Location: Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
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Top 10 Tours in Asheville, North Carolina (NC)
If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Restaurants in Asheville
1. 7 Mile Guided Paddleboard Tour On The French Broad River in Asheville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Enjoy this private, guided paddleboard tour along a scenic section of Asheville's French Broad that borders the Biltmore Estate! Your guide will regale you with local history help spot wildlife like otters, herons, turtles, osprey, and deer. After meeting your guide at Hominy Creek River Park you'll enjoy a shuttle in an air conditioned van to the starting point at Bent Creek, where you'll receive a lesson and expert instruction from your certified paddleboard instructor. Once you feel confident and comfortable on the board you'll follow your guide on a 2.5 hour private paddle down the river. This section of river is beautifully forested and offers views of the Biltmore Estate, which is a Châteauesque-style mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II. You'll also learn expert paddleboarding tips and finish back at Hominy Creek River Park within minutes of restaurants and breweries.
Inclusions: Use of all equipment (paddleboard, paddle, personal flotation device, leash, river booties, and dry bag), Professional guide, Shuttle to launch point, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and beverages, Towels and sun protection
Reviewed By Zahra H
Thank you to Grant for an amazing 90 minutes on the water. It was absolute perfection on a paddle board. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to try something on the water in a new fun way. Good to do with families, friends! Very safe and EASY to enjoy. Check them out! Will come back!
2. Guided Waterfall Hike with Expert Naturalist.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
As featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News, discover the authentic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a naturalist guide to show you the best vistas, trails and waterfalls that make Asheville famous. On a Covid-safe, family-friendly and even dog-friendly excursion, we will visit the highlights of our National Forests in just a few hours. Food foraging and fascinating stories shared on all our tours!
Inclusions: Local guide, Ponchos, Hiking Poles
Exclusions: Bottled water
Reviewed By staceyberebit
Paul was an excellent tour guide. His passion and excitement for the area was felt by all of us. Would highly recommend using Paul to explore the areas.
3. Blue Ridge Mountains Guided Hiking Tour with Local Guide - small groups!!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
There are a number of beautiful places to visit and things to do while you are in Asheville, but your search is over. When you leave this area our goal is to make This experience the one you remember and enjoyed most! Our licensed LOCAL guides will take you to some of the best locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains and show you what makes this area so special. They live to be outside and love these mountains - and love showing what this great region has to offer. They will talk about the history, the mountains, the wildlife, flora, fauna and so much more. They might even tell some of the local secrets - like where to grab a beer or great food too! Hike will be 3-5 miles depending on the group, including a stop in front of a waterfall and maybe a small lake to see if the Bald Eagles are out. If we do not have at least 2-3 guests booked for the hike we may cancel.
Inclusions: Bottled water, I provide snack bars, trail mix and chips and fruit, Gatorade
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By Jeremytinaduke
If you are looking for a great hiking adventure with a great guide and awesome breath taking photos then you have found the right spot. Greg tailored our hiking adventure to what we wanted to see and he was spot on. Will without a doubt plan another trip if back in the area.
4. Mountaintop Yoga & Meditation Hike in Asheville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Take time for yourself, breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop with stunning views plus an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure! PRIVATE OPTION: Want a private yoga hike? Contact us to schedule your hike any day of the week. NEW! Sunset yoga hikes now available daily for private groups of 4+. Contact us for details. WANT MORE? Add a massage at your vacation rental, farm-to-table cooking class, group tarot reading, or one of dozens of other uniquely Asheville experiences to your day for a full, balanced adventure. Visit our website for details and options.
Inclusions: Yoga Mat, 1hr All-Levels Yoga (weather permitting), Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By V9865IOmh
We loved the entire experience. It made me realize that we do not make enough time to smell the roses, or in this case the forest. Kelly is an excellent guide. I don't remember the last time when I was this relaxed. All the build up tension from this past covid year was left somewhere in the woods.
5. Birding at Beaver Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The guides from Ventures Birding Tours are friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We will take our time exploring and pointing out the local bird life. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just trying out this fascinating hobby for the first time, you will be promised an interesting time.
Inclusions: Use of Binocular's (one per person)
Exclusions: (Please bring your own snacks)
Reviewed By photoavian
Just returned from my first overseas birding trip. I could not have had a more exciting, professionally guided and fun time. Simon and Juan were tireless and knowledgeable, and outdid themselves to make us comfortable and respond to every need. We were a group of 8 women, traveling together in a van for 10 days, and ended up as friends and colleagues, a feat in itself. These are full days of travel and birding, including feeder viewing and forest walks, in the end with 331 total birds, including 52 different hummingbirds. I am already looking for my next trip. Go!! You will love it.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway & Waterfall Hike - Private Tour From Asheville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
On these Private Waterfall Tours, you will get to enjoy the falls up close and with ease. We specialize in taking tours to hidden gems and locally-known waterfalls, uncluttered by foot traffic and crowds.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Bottled water, Amazing views!
Exclusions:
Reviewed By gina d
We actually did 3 tours! We did the Peak-to-Peak, Waterfalls, and Sunrise hike. Peak- to-Peak: amazing! It was 3 of us and 1 of us was elderly so Clayton planned an awesome hike that she could do! He took his time, didn't get bothered that we were slower, and had plenty of interesting facts about plants and wildlife to fill in the time as we regularly took breaks so our slower hiker could keep up. The views and trails we experienced on this tour were unbelievable! Waterfalls: We went to one popular waterfall but he also took us to a couple hidden, secret waterfalls that were completely away from crowds! We were able to get inside and really take our time, take pictures, and enjoy a private waterfall after an easy hike. It totally felt like a VIP tour! Sunrise hike: By far, one of the most beautiful sights Ive ever seen! After a short hike, Clayton got us to a breath-taking sight of mountains and pure sunrise magic! And then, he even made us coffee right then and there! It was truly an incredible experience! In general, Asheville Adventures is an amazing tour company! Great pricing, unique tours, and even the hotel pick-up make the tours even better as it feels like you're getting a tour from a friend since Clayton was so down to earth and fun. He truly goes above and beyond to make it a positive experience. He displays what true southern hospitality is and made our visit to Asheville unforgettable! 10000% recommend!
7. French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Semi-Private guided tour with certified naturalist kayaking through the city of Asheville on the serene French Broad River. Includes peak-a-boo views of the Biltmore Mansion and Estate.
Inclusions: Kayak, paddle, and life vest are included.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 413jot
We rented bikes and I can’t say enough about the service and quality of our experience. David was very prompt with answering questions to help me determine my needs. He delivered the bikes to us at the Biltmore and when we needed to cut our rental plans a day short because of weather, he was very accommodating. The bikes were in great condition. A+ experience!!
8. Half Day Hike - Water Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Your guide is a certified naturalist who is knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of the area. You will learn tree and flower identifications as well as any wildlife you may see during your activity.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 413jot
We rented bikes and I can’t say enough about the service and quality of our experience. David was very prompt with answering questions to help me determine my needs. He delivered the bikes to us at the Biltmore and when we needed to cut our rental plans a day short because of weather, he was very accommodating. The bikes were in great condition. A+ experience!!
9. 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Asheville (Small-Group)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Explore historic Asheville on this 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing & History Walking Tour of the city. Groups are reduced to a maximum of 10 people for a more personalized experience, as well to allow for social distancing throughout the tour. Meet your Local Guide downtown, and start with a brief look at some of the art-deco architecture while listening to your guide offer an in-depth history of Asheville. Stop at several historic sites during your walk downtown and delve into the intriguing history of many of Asheville's past literary and notable residents including William Sydney Porter (aka O'Henry), Thomas Wolfe & his family, the "Founding Fathers" of Asheville and Asheville's connection to the cursed Hope Diamond. We will walk for approximately 2 miles at a comfortable pace over 2 hours. This tour is a great introduction to the city, and for history and architecture buffs.
Inclusions: 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Asheville, Small-Group for a more personalized experience (max 10 people per group), Stop at several locations throughout downtown Asheville and observe the art-deco architecture, Learn the history of famous past residents Thomas Wolfe, O'Henry & "Founding Fathers" of Asheville
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Andresyepes
What a wonderful experience! Natasha is a great guide and amazing person. She took us on a beautiful hike and brought us a delicious breakfast. We highly recommend going with Natasha. She is very knowledgeable and worldly. We’ll definitely be back.
10. Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Walking Tour of Asheville
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Before 'farm to table' and 'buy local' were 21st century catchphrases, they were a way of life in Asheville. The best way to uncover the city's friendly, small-town vibe is to enjoy it with a person who calls it home. Seemingly everyone you will meet on your private tour will be an artist - that's because Asheville has a way of bringing out the inner-artist in everyone, including you. Whether you fancy trying glassblowing or prefer simply to get lost in the blue hues of mountain-scapes, you will leave the city more in touch with your artistic side than when you arrived. As you wander, enjoy the eclectic architecture which captures the nature of the city: a collective of people who fought to preserve history at every turn. Your tour finishes in the South Slope Brewing District, where you can enjoy a large, local beer and get tips for the best way to spend the rest of your time in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Inclusions: A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group, Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places, A local beer from one of Asheville's craft breweries
Exclusions: Cost of transportation on the day (if required), Food and additional drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend favourites along the way, Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point
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