Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is tucked away in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known for its eclectic vibe, natural beauty, historical architecture and arts scene.

To help you start planning your someday visit, here are the top things to do in Asheville.

What you'll learn:

• Asheville attractions include the River Arts District and Asheville Urban Trail.

• The city offers year-round festivals, including Asheville Beer Week in the spring and Christmas at Biltmore in the winter.

• Nature lovers can explore outdoor attractions like Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

• With an eligible Capital One credit card, you’ll earn rewards on every eligible purchase you make. Plus, you could earn elevated rewards when you use your card to book trips through Capital One Travel.

If you’re wondering what to do in Asheville, there’s good news: The city is brimming with excitement all year long. Take a look at ways to experience everything Asheville has to offer.

Asheville welcomes each new season with special events around the city.

• Asheville Beer Week: Enjoy a week-long celebration of Asheville’s craft beer scene. Take part in beer tastings, dinners paired with craft beers, panel discussions and more. Cheers!  

• Biltmore Blooms: Head to Biltmore Estate in the spring to see its gardens and grounds come alive with color. Plus, enjoy the estate’s restaurants, shops and Winery at Antler Hill Village.

• Shindig on the Green: Experience the spirit of Appalachian culture at Shindig on the Green. You’ll find mountain music and dance performances galore at this lively outdoor gathering in Pack Square Park.

• Asheville Art in the Park: Check out the annual downtown event featuring handmade art from local craftspeople. The event takes place on three Saturdays in June, and three Saturdays in October.

• LEAF Festival: Discover a global mix of music and art at the Lake Eden Arts Festival. You’ll be treated to everything from Latin beats to traditional bluegrass. 

• Goombay Festival: Dive into a colorful celebration of the African diaspora with music, dance and art at the Goombay Festival in downtown Asheville.

• Christmas at Biltmore: Come and be dazzled by the Biltmore Estate at Christmastime. You can see more than 100 beautiful Christmas trees, listen to live holiday music, and taste the food and drink of the season.

• Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum: Take a walk through a winter wonderland at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Each year, spectacular light displays transform the gardens into an enchanting evening adventure.

Asheville’s art scene is vibrant and rich with local influences, offering plenty for visitors to explore.

Head to the River Arts District, a lively area filled with art studios and creative workspaces. With more than 300 artists working across a variety of genres, you can see creativity in action and bring home unique pieces.

The Asheville Art Museum showcases a vibrant collection of American art. And with year-round workshops, concerts and performances, there’s nearly always something new to see.

Take the Asheville Urban Trail, a self-paced downtown walking tour. This trail winds along 30 stops in the city, offering a fun way to experience its past and present.

Support local shops and grab some great food in Asheville’s downtown district.

Explore a variety of unique shops in downtown Asheville, featuring work by local artisans, vintage finds and more. Plus, you’ll find specialty food shops offering wines, cheeses and chocolates.

Visit the Asheville City Market in the city’s downtown district. It’s open nearly all year long—except for the last two weeks in December—and filled with local produce from regional farmers and crafts from the city’s artisans.

Spend a day at Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. The retail hub offers a mix of shops and eateries, from fine dining to casual, all within a beautiful historic building.

Experience the diverse brewery scene that’s earned Asheville the title of Beer City, USA. Or visit mountain wineries and taste regional wines, including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot.

Asheville’s farm-to-table restaurants specialize in ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. If you’d like, you could complement your meal with an artisanal cocktail or craft beer.

Asheville offers lots of outdoor activities, which makes it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural setting with cultivated gardens, hiking trails and seasonal exhibits. It’s open year-round and offers activities for all ages.

Spend a day at Pisgah National Forest with its expansive woods, waterfalls and scenic byways. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and camping in this beautiful natural area.

Take a winding drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville for amazing views and glimpses of wildlife. You’ll also find picnic spots, biking trails and hiking trails that range from easy to challenging.

Asheville’s long and interesting history comes to life in its many historic landmarks.

Tour the Biltmore Estate, the 250-room castle built by George Washington Vanderbilt that’s just minutes from Asheville. Explore the estate’s grand rooms, sprawling grounds and winery. Each season offers something different to experience.

Step back in time at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, where you can tour the childhood home of this famous American author. Learn about his life and works through guided tours as well as a film and exhibition hall.

Visit the Basilica of Saint Lawrence to see its striking architectural design, including its impressive freestanding dome. While you’re there, take a self-guided tour of the church’s history and art.

There’s so much to see and do in Asheville, it could help to start planning well ahead of your trip. Here are some ways a Capital One travel rewards credit card can help.

• Unlimited miles you can actually use: From hotels and car rentals to flights and more, get rewarded for the way you travel with unlimited miles.

• Flexible ways to redeem your rewards: You can redeem your miles for travel purchases, for cash in the form of a check or account credit, gift cards and more.

• Elevated rewards for booking through Capital One Travel: With an eligible Capital One credit card, you’ll earn rewards on every eligible purchase you make. Plus, you could earn elevated rewards when you use your card to book trips through Capital One Travel.

Asheville is both historic and modern, with nearly endless ways to fill your nights and days. Every attraction, event and dining spot helps add to its vibrant atmosphere.

With the right Capital One travel rewards credit card, you could get even more from your trip. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee with the VentureOne card. View important rates and disclosures.