6+ Fun Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

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With so many fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, it’s easy to see why this charming mountain town has a loyal following! Asheville is a unique mix of outdoor beauty, art, and lively breweries, making it a destination perfect for adventure or laid-back travelers.

We stopped here on our two-week Southeast USA road trip, and it quickly became a favorite! Between hopping from brewery to brewery, exploring Blue Ridge trails, and discovering unique shops and street art, Asheville offers a little something for everyone.

Here’s a roundup of some of the amazing experiences that make Asheville so special!

Fun Things to Do in Asheville

1. The Biltmore

If you’re looking for one of the most iconic things to do in Asheville, you simply have to visit the Biltmore Estate! This 8,000-acre property boasts America’s largest home—complete with 250 rooms, sprawling gardens, a winery, Antler Hill Village, and even a farmyard!

Definitely book your tickets in advance and plan for at least half a day to take it all in. Don’t miss out on scheduling your complimentary wine tasting (spots fill up fast!). And if you’re visiting during the holidays, the estate’s festive decorations will leave you awestruck.

2. Grove Arcade

For a bit of shopping and history, swing by the Grove Arcade! Originally built in 1928 as America’s first indoor shopping mall, this charming spot is packed with unique boutiques and tasty eateries. It’s a quick stop but definitely worth it!

Book (or champagne) lovers should make a point to visit the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar nearby—it’s a bibliophile’s dream with a side of bubbly!

3. Take a Hike

Asheville is a hiker’s paradise! Catawba Falls, Dupont State Forest, and Graveyard Fields are all popular picks, each with beautiful scenery and varying difficulty levels.

We loved Catawba Falls, which is only a 30-minute drive from town in Pisgah National Forest. It’s a 2.3-mile round-trip hike with stunning waterfall views at the end! It took us around two hours to complete, and that’s including a little photoshoot at the falls, but set aside about three hours just to be safe. Definitely go early if you want to try to avoid the crowds, because this is a pretty heavily trafficked hike!

TIP: Download All Trails to use for your hikes! You get tips, up-to-date info on the trails, and GPS tracking to show your position on the trail so you don’t get lost (this came in handy A LOT for me).

4. Brewery Hop

Asheville’s brewery scene is absolutely next-level! It should be at the top of your list of things to do in Asheville, even if you aren’t a beer lover. Nearly every spot we visited had cocktail and wine options for non-beer drinkers, plus menus packed with eclectic bites. Coming from an area that has places like Dunedin and St. Pete, I’m somewhat of a brewery snob, but I can guarantee you Asheville will not let you down!

Some of my favorite spots were Wicked Weed Brewing and Funkatorium (more on them below). Burial Beer Co. was another brewery that was highly endorsed by some locals, but we didn’t get a chance to make it there ourselves!

5. Visit a Local Cafe

Start your day with a quirky caffeine boost at Double D’s Coffee & Desserts. This Asheville coffee shop is inside a vintage 1963 British double-decker bus with a cozy outdoor seating area. We are typically basic with our coffee order, but they had so many fun options we stepped out of our comfort zone and got one of their iced lattes. Along with coffee, they also serve up smoothies and milkshakes! Heads up, it’s cash only!

Another great spot we heard about but didn’t get to visit is High Five Coffee.

6. Check Out the River Arts District

The River Arts District (aka RAD) is an artsy, vibrant area you’ll want to explore! Filled with converted warehouses, colorful street art, studios, cafés, and even an indoor/outdoor skatepark, this place has an eclectic vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

We snagged a coffee at Summit Coffee Co. on our way to a hike, but there’s so much more to see and do here.

UPDATE: It breaks my heart to share that the River Arts District (RAD) was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. For those looking to help, there are ways to support the recovery efforts on their official website.

Must-Visit Breweries, Bars, and Restaurants in Asheville

The Bier Garden

The Bier Garden is a laid-back sports pub with an impressive lineup of over 250 beers from around the world, making it an great spot to relax post-hike. We were able to load up on carbs (and Remi loaded up on a little bit of beer) all for a pretty cheap amount. While they do have a lot of pub food, they also have really delicious-sounding salads if you want some lighter fare!

Pack’s Tavern

Set in a charmingly restored old-town building, Pack’s Tavern brings a welcoming, family-owned vibe to the Asheville restaurant scene. Their expansive menu has something for everyone. I wish we would’ve been able to come back here another night because when we went we were still mostly full from our heavy lunch.

We just got the French onion soup and a strawberry pecan salad with shrimp, and they were both SO good! They offer salads, sandwiches, pizza, seafood, and everything in between. And again, this is a place where the prices are very reasonable!

Hemingway’s Cuba Restaurant and Bar

For rooftop dining with unbeatable views of both downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hemingway’s Cuba is a must. Located on the fourth floor of the Cambria Downtown Asheville hotel, this spot serves up Cuban-inspired dishes and cocktails with a view. If you’re hoping to catch sunset, be sure to reserve a table—it’s one of Asheville’s best sunset views!

Capella on 9 and Pillar Rooftop Bar are another couple of rooftop options in the area!

Wicked Weed

Wicked Weed incorporates a full restaurant, brewery, tasting room, and bottle shop! With a rotating seasonal menu of locally sourced food and a fun selection of beer flights, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a beer enthusiast or not.

They also have cocktails and wine if that’s more your style. Be sure to grab a spot on the rooftop patio (but note, it can get busy!). Plus, you can schedule a brewery tour if you’re interested in learning more!

Funkatorium

If you’re into unique beers, don’t miss Funkatorium, the East Coast’s first sour beer taproom. Part of Wicked Weed Brewing, this spot offers 16 tart, fruity sours on tap, plus a cozy barrel room and bier garden.

Not into sours? No worries—they’ve got cocktails and wine, too. If you’re feeling a little peckish, they have snacks, salads, and sandwiches you can enjoy while you sip. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves experimenting with flavors.

This might have been my favorite Asheville brewery we went to!

Antidote at Chemist Spirits

Step into Antidote and feel transported to another era. With its speakeasy vibe, this bar serves up expertly crafted cocktails. Relax on the rooftop or patio, complete with a cozy fireplace, and let the bartenders whip up a custom drink just for you based on your taste preferences. This was one of our favorite spots for drinks in Asheville!

Where to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina

When it comes to where to stay in Asheville, you have a range of options depending on your budget and vibe. Whether you’re after a trendy downtown experience or a cozy, unique Airbnb, Asheville has plenty of options to make your stay just as memorable as the city itself!

• Budget Option: Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown— Affordable option with mountain or city views. Great location, walking distance to downtown attractions. On-site restaurant, offering delicious food and drinks.
• Mid-Range Option: Hotel Arras— A more upscale option with a chic, modern vibe. Located in downtown Asheville, Hotel Arras features two globally-inspired restaurants, a free wine hour, and is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for both luxury and convenience.
• Luxury Option: The Residences at Biltmore— Perfect for a splurge, offering luxurious accommodations right near the Biltmore Estate. Ideal for a memorable and high-end stay.
• Unique Airbnb Options: For a more unique experience, there are plenty of charming Airbnbs, including adorable tiny homes perfect for a cozy stay!

For all accommodation options for your dates check availability and prices here.

Check out my ultimate travel credit card guide to discover how to utilize the perks for free flights and free nights!

Which of these fun things to do in Asheville are you going to check out first?!

I hope you enjoyed this Asheville guide! With so many fun things to do in Asheville, it’s no wonder this quirky city keeps winning hearts. Enjoy the breweries, the local food, the nature, and the history! If you want for from our trip check out my full Southeast US road trip itinerary.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other blog posts:

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