Asheville NC is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Asheville NC experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Asheville NC you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Asheville NC
Biltmore
- Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (28465)
- Phone: +1 800-411-3812
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Asheville NC
The North Carolina Arboretum
- Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5354)
- Phone: +1 828-665-2492
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
GORGEOUS arboretum!!! Absolutely lovely!
We arrived later than we had hoped to (4pm) and only had an hour before they closed the greenhouse and bonsai exhibit (5pm).
Their shop closes at 4pm so we couldn’t check out the plants they have for sale in the gift shop, but I like that they sell plants that you can take home to your own green house or garden.
The remaining open areas were open until 9pm when we were visiting, and we stayed until about 8pm (dusk).
The bonsai exhibit is absolutely adorable, and had great educational material explaining how the art of bonsai is done and weighs it could be applied to native Appalachian plants and not just Japanese plants.
I also really love that they had examples of plants used in other art forms like dying, basket weaving, book arts, and other media. They had lots of information signs posted throughout the garden, just enough that you’d learn something new and have time to digest it while wandering the garden until you ran into the next sign.
We went while they were still some flowering plants on the fall equinox, and I’m sure in the spring and summer the garden is also full of life! It looks like they have some lights set up for holiday lights in the winter already, so expect that the gardens are still beautiful even if they die back some for the winter.
Landscaping is wonderful as well, and there was a good number of benches throughout to sit if you need to rest. I have a hard time walking for long periods so this was particularly helpful and much appreciated.
They have easy to follow maps showing the different areas in the garden and it is small enough you can experience it in a day.
By Laura Foster (2 months ago)So many different things to look at and the flowers are beautiful I went the second week of September and they all still had their colors. They have a very cute gift shop. There was a wedding going on while we were there which was very interesting to look at! Didn’t know they offered those kind of services there. But it is nice to know they do! Also, the cafe they have there was delicious. I believe I got the garden salad and it was so good. The ranch dressing was perfect. Staff is very friendly!By Emily Madrigal (a month ago)Such a beautiful and well maintained place. 16 bucks to park and the rest is free unless you decide to buy some $3 succulents. The bonsai exhibit was absolutely beautiful. A miniature redwood tree? One of the cutest things I’ve seen. The flowers are breathtaking as well. I highly recommend this place for its awe inspiring beauty.By Dylan Ramsey (5 months ago)This was my first visit here with my husband. It was $16 upon entering to park. But there were no other fees that we paid. This place was beautifully manicured and you can tell it is well-kept and maintained. The bonsai garden was free and it was so cool to walk through and see everything clearly marked and beautifully designed. Staff were so friendly, polite, and helpful. They had at least four trails, a lake, several creeks, gardens, butterfly and bee gardens, fountains, and sculptures The gift shop had some cute gift options. They offer music in the park on certain nights with hiking and walking trails for every level of fitness. This was wonderful for singles, groups, families, and pet-friendly. They had porto-potties scattered throughout trails, doggy waste bag stations, and park benches to rest as needed. If you’re in the area, this is well worth a visit! The only issue I kept running into was that I had difficulty reading the trail signs, as I felt they were not clear enough. The brochures weren’t much better. But it was still a fun adventure wandering around.By Crys Ashley (3 months ago)This place is a steal with only a sixteen dollar parking fee. Everything else was free to enter and explore. Give yourself a few hours to walk and enjoy the gardens and trails. The bonsai exhibit was very well laid out. There is plenty of photo opportunities and great mountain views throughout the park. I would recommend a visit here.By Mountain Guide (2 months ago)
Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Address: 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3076)
- Phone: +1 828-259-8080
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Reviews:
We loved this nature center. It was a great outdoor activity early in the day with shade from trees. Amazing wildlife and enclosures were big for the animals. The red pandas ? Were my favorite. The accommodated my Service Dog ?? and had few restricted areas for prey animals which was very understandable. The education booths were very good. The fact and myth portions were good to teach lessons to anyone about any animal. The walk was leisurely and easy. Love ❤️ will go back.By Candra Burns (5 months ago)A good friend recommended this place to us during a recent vacation. It was a great experience.
The entry fee is very reasonable.
There are a number of animals on exhibit: we saw black bears, red and grey wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars, otters and I’m sure a few others.
The wolves were particularly memorable as they came very close to the edge of the exhibit.
The property is nicely shaded and made for a very pleasant visit on a hot summer’s day.
There is a spider themed playground that my daughter very much enjoyed.
I’d highly recommend a visit.
By Neil Kennedy (4 months ago)Amazing. Its a great value even before the discount we received for having an annual membership at another zoo. Animals were active, its was not crowded (we went at opening), space was well maintained, workers were friendly, and lots of little things to do in between visits for kids (slides, playground climbing equipment, drums). I especially liked the reptile house setup. Small but so well done. Highly recommend. We had the best time.By Abbey Johnson (2 months ago)The zoo is relatively small in terms of the number of animals you can see, but the area of the zoo is very large. The habitats are very large so there is a lot of walking that is done. The animals are clearly well fed and taken care of, and their enclosures are spacious. One of the coolest parts of the zoo to me was the overlook to the bear exhibit. It was cool to see them in a relatively natural setting. The people that work here are very nice and informative. There are many different activities available for kids, which I think is awesome. The gift shop is small but there are some really good items in it. All in all, I really enjoyed my visit, and I would love to come back.By Mar Pepin (2 months ago)Great place to take the kids (of all ages) to see some animals and walk around. Red Panda was the highlight along with the swimming otters. It was not crowded and an easy walk. They have a couple of play areas for the kids. Good bathroom facilities and well organized. Highly recommend this activity.By Ashish Raju (2 months ago)
Asheville Pinball Museum
- Address: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2089)
- Phone: +1 828-776-5671
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 2:00 – 9:00 PMThursday: 2:00 – 9:00 PMFriday: 2:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PMSunday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
As a pinball devotee and long time player I wanted to visit this place while visiting.
Things you should know:
Get on waiting list early. We stopped by 245 and was told 2-2.5 hour wait. Was allowed to enter about 5 so correct on that estimate.
Once inside there were some issues (and let me start by saying I understand the challenge in maintaining older machines and I have visited numerous arcades over the last 5-6 years up and down the east coast)
1-i was surprised at the number of games not working “for display only”. I’d estimate 1/4 of the machines in the floor were not playable.
2-many of the machines that were playable had mechanical issues that impeded play. From the mars attacks ball launch that didn’t send the ball very far to twilight zones almost dead upper left flipper to superman’s dead right bumper it seemed like a decent number of machines had playability issues
With that said, overall my son and I had a nice time and it is good to see these arcades keeping pinball (and video games) Alive.
They did have a video game room in the back with about 10 classic video games. I did enjoy playing space invaders for the first time in decades!!
Lastly very cool decor around the back and all over really. Well done
By Keith Saroka (4 months ago)Talk about nostalgia on so many levels. This museum was incredible! We were expecting something totally different, like where we were going to learn the ins and outs and history of the pinball machines but it was literally rooms and rooms of vintage pinball and arcade games that you could play. Then the decor here was out of this world. Fun, cool… it really sent me back to my childhood. I enjoyed seeing the collectible McDonald’s toys, reminded me of when I used to collect them too. We spent about an hour here, no wait, lots of space, and hand Sanitizers. They have beer too which makes this experience even better! Go go go!By Wendy Chavez (6 months ago)Fantastic!!! I cannot recommend it enough! Super awesome little place. Perfectly maintained pinball machines with lots of classics. Owner must be very knowledgeable. $15 to play all you want. There is also a hidden video game arcade in the back with all kinds of classics as well. They even have a few consoles. Super awesome place ?By Joey FLORIDA (6 months ago)This was hands done one of the best places I have ever been to in my life there was so much selection between their countless pinball machines and arcade games. The staff was so friendly and their is always something to do/look at. I would definitely come here 100 more times if I could. It is worth the money and the wait (if there is one). I can’t recommend it more to visit with your family and friends.By Carson Weaver (4 months ago)I absolutely loved my visit to the Asheville Pinball Museum.The moment I walked in the door I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The clicks, thumbs, beeps and boops of the machines just wash over you before you even cross the rope into the museum.
The value is incredible. I paid $20 for unlimited play for 2 people. I believe that I got a discount for coming late in the day. After admission, all games (with only 2 exceptions) are free.
The selection is great. They have pinball machines from all eras and it’s fun to follow their evolution from relatively simple games to complex systems with digital screens. Each machine has a sign with a brief history of the game and the year it was made. There are a few very old games that aren’t available for play but are fascinating pieces of history.
The back room has a selection of classic arcade games, including my childhood favorite Time Pilot (I set the high score!) and a jukebox playing hits from the ’80s.
I simply cannot say enough about this establishment and I wholeheartedly recommend a visit!
By Neil Kennedy (4 months ago)
Pack Square Park
- Address: 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1523)
- Phone: +1 828-259-5800
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
The hemp festival was fun for the whole family! My little girl enjoyed the bouncy house, face painting & dancing to the music! Hope to go again next year!By Nicole F (7 months ago)Great place to take the kids to run through the fountain. Keep an eye on the schedule, if there’s an event or someone says thunder the fountain gets shut down.
Parking most often is easy and close walk to all of downtown.By Cory Villano (5 months ago)Asheville Symphony in Pack Square Park.
Free Concert by the Symphony draws a huge crowd. Around the perimeter there are food trucks and Highland Brewing & Hi-Wire Brewing are sponsors with their beer tents. Even from where we sat, far from the stage, we could hear the music clearly. The disadvantage is that farther from the stage there’s more background noise.By Hiker Shirl (2 months ago)Pack Square Park is a beautiful place and a simply perfect venue for music! The Shindig on the Green on summer Saturday evenings are delightful and so much fun. Tonight’s performance by the fabulous Asheville Symphony Orchestra was incredible!By Linda McDonald (3 months ago)The heart and breathe of Ashville, NC. One of the best street experiences with wonderful entertainment and food! A center of diversity and culture! From the park you can go anywhere in the city and experience the life of asheville and its wonderful residence. From the park, the splash pad to the hiking around the city. Nothing can get any better. Check out @Brightenyourtech on Instagram to see more!!!By Mich (5 months ago)
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
- Address: 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1496)
Woolworth Walk
- Address: 25 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1395)
River Arts District
- Address: 3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1244)
LaZoom Tours
- Address: 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1009)
Asheville Museum of Science
- Address: 43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4 (659)
Pritchard Park
- Address: 67 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (626)
Asheville Art Museum
- Address: 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (480)
Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center
- Address: 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (408)
Asheville Ghost Tours: Oldest & Original
- Address: 80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (306)
Grovewood Village
- Address: 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (302)
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
- Address: 52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (222)
Asheville NC is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Asheville NC – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
Beautiful! Pricey for a tour, but its gorgeous! We got the audio tour which I high recommend, we went when they were decorated for Christmas and I am so happy we did. For us this is a once in a lifetime thing to see it and it was so worth it! Beautiful mansion on and even more beautiful view of the land they own. The drive to the house was long but beautiful! The food was pretty good and the little shops are adorable!
Beautiful estate. You won’t regret. Wear very comfortable shoes, there is lots and lots of walking. Plenty of places to grab a quick bite or dine. To save few bucks bring your own food but you will have to leave it in your car. No big backpacks are allowed inside the house. You can easily spend 4-6 hours without realizing when the time went. The price may seems little high but it’s worth every penny.
Amazing Tour. There’s a lot of walking to do indoors and outdoors. The self guided audio tour of the house explains everything you need to know about the house. You can take your time and learn. I went on a Sunday and it was busy, so if you can go during the week, do it. There are amazing walking trails around and the winery.
Highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
I enjoyed this experience much more than I was expecting. The whole property is so elegant and well maintained. We had a lot of fun visiting the shops for candy and mementos. They have a lot of options. The Christmas decor was amazing and the audio tour is a must. They give you a small device that you easily use for each room and get all the history. Yes, this is over the top but that’s the entire point. It’s the most incredible house you’ll ever see and I’m so happy they’ve maintained it this well!
Very beautiful and historic place. I think the tickets are a bit expensive for what it is, but still worth checking out at least once. The gardens weren’t full bloom when we went, but still pretty. The estate itself is the most interesting part to me. The library is a dream and the dining hall is huge. The guides tell you interesting facts and stories if you ask. Everyone was happy to be there. Complimentary wine tasting was great, definitely schedule a time for that.