Discover Top Tours & Unique Experiences in Asheville, NC

Two Trees Distilling is a craft distillery in Fletcher, NC — about 15 minutes south of Asheville off I-26 — producing small-batch spirits aged sustainably with locally sourced Appalachian grains and mountain water. Toasted wood varieties are matched to specific grain profiles for rich, smoke-edged whiskeys and gins, and Two Trees is also the distillery behind Tim Smith Spirits from the Discovery Channel's 'Moonshiners' series. Voted Best Distillery in Asheville Media Group's Best of Asheville awards in both 2023 and 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, located at 2 S Pack Square in the heart of downtown Asheville, offers visitors a lively and evolving collection focused on 20th and 21st-century American art. The museum highlights important regional work alongside national and international artists, with special attention to Western North Carolina’s cultural heritage including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College, and Cherokee artists. The four-level facility includes rotating exhibitions, an intergenerational makerspace called Wells Fargo ArtPLAYce, a rooftop café with sculptures, and an extensive art library. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 PM, the museum encourages visitors to pre-purchase tickets online for a smooth contactless experience.

Located at 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville, North Carolina Stage Company is a premier professional theatre dedicated to presenting a diverse and dynamic repertoire of plays and performances. The intimate venue seats approximately 125 guests, providing an hands-on experience with excellent sightlines and sound quality. NC Stage Company champions contemporary works alongside classics, highlighting regional stories and global themes. The theatre prioritizes accessibility with reserved seating options, hearing loop systems, and nearby parking at Civic Center and Rankin Avenue garages. Serving the Asheville community since 1985, it is a cultural cornerstone for those seeking high-caliber live theatre productions. Currently in its 21st season, NC Stage was founded by Charlie and Angie Flynn-McIver in 2001. After establishing lively acting and directing careers in New York City, the couple returned to their home state of North Carolina to establish NC Stage Company, and have been producing professional theatre ever since. NC Stage has been twice recognized for artistic excellence by both the prestigious American Theatre Wing and the North Carolina Theatre Conference George A. Parides Award. The company was also voted best local theatre for 11 out of the past 13 years in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Poll. NC Stage has hosted 3 world premieres, including Stalking the Boogyman in 2013, Curvy Widow, and Brave New World, both in 2016. NC Stage is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, under a Small Professional Theatre Tier 4 Contract.

The Blue Ridge Orchestra is Asheville's all-volunteer community orchestra, performing classical and orchestral concerts across Western North Carolina since 1999. The ensemble stages full-program concerts at venues like Diana Wortham Theatre and local churches, plus outreach performances in area schools and smaller music clubs throughout the season.

JuneBug Retro Resort is a 50-acre vacation and event venue in Weaverville, about 12 minutes north of downtown Asheville. The Creek Lounge is their outdoor music venue where bands play on a customized 1953 Ford flatbed truck stage. Drinks are served from a converted 1960 Airstream clamshell bar. Thursday evenings feature live music with rotating food trucks, and select Sundays offer a more relaxed hangout with mimosas and crepes by the creek.

The Wortham Center is Asheville’s go-to hub for seriously good performing arts — a cozy multi-venue setup where you can catch everything from sharp theatre pieces and dance shows to live music and comedy. It features a classic 500-seat main theater that’s perfect for both nationally touring acts and local productions, along with smaller black box and studio spaces for experimental performances and workshops. The center’s vibe is intimate and welcoming, making you feel like you’re part of the show rather than just a spectator. Plus, it’s right in the mix downtown with easy access to great restaurants and after-show hangouts.

Downtown Asheville's ACT has been staging productions since 1946, making it the oldest continuously operating theater in the city and second oldest in North Carolina. Two stages: the Heston Mainstage (approx. 309 seats) and the 40-seat 35below black box. Programming spans musicals, dramas, comedies, a Readers Theatre series, and youth productions season-round.

Asheville Yards is an independent concert venue at 75 Coxe Avenue occupying the former Rabbit Rabbit site — a restored industrial space with raw energy, a capacity of around 600, and a reputation for booking adventurous, cross-genre lineups. From Americana and folk to punk and electronic, the stage draws national acts and emerging artists alike. Food trucks and craft beer on tap round out the experience.

Asheville Retrocade is West Asheville's dedicated classic arcade bar at 800 Haywood Road, packed with restored vintage arcade cabinets and pinball machines alongside a full bar. Tokens get you unlimited play on dozens of games from the 80s and 90s, making it the top retro arcade experience in Asheville NC for nostalgia trips and group nights out.

Hickory Nut Gap Farms is a working family farm just outside Asheville in Fairview, NC, raising pasture-based beef, pork, and lamb on land that's been farmed for generations. Their meats are sold at the farm store, local farmers markets, and many Asheville restaurants — and the farm offers seasonal events, agritourism, and a genuine look at sustainable farming near Asheville.

Urban Escape Vehicles offers campervan and Class B RV rentals in East Asheville, set up as the ideal basecamp for exploring Western North Carolina's mountains, trails, and parks. Every van comes fully stocked with linens, towels, kitchen and camping gear, plus kayak and bike racks — making it one of the top campervan rental companies in Asheville NC for travelers who want freedom without wrestling a full-size RV.

Oak and Grist Distilling Company is a small-batch, grain-to-glass artisan distillery in Black Mountain, just east of Asheville. Using locally grown and malted barley, they craft whiskey and gin that capture the flavors of Western North Carolina, and their covered patio overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the best spots for sipping award-winning craft spirits near Asheville.

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.

Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is a signature Asheville experience, blending the atmosphere of a used bookstore with the indulgence of a champagne and wine bar—all housed in the historic Grove Arcade. Guests browse thousands of books across two stories, relax in plush seating, and enjoy literary-themed cocktails, champagne flights, more than 80 wines by the glass or bottle, local beers, and gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards. The cafe also serves pastries, small plates, and weekend brunch, all in an inviting mix of art, antiques, and live music.

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours offers an award-winning guided experience exploring the best rooftop bars in downtown Asheville. Over the course of three hours, you’ll visit three stunning rooftops, sip seasonal handcrafted cocktails or mocktails, and take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville’s iconic cityscape. The tours combine great drinks with fascinating history shared by expert local guides, making it a perfect mix of fun and culture.

the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) offers an engaging and hands-on science experience for visitors of all ages. AMOS features interactive exhibits spanning geology, biology, paleontology, physics, and environmental science, including the notable Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton and the Colburn Hall of Minerals. The museum's highlights include a STEM lab, tree climb, terrabox topography simulator, fossil dig, toddler nest, and rotating special exhibits focused on current science topics.

Dalton Distillery is downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery, crafting small-batch Caribbean-inspired vodka and rum right here in the mountains. They take pride in handcrafting their spirits using rainwater and local mountain spring water, creating clean, complex flavors that stand out. The distillery also features a lively bar with indoor and outdoor seating, billiards, ping pong, arcade games, and a great local vibe. Tours & Tastings offered every weekend.

Locals and travelers consistently rate Biltmore Estate as Asheville’s #1 experience for its layered blend of history, luxury, and hospitality. The restaurants are praised for locally sourced, farm-to-table menus and attentive staff. Cedric’s Tavern offers a relaxing atmosphere for unwinding over freshly made pretzel buns and Lusty Monk Mustard Butter, while the Stable Café and The Bistro deliver memorable lunches after estate tours. Families enjoy the annual Biltmore Christmas celebration with spectacular décor and festive dining. For special occasions, locals recommend The Dining Room and Wine Bar for anniversary dinners and tastings.

Step back in time and level up your night at Level 256, a classic arcade bar right in Asheville’s buzzing South Slope. This spot packs over 30 meticulously maintained arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and more than 300 authentic console games across all generations—from Atari to the latest PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Entry gets you unlimited play, so whether you’re chasing high scores or battling friends, every round is pure nostalgia and fun. The bar boasts a rotating selection of 16 craft beers on tap alongside curated cocktails, making it the perfect place to mix drinks with game wins.

Scenic Helicopter Tours Premier Helicopter Tour Company, 2 Locations 📍Near Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN 📍Asheville, NC 🚁 Tour of a lifetime | Every time

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 Amazing Pubcycle is a 15-person pedal-powered (motor assisted) vehicle like no other. Imagine riding your bike (sideways), hanging out at your favorite pub (on wheels), and witnessing entertainment that tantalizes all of your senses. Hop on!

The Salt Spa of Asheville is the only Himalayan Salt Cave in Asheville with a negatively ionized dry salt air microclimate. Here, you can breathe salt air & relax deeply at the same time. Halotherapy is an amazing natural health support. Breathe and Relax

Discover the unique flavor of Asheville, NC on our guided walking tours of the city’s culinary treasures in historic downtown.

Asheville Free Walking Tours is the best way to get to know the city from a local perspective! We walk through the cities rich history, while also learning about some of the best shops, restaurants and bars and even getting a taste at a few spots!

Hop on board one of Gray Line’s nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the history, homes and hot-spots of this “city of surprises.”

Asheville's Only Authentic Salt Cave.

All-you-can-play arcade plus full bar.