 

Just a few blocks from Pack Square is The Block, once the financial and cultural center of the Black community in Asheville and North Carolina. If you’re looking for insightful Asheville activities, Hood Tours’ guides will tell you the stories of this part of town. Plus, you’ll love the mural at Triangle Park honoring Black people in Asheville.

10. Follow the Urban Trail 

The Urban Trail is a free, two-hour self-guided audio tour that follows 30 bronze sculptures and plaques around downtown. It starts at Pack Square, and it will take you to a gigantic iron on Wall Street, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Grove Arcade, the S&W Food Market, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, among other interesting Asheville landmarks. 

The trail covers every area of downtown, and it’s one of the most interesting things to do in Asheville if you want to discover our city at your own pace. 

11. Get Weird at Stay Glazed Donuts

Stay Glazed Donuts and Cafe is in the basement of the Jackson Building in Pack Square and is one of the best places to get donuts in Asheville. You’ll love the diversity and uniqueness of the flavors (Monster Mash Mocha Fudge-filled chocolate frosting with crushed Snickers and M&Ms, anyone?) and the fact that these are the only gluten-free mochi dough donuts in town. 

Besides its daytime hours, it’s also open from 7 pm to 12 pm Fridays and Saturdays. 

Location: 22 S. Pack Square, Asheville.

12. Visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is one of the most delicious Asheville attractions. This beloved chocolate shop in Pack Square has some of the best desserts in town. Imagine entering a cute blue building and being greeted by heavenly chocolate smells and goodies.

You can find everything from truffles, bonbons, cakes, cookies, and chocolate bars – it all comes from their chocolate factory. Don’t leave without trying their sipping chocolate desserts, the award-winning Rose, Cardamom & Pistachio bonbon, and the Chocolate Creme Brulee. 

Location: 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville.

13. Better Yet, Tour the Chocolate Factory 

Book a French Broad Chocolate Factory Tour to discover how cacao beans evolve into a lavish chocolate bar. The experience includes tasting all forms of chocolate, from the fruit to the delicious bars. The whole family will love it!

Location: 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville.

14. Take Photos with Asheville’s Positive Signs

During the last few years, Downtown Asheville has been filled with positive signs popping up around every corner. “Be Kind,” “Love is the Answer,” and “All You Need is Love” are some of them. 

There is also a fantastic mural reminding you that “This is a Positive Sign.” A fun fairy and her magical crew are behind them. Walk along Lexington and Broadway avenues to find them.

15. Take an Urban Art Tour 

Mountain Mural Tours will take you to all the must-see spots, including the Dolly Parton and RuPaul mural in West Asheville, the Indigenous Walls Project creations bringing the Cherokee/Anigiduwagi language to the public spaces, the tiny fairy houses, and the famous Asheville silo in the River Arts District.

16. Treat Yourself to Old Europe Pastries’ Desserts

Just a few steps from those positive signs on Broadway Avenue, there’s Old Europe Pastries, one of the oldest downtown shops and a staple of every Asheville bucket list. 

Our downtown wouldn’t be the same without it. You’ll love the cakes, the macarons, the croissants, the yummy seasonal drinks, the different seating areas, and the super-friendly staff. 

Location: 18 Broadway Street, Asheville.

17. Buy Unique Gifts at Mast General Store

Mast General Store is housed in a historic building on Biltmore Avenue, and its two stories have absolutely everything. You can find a vast selection of clothing and outdoor gear, home goods, gift baskets full of local products, timeless toys, family games, Asheville souvenirs, and a giant section of candy. 

Your child (or inner child!) will love grabbing a green basket and filling it with treats. And don’t leave the store without buying Asheville-opoly! 

Location: 15 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville. 

18. See a Show at The Orange Peel

The Orange Peel has been voted one of the best places to dance in WNC for eight years. It features an 8,500-square-foot hardwood dance floor, a 46-foot stainless steel bar serving the best local beer, and a fantastic sound and lighting system. 

Location: 101 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville.

19. Get Lost at Malaprop’s

Do you love indie bookstores? Well, we have one of the best in the country! Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe is another downtown landmark and one of the must-do things in Asheville for bibliophiles.  

You’ll love the selections of local and regional authors, the cafe with local drinks and treats, the super-knowledgeable staff, and how dog-friendly it is (it even has its own Instagram account for dogs!). If you’re shopping for gifts, kids will treasure a copy of “Goodnight Asheville” by Holly Myers. 

Location: 55 Haywood Street, Asheville.

20. Have Lunch at the S&W Market 

One of the most iconic Asheville attractions, the S&W Cafeteria building was designed by architect Douglas Ellington, “the architect who changed Asheville into an Art Deco showplace.”  

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is now home to S&W Market, downtown’s only food court, which hosts Highland Brewing Company, Asheville’s original craft brewery, and some of the best places to eat in Asheville.

Check out Buxton Chicken Palace’s amazing fried chicken sandwich, Bun Intended’s excellent Thai-inspired street food, Mikasa’s fusion Peruvian creations, and The Hop’s ice cream. Don’t leave without checking out the views from the upper floor!

Location: 56 Patton Avenue, Asheville.

21. Dance at the Drum Circle

Right across the street from the S&W Market is the small yet active Pritchard Park, home to many events and happenings and surrounded by amazing places to eat and shop. 

The Drum Circle takes place every Friday night here, and it’s one of the most unique things to do in Asheville if you want to play drums, dance, and allow your weirdest self to shine. This is a fun activity to do with kids, too!

22. Visit the Grove Arcade

Visiting the Grove Arcade is one of the must-do things in Asheville for anyone who loves to shop. It was built by E.W. Grove (founder of the Grove Park Inn) in 1929, and it quickly became the center of commerce in Western North Carolina until it closed during WWII. 

It reopened in 2002 and now hosts gorgeous shops, restaurants, cafés, a brewery, and a fun foot spa. This is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Asheville, as it hosts many events during the holidays. If you are a history lover, you’ll love doing the self-guided tour.

Make sure you check out Battery Park Book Exchange, a fascinating bookstore and champagne bar with the perfect outdoor seating area for people-watching. 

Location: 1 Page Avenue, Asheville.

23. Walk Around Wall Street by the Grove Arcade

You’ll love the shops, restaurants, and ginkgo trees in the fall.

24. Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum is steps away from the Grove Arcade, and the entire family will love playing with the 70 pinball machines and classic video games!

Location: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville.

25. Stroll around North Lexington Ave’s Shops

Lexington Avenue was named one of the country’s five best streets by the American Planning Association in 2015. Find out why by taking a couple of hours to check out its stores and architecture. 

Relax at Dobrá Tea’s Eastern tea house or eat the best chicken cordon bleu at Bouchon. Shop, thrift, and buy vinyl, gems, antiques, hippy things, and unique clothing, and don’t forget to check out the Lexington Avenue Mural before you leave. 

If you’re in town during the summer, go to Downtown After Five on Lexington, a festival held every third Friday from June to September.

26. Get Pay-It-Forward Meals at Rosetta’s Kitchen

Of course, you can do this everywhere, but Rosetta’s Kitchen (also on Lexington Ave) has pioneered the random acts of kindness movement of paying it forward and has offered sliding-scale meals forever. 

It opened 20 years ago and now serves vegan soul food in two spaces: a casual dining room in DIY style and the connected Buchi Bar, with a full-service dining room featuring the fantastic local kombucha Buchi. 

Location: 68 N Lexington Ave, Asheville.

27. Brunch for a Cause with Drag Queens 

Asheville Drag Brunch is the longest-running professional drag brunch show in Asheville. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Asheville, their rotating fabulous queens bring their show and brunch to different venues, and all profits benefit local nonprofits. 

28. Discover Historic Montford

Montford is one of the most charming, walkable neighborhoods in Asheville. It’s within walking distance from downtown, but it has a distinctive chill, artistic vibe. You’ll love the ample streets with trees and gardens, the lively colored homes with roomie porches, and the friendly neighbors. 

29. Take the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Stop at the Asheville Visitor Center and take Gray Line’s famous Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. The ticket is valid for two consecutive days!

30. Have Brunch at All Day Darling

Located in historic Montford, All Day Darling is a lovely off-the-tourist-track brunch spot. This gem is open from 7 am to 9 pm (all day, darling!), and you’ll love that all the items on their menu are served all day. The Fried Chicken Biscuit, the Lox Plate, and the Shakshuka are the best! The pastries and cakes are also delicious.

Location: 102 Montford Ave, Asheville.

31. Spice Things Up at Nine Mile

Dine on fantastic Caribbean fusion food at the fantastic Nine Mile. And don’t worry if you’re vegetarian or vegan because most dishes can be served with either meat or tofu. There are also gluten-free alternatives, making this a great place for everyone in your crew! 

Locations:

Montford: 233 Montford Ave, Asheville.

West Asheville: 751 Haywood Rd, Asheville.

South Asheville: 33 Town Square Blvd, Asheville.

32. Visit the Historic Riverside Cemetery

Take a walk around the historic Riverside Cemetery and see if you can find the spontaneous gifts left at the grave of Asheville’s favorite writer, Thomas Wolfe.

33. Be Entertained by the Montford Park Players

For 50 years, the Montford Park Players (the longest-running theater company of its kind in NC!) have been providing high-quality Shakespeare shows in Asheville and making the show free of charge. So pack a picnic and enjoy the show! 

34. Relax at the Botanical Gardens

The Asheville Botanical Gardens in North Asheville are within walking distance of Montford and a favorite place to spot local flora and fauna, do photo sessions, and cool down by the water. It’s connected to Asheville’s greenway system, and its short hiking trail is perfect for families with young kids. 

Location: 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville.

35. Enjoy the Sunset at the Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of the most iconic Asheville attractions and a must on any Asheville bucket list. You can walk around for free (there is a parking fee during the holiday season), shop, get a cocktail or coffee, relax by the gigantic fireplaces, or make a reservation to dine at one of its fabulous restaurants. 

If you visit during the holidays, don’t miss their National Gingerbread House Competition, one of the most fun Christmas festivities in Asheville! 

Location: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville.

36. Get a Pie at Tiny Gallery

If you happen to be in North Asheville on a Tuesday, stop at Tiny Gallery on 34 Woodward Avenue and get a delicious pie from Camille Cogswell – they’re some of the best pies in Asheville. Follow her on Instagram to get updates or preorder.

37. Explore the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary (also in North Asheville) is an 8-acre sanctuary that’s home to many species of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies/damselflies. It’s beautiful at sunrise. 

Location: 1056 Merrimon Ave, Asheville.

38. Adopt a Cat from the House of Black Cat Magic

The House of Black Cat Magic is a cat lounge/foster home for black cats where you can also shop for magic supplies, get a tarot reading, and mingle with the coolest kitties and locals.

Location: 841 Haywood Rd, Asheville.

39. Take a Photo with Dolly Parton and RuPaul

I’ll never get tired of taking photos of Gus Cutty’s fantastic mural at Beauty Parade, featuring Dolly Parton and RuPaul.

Location: 783 Haywood Rd, Asheville.

40. Join a No Taste Like Home Foraging Tour

One of the most unique things to do in Asheville, No Taste Like Home offers one of the most exciting tours in town, which has also been selected as TripAdvisor’s No.1 foraging activity in the US. 

You’ll take a walk in the forest, gather edible plants, fruits, and mushrooms with the help of an expert, and then eat them! You can even bring them to a local restaurant and have them cooked for you as part of your meal.

41. Grab Picnic Supplies at a Farmers’ Market

Asheville is all about local, farm-to-table food, and there is no better place to get it than at the best farmers’ markets in Asheville. Some of the city’s most popular include the North Asheville Tailgate Market, the River Arts District Farmers Market, and the WNC Farmers Market. They’re perfect for cobbling together a picnic lunch.

42. Take Fido to Dinner at Posana

This is “Dog City, USA,” and there are so many cool Asheville activities to do with dogs and other pets. But for a real treat, Posana features a fantastic rotating menu of 100% gluten-free dishes made with seasonal, locally-grown ingredients, including a menu for dogs with dog beer included! 

Location: 1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville.

43. Explore the River Arts District

The River Arts District (RAD) by the French Broad River is home to over 200 art studios and shops spread around 23 old buildings. There are just so many great places to eat, shop, and relax – you could easily spend a whole day exploring. 

A local tip: You can ride the free ArtsAVL CONNECT Trolley between the RAD and downtown Asheville on the second Saturday of the month. Enjoy the special events, open studios, special deals, classes, workshops, and extended shopping hours.

44. Eat at 12 Bones Smokehouse

If you work up an appetite while exploring Asheville, hit up 12 Bones Smokehouse. This is an Asheville institution and one of the best places to eat barbecue and Southern food in town. The Obamas have eaten here at least three times! 

Location: 2350 Hendersonville, Arden.

45. Go Shopping at Marquee

Also located in the RAD, Marquee is set in a converted 50,000-square-foot warehouse featuring work from 291 vendors offering everything, from local arts and crafts and vintage items to plants, and there is even an on-site bar!

*Marquee was destroyed by Hurricane Helene but they plan to reopen in summer 2025!

Location: 36 Foundy St, Asheville.

46. Snap a Selfie with the Silo

When it comes to must-do things in Asheville, make your way to the RAD and seek out the old silo on Roberts Street. This is one of Asheville’s most Instagrammable spots. The silo was first painted with the slogan “Good Vibes” by Ian Wilkinson and Ishmael, and it now features an ever-changing slogan.

47. Eat Offbeat Tacos at White Duck 

White Duck Taco Shop is one of the most popular taco shops in all of Asheville. From the mole roasted duck, shrimp ceviche, and chicken tikka masala tacos to the tofu banh mi, Korean beef bulgogi, and black bean and cheese tacos, you’ll love eating your way through the eclectic menu.

Locations:

Downtown: 12 Biltmore Ave, Asheville.

South Asheville: 16 Miami Circle, Arden. 

48. Have Fun by the French Broad River

The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and an Asheville landmark. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Asheville, you can go tubing, paddleboarding, or kayaking in the summer, bike the French Broad Greenway in the fall, tour riverside breweries all year round, or take the kids to Carrier Park, an awesome playground featuring a former DIRTcar race track transformed into a velodrome bicycle track, perfect for scooters and strollers.

49. Check Out Highland Brewing Company

 Dating back to 1994, Highland Brewing Company was the first brewery in the city since Prohibition and the third-oldest craft brewery in North Carolina. It’s worth checking out one of its three locations. 

If you’ve got little ones, The Meadow at Highland is one of the most kid-friendly breweries in Asheville. Plus, everyone will love the rotating food trucks. I love Kinfolk, which offers fantastic Southern food. 

Location: 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200, Asheville.

50. Take a Craft Beer Tour

Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. The last time I counted, we had an average of 28.1 breweries per 100,000 residents and over 100 local beers.

BREW-ed’s Brewery Tours offers one of the best Asheville brewery tours oriented to not only tasting beer but educating folks about the process of making craft beer. If you’re not into guided tours, you can always do a self-guided tour of Asheville’s best breweries.

51. Recharge at Shoji Spa

You’ll find all sorts of lovely spas and wellness experiences in Asheville, but Shoji Spa and Retreat is one of the best. Located “2,500 feet above stress level,” Shoji is a Japanese-inspired spa and retreat center offering some of the best wellness experiences in Asheville.

You’ll especially love the salt hydrotherapy tubs overlooking the National Forest of this oasis just a few minutes from downtown. 

Location: 96 Avondale Heights Rd, Asheville.

52. Unwind in a Salt Cave 

One of the coolest Asheville attractions, the Asheville Salt Cave aims to recreate the microclimate of a salt mine using 30 tons of pure pink salt from Poland, the Dead Sea, the Himalayas, and the Celtic Sea. 

The salt therapy offered by this place has impressive effects on the body and mind, and booking a relaxing session here is easily one of the most unique things to do in Asheville. 

Location: 16 N Liberty St, Asheville.

53. Try Contrast Therapy at Sauna House

Another awesome Asheville wellness experience, you can get physically and emotionally stronger with the contrast therapy of “Hot, Cold, Relax, Repeat” at the Sauna House. Take the plunge and you’ll leave feeling happier, more centered, and 10 years younger!

Location: 230 Short Coxe Ave, Asheville.

54. Frolic Around the North Carolina Arboretum

Local families love spending the day at the NC Arboretum. It features 10 miles of easy, well-maintained trails that are perfect for introducing kids to hiking. There are special events, exhibitions, educational activities, a G-scale model train, a Nature Discovery Room, a bistro, and a gift shop.

Check their blooming calendar to see what to expect by the time of your visit. If you come to Asheville during November or December, make sure to get tickets to see Winter Lights, their holiday lights display. 

Location: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville.

55. Catch Sunset at Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail

There is a reason why Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail is one of Asheville’s family-favorite trails: drive 30 minutes from downtown, hike for only 20 to 30 minutes (the trail is 1.2 miles long), and enjoy epic 360-degree views. Plus, you’ll get photogenic twisted trees, spectacular rhododendrons in June, and blueberries in late August.

56. Hike to the Top of Black Balsam Knob

Black Balsam Knob is Ashevillians’ favorite trail. You’ll go through wooded areas to finally get to the bald top. The hike and the awe-inspiring views will make you feel empowered and humbled at the same time.

57. Pick Blueberries at Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is one of the best kid-friendly hikes near Asheville. You’ll welcome the opportunities to play by the water in the summer, see the blooming rhododendrons in June, do some blueberry-picking in mid-August, and gawk at the multi-colored foliage in autumn.

58. Enjoy the Views at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a 535-million-year-old monolith that can be accessed by an elevator or the 500-step Outcroppings Trail. You’ll love the 75-mile panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. 

59. Explore the ‘Land of Waterfalls’ 

Transylvania County is home to 250 waterfalls, part of the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, and the cute town of Brevard. It’s impossible to mention all the waterfalls, but Looking Glass Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible because you can see it from your car or access it after a short walk.

60. Glide Down a Natural 60-Foot Waterslide

Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest is powered by 11,000 gallons of water per minute, ending in an 8-foot-deep pool and promising endless fun. This is definitely one of the most fun waterfall hikes near Asheville!

61. Visit the Biltmore Estate

I’m sure you already have America’s largest home on your radar. Everyone coming to Asheville should spend at least one day exploring Biltmore Estate at least once in their life. Some people love it and come back year after year to marvel at something new each time, while others never return.

You can get tickets to visit the house, which includes 8,000 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, and you can also get a pass to stroll around the outdoors and enjoy miles of hiking trails. If you consider visiting around the holidays, get tickets (fast!) for Christmas at Biltmore.

Location: 1 Lodge St, Asheville.

There you have it! The 61 best things to do in Asheville. What’s your favorite thing to do in Asheville? Let us know in the comments below!