A North Carolina mountain city known for the largest private home in America and a thriving craft beer scene.

Related: Biltmore Estate: Asheville’s Grand Gilded Age Mansion Guide

Why Visit Asheville

Asheville anchors the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the United States, built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890s, while the city’s own reputation as Beer City USA reflects one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries per capita anywhere in the country.

Top-Rated Asheville Tours & Experiences

Top Experiences

  • Biltmore Estate: The largest privately owned home in the United States, an 1890s Vanderbilt family mansion with gardens and a winery.
  • Asheville brewery scene: One of the highest concentrations of craft breweries per capita in the US, earning the city its Beer City nickname.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: A scenic mountain highway with overlooks and hiking access, passing directly by Asheville.
  • River Arts District: A former industrial area along the French Broad River, now home to galleries and artist studios.

Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Asheville.

Privately Guided Half Day Hike

Privately Guided Half Day Hike

★ 5.0 (148)
From USD 155
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Explore Asheville on E Bike

Explore Asheville on E Bike

★ 5.0 (50)
From USD 69
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Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville

Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville

★ 5.0 (30)
From USD 30
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Half-Day Tour With Instruction in Vistas & Waterfall Photography

Half-Day Tour With Instruction in Vistas & Waterfall Photography

★ 5.0 (26)
From USD 150
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Customizable Private Day Trips out of Asheville

Customizable Private Day Trips out of Asheville

★ 5.0 (27)
From USD 300
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Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy Walk

Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy Walk

★ 5.0 (25)
From USD 75
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Practical Tips

  • Biltmore Estate requires a full day to see properly, including its gardens and winery.
  • Downtown Asheville’s breweries are largely walkable, making a self guided crawl easy.
  • Fall foliage season brings heavy traffic to the Blue Ridge Parkway, plan accordingly.

FAQ

What is the Biltmore Estate?
The largest privately owned home in the United States, an 1890s Vanderbilt family mansion near Asheville, now open for tours.

Why is Asheville called Beer City USA?
It has one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries per capita in the country, a title earned through repeated national polls.

Is Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Yes, the scenic mountain highway passes directly by the city, offering easy access to overlooks and hiking trails.

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