Walking its hills feels less like touring and more like wandering through a cozy, eclectic living room filled with murals, craft beer, and genuine curiosity. It is not merely a destination but a vibrant community hub where historic preservation meets modern innovation, inviting you to slow down and savor every artisanal detail of this mountain sanctuary.
Do Asheville the way locals do: start slow at Chimney Rock State Park, eat where the regulars do at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, let the evening run long at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar.
Top things to do in Asheville
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Biltmore
George W. Vanderbilt’s iconic French Renaissance château features 250 rooms, lavish gardens & tours.
Check tours & tickets2
The North Carolina Arboretum
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
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Western North Carolina Nature Center
A zoo exploring flora & fauna of the Southern Appalachian region, with more than 60 animal species.
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Asheville Pinball Museum
All-you-can-play arcade featuring 75+ pinball machines & classic video games, plus beer & soda.
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LaZoom Tours
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Catawba Falls
Mossy & shady forest trail leading to a series of waterfalls on the Catawba River.
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Woolworth Walk
Woolworth-store-now-gallery featuring diverse works by 175 local artists & a restored soda fountain.
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Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
National park on the preserved goat farm & farmhouse where the acclaimed poet lived until his death.
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Pack Square Park
This community green space with a stage & shade trees is popular for festivals & events.
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Asheville Botanical Garden
A half-mile trail meanders through these gardens that feature 600+ species of Appalachian plants.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.
Website12
Pack's Tavern
Modern restaurant in a restored historic building with over 35 rotating taps & an eclectic food menu.
Website13
Sunny Point Cafe
Family-owned stop for American comfort food from AM to PM, with a covered patio.
Website14
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
Counter-serve outfit dishing up Tennessee-style hot chicken in casual surroundings.
Website15
Moose Cafe
Part of a small casual chain offering Southern-style comfort food made using locally grown veggies.
Website16
Daddy Mac's Down Home Dive
Smoked meats & mac 'n' cheese skillets, plus cocktails & craft beer in a rustic-chic space.
Website17
Chestnut
New American eatery for seasonal bites & homemade treats in restored 1920s digs with a full bar.
Website18
Cornerstone
Established American restaurant offering burgers, steaks & seafood in an airy, rustic-chic setting.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Asheville
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Navitat Canopy Adventures
Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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LaZoom Tours
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Sierra Nevada Beer Tours - Mills River, NC
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The Flying Bike - Ebike Tours
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Asheville Jeep Tours
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Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
Long-standing tour company chain offering a variety of city tours by bus throughout North America.
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Chimney Rock State Park
This iconic rock offers wide-reaching panoramic views over the surrounding parkland.
Website26
The North Carolina Arboretum
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Website27
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Massive nature preserve featuring mountains, waterfalls, lakes, seasonal hunting & hiking trails.
Website28
Carrier Park
Sports facilities from roller hockey to lawn bowling, plus trails, picnic space & river views.
Website29
Blue Ridge Parkway
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar
Casual haunt featuring piano duels & specialty cocktails in a 1920s space with a convivial vibe.
Website31
Jack of the Wood Pub
Comfortable Irish public house offering handcrafted ales, locally sourced pub grub & live music.
Website32
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
Relaxed bar known for craft cocktails & burgers, with a patio & seating in a renovated vault.
Website33
The Odd
No-frills neighborhood hangout hosting live bands & drag shows in a quirky vintage space.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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