Top North Carolina Half-day Tours

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

Asheville is known for its fantastic views of the Appalachian mountains. On this half-day tour, take a scenic bike ride along Blue Ridge Parkway with easy aboard an electric bike. First, bike through quaint Asheville communities before ascending Patton Mountain, with ease. Take in the views before descending and grabbing a drink at a historic hotel.

Enjoy both the freedom of independent travel and the structure of a guided tour with a self-guided driving tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Download the app and get started from your own vehicle in Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton. Admire the views and look out for wildlife en route between the Great Smokies National Park and Shenandoah. Start and stop whenever you like as you’re in control.

Get onto the clam waters of Bent Creek near the Biltmore property in Asheville on this self-guided kayak tour. Your kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are all provided for you, so all you need to do is show up ready to have an adventure. When you’re finished kayaking, wind down at the Outpost with a beer.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Maximize time in Downtown Asheville with a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. Learn about Asheville's history and culture during a city stroll that includes breweries, distilleries, cafes, and historic sites. See popular landmarks like the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade, and the Leaf Global Arts Center. Taste local beer and spirits during brewery and distillery visits. In lieu of a tour ticket, tip your guide whatever amount you find fair.

Take a spooky stroll through the streets of downtown Asheville on this ghost walking tour. Led by an expert local guide, learn about the area’s hair-raising tales and dark history, like the woman who haunts the Omni Grove Park Inn, the body entombed in the wall of the Basilica of St. Lawrence and much more. It's a fascinating, spine-tingling adventure.

One of the most biodiverse spots in the nation, the Blue Ridge Parkway shouldn’t just be driven—it deserves to be seen on foot, with a naturalist leading the way. With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

Discover the spooky side of Asheville with this small-group nighttime walking tour. Meet your guide for a city stroll focused on Asheville's haunted and paranormally active locations. Hear stories about local history as you walk past landmarks including the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Battery Park Hotel, and Pack's Tavern. Choose between two different tour lengths depending on your needs and interests.

Explore Asheville beyond city limits during this sunset e-bike ride. Meet your guide in North Asheville and get fitted for an e-bike, then set out for a scenic ride in the mountains surrounding Asheville. During this small-group tour, climb up to a scenic overlook (with the assistance of the powerful e-bike battery) and keep an eye out for wildlife, which is known for being active this time of day. Complete the experience with a visit to a local brewery.

Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway without having to keep your eyes on the road with this chauffeur-driven tour. Your naturalist driver will do the driving, pointing out special sights and teaching you about the natural history of the area along the way. You'll also have the chance to stop for a hike and some photos before returning to Asheville.

Cycle to three of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink at the first location. You’ll be riding a state-of-the-art e-bike, so the hills won’t be a problem. In addition to soaking up the local vibe and great scenery, you’ll sample some of the best craft brews in town. If you like beer and bikes, you'll love this tour.

Head out for an evening of drinking and dining with this immersive beer tour. You'll visit four different local breweries, where you'll get to sample craft beer and learn about the brewing process. This tour also includes a stop for a meal at Midwood Smokehouse.

Asheville’s reputation as one of the top cities for brews in the Southeast is well-deserved, but the huge number of breweries to choose from can be intimidating for visitors. Discover which breweries are worth the hype on this Asheville brewery tour, which takes you to craft breweries with behind-the-scene access and ample pours at each. Unlike other Asheville brewery tours, this one is led by a certified cicerone, a recognized expert when it comes to beer.

Explore North Carolina's Outer Banks on this self-guided car tour. First, see the majestic Bodie Island Lighthouse and the peaceful Coquina Beach, where nature and history merge. Continue to Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site, a maritime hero attraction. Next, see the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a coastal landmark. Last stop: the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where flight dreams were realized. Explore maritime history and pioneering spirit in stunning coastal scenery. After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Live out your *Dirty Dancing* dreams with this kayak tour of the famed Lake Lure. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll explore these blue waters under a blue sky, getting to know the local flora, fauna, and more. When you’re ready, feel free to jump in for a swim—and have the time of your life.

Authentic Experience Our walking tours provide an immersive and authentic experience of Asheville’s brewery scene. By exploring the city on foot, you’ll gain a deeper connection with the local brewing culture and appreciate the character of each brewery. This genuine and personal encounter enriches your understanding of Asheville’s craft beer community.

Discover the scenic views, mountain trails, wildlife, and plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide to lead the way. With so much to see in the region, nature lovers can get overwhelmed deciding where to go and what attractions to prioritize. By traveling with a guide you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can rest assured you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Combine history, sightseeing, and craft beer with this half-day small-group guided e-bike tour around Wilmington. With an e-bike, you can go further with less effort. Follow your guide around to multiple historical and significant sites around downtown, such as Thalian Hall Center, Wilmington Oakdale Cemetery, and Bellamy Mansion, and stop at three breweries along the way.

Sharpen your photography skills with a custom half-day photo tour from Asheville. Get picked up at your hotel and meet your guide for a private photography-focused tour. Personalize the itinerary according to your interests and set out for a trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn new techniques from a professional photographer and bring home stellar photographs.

Discover the natural beauty that lies just outside of Asheville by booking a guided hike. This private experience can be tailored to your needs and preferences, whether you want a challenging adventure or an easy-going walk. Depending on where you go, your tour may include waterfalls, mountain views, or biodiverse forests.

Recipe for a perfect day: Floating down an ancient river, cooling your toes in the water, laughing with good friends... all within reach of award-winning breweries serving up fresh craft beverages and tasty treats. We will paddle down one of the oldest rivers in the world and guide you to great breweries that are within 5 minutes of the river. Non-drinkers will have plenty of sight-seeing options nearby as well.

The Signature Asheville Brew Tour is the perfect introduction to Asheville's impressive and world-renowned craft beverage scene. On this compact, three-and-a-half-hour adventure, you will go behind the scenes, drink with the locals, and taste a variety of up to 12 delicious beers at three of Asheville's best craft alcohol producers. All while enjoying a tasty snack to soak up all those delicious suds.