Asheville Attractions & Activities

From locals, don't miss the best things to do in Asheville. Cheer for the Asheville tourists, watch Shakespeare under the stars, and ride a purple comedy bus through town.

Headed to Asheville with the entire family? Don't miss the best things to do with kids in AVL. Watch the sharks munch, sit in a plane, and play arcade games.

Don't miss our yearly Asheville events calendar. See which concerts and festivals are musts.

Asheville doesn't have to be your only stop. Uncover the best WNC mountain towns like Black Mountain, Hendersonville, and Weaverville.

If you love hiking and waterfalls, don’t miss the best waterfalls near Asheville, NC perfect for picnics, hiking, or a quick and refreshing dip. We are sharing waterfall hikes that are under 2 hours driving distance from Asheville.

Home to The Hunger Games and The Last of The Mohicans waterfalls, you can see over 4 waterfalls in a 7+-mile hike at DuPont. Read more about Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

If you are looking for a waterfall hike that is both easy and stunning, head over to Douglas Falls. You’ll enjoy this 70-foot waterfall that you can walk under. Plus, this hike is incredibly short, and you'll pass another waterfall on your drive up the mountain.

It’s no secret that we live at least 4 hours away from the shoreline in Asheville. So, where can you swim in Western North Carolina? Head to Skinny Dip Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kiss the Dragon Tree on its snout and spend an afternoon wading in the shallow waterfall pools.

If you are hoping to catch a rainbow at a waterfall, take your chances at Moore Cove Falls near Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. This 1.4-mile out-and-back hike is easy and perfect for families. A 50-foot waterfall awaits you.

A gorgeous and massive waterfall with a rainbow, head over to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park and the Pisgah National Forest. About 55 miles from Asheville, this 3-mile waterfall hike is sure to wow you with its stunning 150-foot falls.

Located in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, we just love Daniel Ridge Falls and Loop. Choose between two different trails -- one short and easy & one long and moderate -- to beautiful Daniel Ridge Falls.

Located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, explore one of Southern Appalachia's tallest waterfalls. An extremely short but moderate hike, these waterfalls are just gorgeous.

One of our favorite ways to spend our free time involves hiking and packing a picnic. Don’t miss the prettiest picnic areas in and around Asheville, NC. We are sharing picnic locations with waterfalls, 360-degree mountain views, and cows. Picnic in parks, gardens, and along Asheville’s beautiful trails.

Don’t miss some of the best gardens and parks in Asheville. We’ll share local public parks along with Asheville gardens including The NC Arboretum, Biltmore Gardens, and Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Uncover quick mentions of the most popular State and National parks near Asheville, too.

As passholders, The NC Arboretum sings to our nature-loving souls. Discover trails and hidden benches among stunning flowers and butterflies.

If you are looking for 10-acres of streams, wildlife, and gorgeous blooms, don’t miss the Botanical Gardens At Asheville, only minutes from downtown.

Did you enjoy too much local Asheville, NC food and beer? Need to walk it off? Head to the Beaver Lake Trail and Bird Sanctuary for a gorgeous 2-mile loop around the lake or a .5-mile boardwalk nature hike through the sanctuary. Beaver Lake is perfect for picnics, too.

Although technically a cemetery, Riverside is managed by Asheville Parks and Recreation. See where famous local author Thomas Wolfe and his family are buried and pay tribute to O. Henry. Located in the beautiful Montford District, you'll love the serene 3.5 miles of paved roads.

Along with food and booze, Asheville is filled with art, science, and history museums. See which museums we recommend as AVL locals. From spooky houses and cemeteries to modern art and dinosaur bones, this post has something for everyone.

Don’t miss these gorgeous Asheville murals. Learn more about AVL’s famous artists and the meaning behind the street art. Say hi to Dolly Parton as a 10-foot rooster towers over you. See fairy doors and listen to a ghost story, too.

Did you know that Asheville has a champagne book bar, a queer & feminist co-op bookstore, and a bookshop in a location where they used to auction cows?! Don’t miss these Asheville bookstores.

See where to stay, what to know, and what to do in the fall in and around Asheville. We are sharing Blue Ridge Parkway tips, too.

It’s no secret that Asheville is stunning in the fall. See which autumn activities you should add to your bucket lis

Did you know that Hendersonville is known as “Apple Alley.” If you are visiting Asheville in the fall, you cannot skip the Hendersonville apple orchards. See where to find the best cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze, and apple pick.

Hiking in Asheville is gorgeous all year round. However, the fall is especially magical here in the mountains. What are our favorite fall Asheville hikes that are worth the drive? Your eyes won’t be disappointed.

Located in Flat Rock, NC, don't miss one of the best apple orchards near Asheville. Sky Top is famous for its fresh donuts, cider donuts, farm animals, and bamboo forest.