Discover Top Recreation Spot, Activities & Things to Do in Asheville, NC

Urban Escape Vehicles offers campervan and Class B RV rentals that serve as the perfect basecamp for exploring Asheville and the wider Western North Carolina outdoors. Their vans come fully stocked with linens, towels, kitchen and camping gear, and have plenty of room for all your adventure equipment. Whether you're camping in the mountains, exploring local trails, or road tripping across the US, their campervans provide comfort, freedom, and style.

The WNC Nature Center is Asheville’s premier wildlife park—set on 42 wooded acres just east of downtown and home to 60+ species native to the Southern Appalachians. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the center offers up-close animal exhibits (red pandas, river otters, black bears, red wolves, cougars), interactive nature play areas, shaded trails, and educational programs for all ages. It’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, well maintained, and features a gift shop, picnic areas, and plenty of quiet spots to relax or play.

Jus’ Running is Asheville’s original specialty running store, serving the local running, walking, and trail community since 1998. Located on Merrimon Avenue, Jus’ Running offers expert shoe fittings, gait analysis, and a curated selection of running shoes, gear, nutrition, and technical apparel for every level. Their expert staff is known for genuinely personalized service and biomechanical know-how. Weekly group runs and events—including Maggots track nights and beginner-friendly “Jus Beginning” programs—make it a hub for runners, walkers, and aspiring athletes across Western North Carolina. These folks are WNC's running headquarters. They provide a professional fitting that matches your biomechanics and provides the support and cushioning you need. They ensure the most comfortable run or walk whether you are on the road, treadmill, or trail.

Sky Lanes Bar, Grill & Bowling is where Asheville locals come to kick back and roll a few strikes in a laid-back, retro setting. Open since 1963, this spot keeps the vibes fun and friendly with daily open lanes for all ages, cosmic bowling nights, and an arcade for extra action. If you get hungry, the full bar and grill cranks out wings, pizza, burgers, nachos, and all the classic bowling alley munchies—cold drafts and league specials included. Families dig the bumpers and lighter balls for kids, while grown-ups appreciate the great beer lineup and relaxed, neighborhood feel.

More than 50 parks offering golf, swimming, tennis, skateboarding, roller hockey, climbing wall, nature center, playgrounds, basketball, community centers, ballfields, picnic shelters, trails and much more.

Salt Face Mule is a new brewery with amazing food, wine, liquor and 36 holes of mini golf!

Hunter Banks Fly Fishing has served as the hub of fly fishing in AVL and its surrounding mountains for over 30 years. Our customer service is backed by a passionate, approachable team. We carry curated, quality products in store to get you on the water.

Black Dome Mountain Sports is Asheville’s original, locally-owned outdoor gear outfitter—serving Western North Carolina adventurers for over 40 years. Located just outside downtown on Tunnel Road, Black Dome offers a premium selection of outdoor apparel, hiking boots, trail running shoes, climbing equipment, camping gear, kayaks, and travel essentials from brands like Patagonia, Osprey, Rab, Cotopaxi, and more. Their expert staff provides personalized fittings and advice for everyone from beginners to seasoned backcountry pros. The store also hosts the Carolina Climbing Museum and Southern Appalachian Paddlesports Museum—great for outdoor education and inspiration.

Choose your adventure! We offer whitewater rafting, zipline canopy tours, calm water float trips, & canyoneering - we’ve got it all! Both family & locally owned, French Broad Adventures is where the locals come to play. Book 2 or more activities & save!

Dragon Phoenix is Asheville’s go-to center for Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Qigong, and other internal martial arts. Founded by Sifu Aaron Dison, this welcoming school offers classes for all ages and skill levels, focusing on balance, flexibility, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Beyond martial arts, Dragon Phoenix also offers dance and fitness classes and is known for its supportive community vibe.

Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing is Asheville’s premier indoor axe throwing venue located inside Asheville Mall at 3 South Tunnel Road, Suite E12. Featuring six axe-throwing lanes, Valhalla offers a thrilling experience perfect for beginners, leagues, parties, and corporate events. The venue can accommodate groups up to 40 people and offers flexible booking options including full space rentals for larger gatherings. Guests ages 10 and up can participate, making it a family-friendly location with safety rules including mandatory closed-toe shoes. Besides axe throwing, Valhalla features additional entertainment options like air hockey, shuffleboard, video games, and Pop Golf in a vibrant, social atmosphere. Ages 10+ can throw axes. Must wear closed toe shoes.

Nestled within the scenic Pisgah National Forest just south of downtown Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum encompasses 434 acres of stunning cultivated gardens, hiking and biking trails, and outdoor discovery spaces. Easily accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway and located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, the Arboretum is a premier destination for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Key highlights include the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, National Native Azalea Repository, inspiring Quilt Garden, and multiple garden-themed trails representing native Appalachian flora. The Arboretum also features year-round rotating educational exhibits and programs, a visitor center with a gift shop showcasing regional crafts, and seasonally operated on-site dining. While admission is free, a parking fee applies to most vehicles. The Arboretum welcomes pedestrians, cyclists, and members with no charge. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly paths and complimentary wheelchairs available on-site.

Highlights some of the best trails in Asheville with the mission to inspire great Southern adventures.

Experience the best of the mountains all in one place! Enjoy six unique hiking trails, 75-mile panoramic views, and the tallest waterfall in any North Carolina State Park.

The largest adult soccer series in the States hosts their "Finals" at John B Lewis Soccer Complex once again. If you're a soccer fan, do not miss this event. If you're not, you're gonna become one if you join us. 10 divisions have their Semi Finals and Finals on Sunday with beer sales beginning at Noon! Food trucks on site. Very family friendly event! You'll probably recognize some of these ballers as they live their alter ego on the field. Come cheer them on!

Offering canoe rentals along sections of the French Broad River for full or multi-day options.

Grift creates realistic riding conditions to help riders train for resistance and endurance safely.

This family-run business is a unique garden and gift shop that serves our customers with a passion for sharing horticultural knowledge as well as creating beauty around every nook.

Organic wellness direct from our Farm to your Bottle. The original whole-spectrum hemp extract™ CB

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a 10-acre independent, non-profit botanical garden dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians.

Asheville E-Bikes offers four hour, daily and multi-day rentals of our state of the art electric bikes. You can schedule an appointment to pick your e-bike up at our convenient downtown location or let us bring one right to you!

Asheville Sport & Social Club provides recreational sports leagues & social events for adults over 21. No matter your skill level or athletic ability, you'll find a sport to enjoy & opportunities to socialize & make new friends that could last a lifetime.

Serving Western North Carolina since 1980. Liberty Bicycles has the largest selection of bicycles, clothing & accessories in the region.

5 Adventures, ages 4+ open all year, mins from downtown: Zipline Canopy Tours (1,200 ft.zip) KidZip (ages 4-10) Treetops Adventure Park (largest aerial course), Tree Quest tree climbing (ages 7+), Kolo Bike Park trails & rentals. Reservations suggested!

Asheville Golf Course is a true gem and one of the oldest courses in Western North Carolina. Its scenic design allows for the use of a driver on most holes. The course proves length does not make a great course.

Black Mountain Golf Course is located at the foot of the beautiful Black Mountain Range in Western North Carolina. The 6,215yd par 71 course has a front nine originally designed by Donald Ross and is home to the famous 747yd, par 6 17th hole.

Located in the heart of the River Arts District, Sky Tubing is the perfect place for your river adventure! Come hang out and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about transportation or tubes. It's all available!

Unaffiliated martial arts gym offering fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo classes.

Pottery store and creative lounge offering glass-fusing, paint your own pottery, moisaics and more.

A guiding service for day hikes and backpacking trips, as well as a custom selection of outdoor essentials.