The city of Asheville is a great place to visit with your kids and family. There are many activities to enjoy and plenty of places to explore. However, you may be wondering how long you should spend in Asheville. Here is a guide to help you plan your trip.
If you want to pack in a lot of activities, then you should plan on spending at least three days in Asheville. This will give you enough time to visit some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Biltmore Estate and the Asheville Zoo. You will also have time to go hiking or biking in the nearby mountains and explore the downtown area.
That said, let’s create three schedules with different durations (1, 3, and 7 days) so you can choose what works best for you and your family.
One-Day Asheville Trip Itinerary
8:00 am – Pick up breakfast at one of Asheville’s many local bakeries (we recommend The Hop or Vortex Doughnuts)
9:00 am – Visit the Biltmore Estate
11:30 am – Grab lunch at a downtown restaurant, such as Wicked Weed Brewing
1:00 pm – Explore the River Arts District
3:00 pm – Visit the Asheville Zoo
5:00 pm – Head back to your hotel or rental property to relax for the evening
Three-Day Asheville Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
During the first day, we recommend starting with a visit to the Biltmore Estate. This is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions, and it is sure to be a hit with your kids. After exploring the estate, grab lunch at a downtown restaurant. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the River Arts District. In the evening, head back to your hotel or rental property to relax.
Day 2:
On the second day of your trip, we recommend spending some time in nature. You could go for a hike in one of the nearby mountains, such as Mount Pisgah or Mount Mitchell. Or, you could go biking on one of the many trails in the area. If you’re looking for something a little less active, you could also visit the Asheville Zoo.
Day 3:
On the third day of your trip, we recommend exploring the downtown area. There are many shops and restaurants to check out, and you could also visit some of the city’s art galleries. In the evening, you could head to one of Asheville’s breweries for a tour and tasting.
Seven-Day Asheville Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Asheville and check into your hotel or rental property. Take your time to settle in and relax. During the first day, we recommend starting with a visit to the Biltmore Estate. This is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions, and it is sure to be a hit with your kids. After exploring the estate, grab lunch at a downtown restaurant. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the River Arts District.
Day 2:
On the second day of your trip, we recommend spending some time in nature. You could go for a hike in one of the nearby mountains, such as Mount Pisgah or Mount Mitchell. Or, you could go biking on one of the many trails in the area. If you’re looking for something a little less active, you could also visit the Asheville Zoo.
Day 3:
On the third day of your trip, we recommend exploring the downtown area. There are many shops and restaurants to check out, and you could also visit some of the city’s art galleries. In the evening, you could head to one of Asheville’s breweries for a tour and tasting.
Day 4:
During the fourth day of your trip, we recommend taking a drive to one of the nearby towns, such as Hendersonville or Waynesville. This is a great way to explore some of the other attractions that the area has to offer.
Day 5:
On the fifth day of your trip, we recommend going for another hike in the mountains. You could also go whitewater rafting on one of the many rivers in the area.
Day 6:
Spend the sixth day of your trip relaxing at your hotel or rental property. You could take a dip in the pool, read a book, or just enjoy the scenery.
Day 7:
On the seventh and final day of your trip, we recommend packing up and checking out of your hotel or rental property. If you have time, you could stop for one last hike or visit to a local attraction. Then, head back home and start planning your next Asheville adventure!
Things You Should Visit in Asheville with Kids
There are loads of kid-friendly Asheville activities. There are many fun and educational attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Asheville with kids:
Visit the Biltmore Estate – The Biltmore Estate is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions. It is a large mansion that was built in the late 1800s, and it is now open to the public for tours. Kids will love exploring the huge house and grounds, and they can even learn about the history of the estate.
Explore the River Arts District – The River Arts District is a creatives hub in Asheville. There are many art galleries, studios, and shops to explore. Kids will love seeing the different artwork, and they may even find some inspiration to create their own art.
Visit the Asheville Zoo – The Asheville Zoo is home to many different animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and giraffes. Kids will love seeing all of the different animals and learning about their habitats.
Take a Hike – There are many trails in the nearby mountains that are perfect for families. Kids will love exploring the forests and streams, and they may even spot some wildlife along the way.
Go Whitewater Rafting – Whitewater rafting is a great activity for kids in Asheville. There are many rivers in the area that offer whitewater rafting trips for all levels of experience.
Visit a Local Town – There are many small towns in the Asheville area that are worth exploring. Take a drive to one of the nearby towns, such as Hendersonville or Waynesville, and explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions.