1 Day In Asheville: The Ultimate Itinerary You Must Follow In 2023

Spending 1 day in Asheville can be a whirlwind of excitement with so much to see and do!

Asheville is known for its hip and crafty vibe, abundance of delicious breweries, fun shopping and art districts, as well as its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. 

We have spent many occasions in Asheville and although we recommend spending longer than 24 hours in the city, we know you can still explore a significant amount of Asheville in just 1 day!

Asheville, North Carolina truly has something for everyone to enjoy and is the perfect place to spend 1 day jam packed with fun and unique experiences.

Check out our ultimate itinerary below for the perfect 24 hours in Asheville!

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The Best 1 Day In Asheville Itinerary

Morning

Begin your morning by waking up and hitting one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in town.

We recommend stopping by Sunny Point Cafe and trying their scrumptious huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, or their stuffed french toast. 

If the line for Sunny Point Cafe is too long or you are looking to try another one of Asheville’s popular breakfast joints, be sure to check out Biscuit Head or Early Girl Eatery! 

From there, hop in your car and head a few minutes down the road to the River Arts District where you can walk around and admire colorful murals and art pieces on warehouses and buildings in the area.

Additionally, there are countless art galleries and pottery shops along the district that you can stop by. 

If you would rather explore the local art scene by bike instead of on foot, make sure to check out one of the best bike tours in Asheville that will take you throughout the area!

Afternoon

After you are finished taking in the local art scene, head down the road to the South Slope Brewing District where you can enjoy countless different breweries offering tasty cold beers on tap. 

Some of our favorite beer joints that you must check out include The Funkatorium, Green Man Brewery, and Burial Beer Company. 

Once you have finished a few pints of beer and are ready to eat another delicious meal, make your way to Buxton Hall Barbeque for some unbelievable brisket and bbq. 

If you are looking for one of the easiest way to try some of Asheville’s local breweries, consider booking a brewery tour to take you around town to some of the best spots!

Evening

After you have finished eating a late lunch, head down to the Asheville Pinball Museum where you can play one of the countless pinball machines and video games. 

Once you have spent a few hours playing games and having fun, head just down the street to the Grove Arcade where you can do some shopping! 

If shopping is not your thing, walk just down the road along the Urban Trail in downtown Asheville where you can take in the vibrant city and view countless parks, statues, restaurants, and bars. 

When you are ready to rest your feet for a bit, make your way to Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar for dinner. They are known for their incredible southern cuisine and delicious cocktails. 

To wrap up your evening, if you aren’t too tired from the day’s activities, hop in your car and head to the Grove Park Inn or the Biltmore Estate.

These two properties are some of the most beautiful estates in the area and are the perfect destinations to end your one day in Asheville. 

Not only are these properties perfect to visit due to their beautiful architecture and landscape, but they also make for great locations to grab an after dinner cocktail before heading in for the night. 

How To Get To Asheville:

The best way to get to Asheville is by driving! Asheville is located in western North Carolina and is not near a big airport so it requires you to drive or grab a rental car.

For those looking to fly and then drive to Asheville, the closest big airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport and it takes roughly 2 hours to get to Asheville from the airport. 

Where To Stay In Asheville, NC:

There are countless options to choose from when it comes to picking out accommodations in the area. Check out our guide below for the best places to stay in Asheville!

• Budget Friendly: Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown – This is a great budget friendly option for those looking to stay in the heart of downtown Asheville. Plus, it is right near the infamous Asheville Pinball Museum. 

• Mid-Range: Foundry Hotel Asheville – This is an excellent mid-range hotel option just down the road from the South Slope Brewing District with a rustic but modern aesthetic. 

• Luxury: The Inn on Biltmore Estate – For those looking for a truly luxurious experience, be sure to check out the Biltmore Estate for its beautiful architecture and landscape and fabulous amenities. 

For more recommendations on the best places to stay in the Asheville area, check out the map below!

Do you have more time in Asheville? Check out this list of the best things to do in Asheville if you have more time! 

Drive Down The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives on the East Coast that extends from Virginia to North Carolina.

The parkway is roughly 470 miles in length and full of endless beautiful views.

Go Hiking In Pisgah National Forest

One of our personal favorite activities to do just down the road from Asheville is to head into Pisgah National Forest to go hiking or backpacking. 

For those looking to embark on a phenomenal day hike in the area, check out the Looking Glass Rock Trail.

This hike is about 6 miles out and back and is moderately challenging. 

This is an excellent trek for those looking to burn a few calories before heading into down Asheville for some pints of delicious craft beer. 

Before heading on this hike, be sure to bring along your favorite energy bars, go-to electrolytes, and best-loved energy food for hiking so that you stay healthy, happy, and hydrated while taking in the incredible views of the North Carolina mountains and greenery.

Go On A Guided Tour:

There are countless tours to pick from that will take you throughout the area. Check out our list of favorites down below!

• Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views – This 3 hour electric bike tour will take you throughout Asheville and teach you about the town’s historical sites and guide you along some of Asheville’s most beautiful scenery. This is a great option for those looking to know more about Asheville’s roots and for those looking to take in the city as you cruise downtown on electric bikes. 

• Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour – This tour is a phenomenal option for those looking to learn more about the craft beer scene in Asheville and try some of the best beers the city has to offer!

• Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour – For those looking for something spooky and unique to do in the area, consider going on this ghost tour! This is an awesome option for those looking to do something at night and for those interested in learning more about Asheville’s haunted history. 

FAQs About 1 Day In Asheville

Is downtown Asheville walkable?

Downtown Asheville is definitely walkable. However, like most cities, there are several different popular districts and areas to explore in the downtown area.

We recommend having a car so that you can easily get between districts and enjoy all that downtown Asheville has to offer!

What month is best for Asheville?

Asheville is truly fantastic to visit year round. However, we recommend visiting the area in September or October for brisk fall temperatures which make it perfect for walking around and sipping on craft beer. 

How do you spend a day in Asheville River Arts District?

You can spend the perfect day in the River Arts District by strolling around and taking in the lovely and vibrant artwork on the building and warehouses.

Additionally, be sure to pop into one of the many art galleries and pottery shops in the area. 

Where can I walk around Asheville?

There are countless places to walk around in the area. Some popular areas include the Urban Trail, the River Arts District, the South Slope Brewing District, Asheville Botanical Gardens, French Broad River Park, and Reed Creek Greenway.

How many days should I stay in Asheville?

You can totally spend 1 day in Asheville and see an abundance of what all the city has to offer!

However, we typically recommend spending at least 2-3 days so that you can take in downtown Asheville as well as the properties on the outskirts of Asheville.

Plus, if you are in the area for a few days you can visit some of the great outdoor areas such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. 

Final Recap: How do I spend a day in Asheville NC?

• Grab breakfast or brunch at one of Asheville’s most popular restaurants or cafes 
• Take in the art at the River Arts District
• Go brewery hopping at the South Slope Brewing District
• Grab lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area
• Check out the Asheville Pinball Museum
• Go shopping at the Grove Arcade
• Walk down the Urban Trail
• Grab dinner at one of the many scrumptious restaurants
• Head to the Grove Park Inn or Biltmore Estates to take in their beautiful estates and maybe even grab a cocktail as you admire their architecture, aesthetic, and landscape

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best 1 day in Asheville itinerary!

For similar posts, be sure to check out The Best Things to do in Asheville on a Rainy Day! Happy Exploring!