The Best Things To Do This Summer in Asheville & The Blue Ridge Mountains
Planning a summer trip to Asheville, North Carolina? This 2026 guide features some of the best things to do in Asheville NC in summer, including outdoor adventures, Blue Ridge Mountain activities, family-friendly attractions, local tours, seasonal experiences, and unique things to do across Western North Carolina.
Curated by Travel Guides Asheville, this Asheville summer guide is designed to help locals and visitors plan memorable summer weekends, mountain getaways, family trips, romantic escapes, girls’ weekends, and day trips in and around Asheville. Use this guide to discover standout local businesses, compare featured experiences, find summer activities near Asheville, and connect with places that make the season feel special.
Whether you’re looking for ziplining, river rafting, mini golf, flower farms, outdoor activities, or unique ways to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, this guide brings together some of the best summer activities in Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Save this guide on our Instagram to easily reference & share with friends.
(This guide is updated for 2026 and features a curated selection of summer activities, local businesses, outdoor adventures, and seasonal experiences in Asheville, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain region.)
1. Fiddlehead Farm & Forest
Instagram: @fiddleheadnc
Fiddlehead is a state-of-the-art destination built for adventure, movement, and connection. Designed for all ages and skill levels, the facility combines world-class climbing, biking, and fitness experiences within a modern, high-energy environment, all created to inspire progression and play.
With professionally designed terrain, evolving climbing routes, premium training spaces, and progression-focused bike features, Fiddlehead delivers an experience that feels both elevated and approachable. Whether you’re trying climbing for the first time, refining technical skills, or pushing through a workout, every part of the facility is designed to encourage growth, confidence, and fun.
More than just a gym, Fiddlehead is a community hub -- complete with a cafe and work space -- rooted in outdoor culture and active living. Year-round programming includes youth camps, fitness classes, competitions, and community events that bring people together through movement and shared experience.
From after-school sessions and family outings to serious training, Fiddlehead creates a space where people can challenge themselves, connect with others, and genuinely enjoy the process. With a welcoming atmosphere, experienced staff, and premium facilities under one roof (and in the open air), Fiddlehead continues to be a destination for those seeking adventure, progression, and community year-round.
2. Navitat Canopy Adventures
Instagram: @navitat
TGA Exclusive Discount: Use code TGA15 for 15% off tours at checkout for groups of up to 9 people, valid through November 30, 2026!
Escape the ordinary this summer at Navitat Canopy Adventures, an award-winning aerial adventure experience located just outside Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounded by lush forest, fresh mountain air, and stunning scenic views, Navitat offers guests a one-of-a-kind way to experience the beauty of Western North Carolina from high above the trees.
Perfect for families, couples, friend groups, corporate outings, and adventure seekers, Navitat features guided zipline canopy tours designed to combine excitement, nature, and unforgettable memories. Guests can soar through the forest canopy, cross sky bridges, and enjoy panoramic mountain views while learning about the local environment from experienced guides.
Summer is one of the best times to visit, offering warm weather, vibrant greenery, and a refreshing escape into the mountains. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, family vacation, or team-building adventure, Navitat provides a unique outdoor experience that blends adrenaline with connection to nature.
Conveniently located near Asheville, Navitat makes it easy to add adventure to your summer travel plans. Advance reservations are recommended, and tours are suitable for a wide range of ages and experience levels. Come explore the mountains from a whole new perspective this summer at Navitat.
3. Salt Face Mule Brewing Co
Instagram: @saltfacemule
Join us for southern-inspired food, a wide range of house-brewed beers, creative cocktails, Sunday brunch, and fun under the sun! We have two mini-golf courses, bocce ball courts, cornhole, pet-friendly outdoor seating, private event catering, and more!
4. The Never Ending Flower Farm
Instagram: @theneverendingflowerfarm
Our You-Pick flowers are available June- mid October. Open daily, 8am-8pm. This is such a wonderful time to experience flower picking in a quiet, nature-filled atmosphere. We also offer all-inclusive picnics for those who are wanting a unique date or celebration! Photography is welcome and don't forget to get a photo with our mini donkeys, Charlie & Nester.
5. Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours
Instagram: @ashevillerooftopbartours
TGA Exclusive Discount: Use code TGASUMMER2026 for 15% off all public tours at checkout, valid through September 21, 2026!
Summer is the perfect time to experience Asheville from above with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours—an award-winning guided rooftop bar experience through the heart of downtown Asheville.
Guests visit a curated selection of rooftop venues known for panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views, vibrant summer sunsets, handcrafted cocktails, and lively rooftop atmosphere. Each guided walking tour includes reserved rooftop seating at every location, a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at each stop, and fascinating stories about Asheville’s history, architecture, and culture shared by knowledgeable local guides.
From glowing skyline views and rooftop patios to mountain sunsets and warm summer evenings, every tour showcases Asheville’s creative energy and scenic beauty from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re visiting Asheville for the weekend or you’re a local looking to rediscover the city in a new way, Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours offers one of the most unique and memorable summer experiences in downtown Asheville.
Perfect for date nights, girls’ weekends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and summer celebrations, our tours blend local storytelling, rooftop hospitality, handcrafted drinks, and breathtaking scenery into one elevated Asheville experience. Private rooftop tours and wedding weekend experiences are also available throughout the summer season.
6. ‘99’ Creemee Stand
Instagram: @99_theyard
‘99’ Creemee Stand operates out of a vintage Airstream inside The Yard, a vibrant outdoor community space in the heart of Brevard. Located along the Ecusta Bike Trail, it’s a refreshing summer stop for cyclists, families, and visitors exploring the area. We serve Vermont maple creemees, North Carolina Amish hard scoop ice cream, and seasonal treats, creating the perfect place to cool off and relax during warm summer days. Guests can also enjoy The Yard’s kids play area, bike park, colorful murals celebrating local flora and fauna, outdoor seating, and family-friendly community events. ‘99’ Creemee Stand offers a welcoming space to gather, unwind, and enjoy Brevard’s vibrant community atmosphere.
7. Green River Adventures
Instagram: @greenriveradventures
TGA Exclusive Discount: Use code TGAROCKS! for 10% off all activities when booking online or over the phone, valid through September 2026!
For 20 years, Green River Adventures has provided unique, empowering adventures for all ages, experience and comfort-levels.
Offering tubing, whitewater inflatable kayaking, waterfall rappelling, canyoneering, and hiking adventures with industry-leading service, Green River Adventures has guided and self-guided activities to entertain families and thrill-seekers alike.
Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Asheville in Historic Downtown Saluda, their friendly reservation staff are available to design an itinerary that will become the highlight of your visit to Western North Carolina.
Enjoy a leisurely day tubing or kayaking with family on class II rapids of the Lower Green River. Learn to rappel at the enchanting Little Bradley Falls. Test your courage rappelling the majestic Big Bradley Falls. Experience the pure joy exploring the Waterfall Trek and Classic Swimming Hole Hike.
Or, plan a combination of multiple adventures. Green River Adventures is stoked to make your vacation to the Blue Ridge the best ever!
8. Tukit Tour Co.
Instagram: @tukittourco
Tukit Tour Company, a unique touring company in Asheville, NC, provides pickup and drop off at your downtown area Hotel, B & B or other places of choice. Come enjoy fun tours around Asheville on our all electric Tuk Tuk. Learn about Asheville and points of interest on our city history tour, or try our Brewski or Rooftop Hop and drink your way around Asheville. All tours are private, and we can create your very own tour experience with your interests and requests. Our local Tour Guide gurus are here to make your tour memorable and fun! Book your tour today!
Follow Us @travelguidesasheville
