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.

Cycle to five of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink (or two) at each 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.

Discover Asheville’s noteworthy landmarks and architectural gems while covering plenty of ground. This 2.5-hour tour by electric bike lets you safely navigate Asheville’s hilly terrain. Follow your guide through city streets, greenways, and picturesque neighborhoods. At carefully chosen viewpoints, you’ll stop to hear the stories behind historical sites. Numbers are limited to seven riders per tour to ensure personalized attention.

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.

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.

Explore the "Paris of the South"—Asheville, North Carolina—on a Segway during this 2-hour guided tour. Traveling via Segway allows you to cover much more ground than you would on foot, which makes this a great comprehensive tour for first-time visitors. You'll get lessons on how to maneuver the 2-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooter before you depart; even beginners will feel safe and comfortable.

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.

Asheville pops out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth. On this tour, simply meet up with your small group, take a short ride into Pisgah National Forest, and follow the way into the “Land of Waterfalls.” Your guide will provide hiking poles, rain gear, water, snacks, and plenty of knowledge to deepen your experience in this incredible slice of Mother Nature.

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.

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.

Experience historic Wilmington, NC, and its historic sites by E-Bike while experiencing 3 Wilmington Craft Breweries. Sample some of the best craft beer on the coast! Each E-bike tour will include stops at multiple historic and significant sites throughout downtown Wilmington and 3 breweries. Come see Wilmington in a whole new way. The total ride is 12 miles over 4-5 hours. This tour is the perfect balance of sightseeing and craft beer sampling, making it popular with solo travelers, couples, families with teens, and groups alike. Spend the day cruising around town on an electric bike checking out some of Wilmington’s best breweries. Whether you’re just visiting or you’re a local looking for an adventure, our E-Bike Tour to the Craft Breweries of Wilmington is a fun and popular activity for craft beer lovers

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.

Come join us on the trails for an easy-moderate hike and a relaxing, guided meditation in nature. Soothe your nervous system and ground into the healing powers of the earth with a guided sensory-meditation and sound-healing experience aimed at helping you connect with the earth and melting away stress. We will hike for about an hour at an agreeable pace for the group, then stop in a secluded spot for our meditation which will include a combination of sensory activation, chimes and/or drumming. There will be some time to explore the area before heading back to the trailhead refreshed and relaxed! Snacks and transportation are included; please specify dietary restrictions when booking. Tour requires a minimum of 2 hikers to operate. Blue Ridge Hiking Company has been in business for 13 years; we believe the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. All guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and knowledgeable in local history, flora, and fauna.

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 comes loaded with two things: great breweries and great nature. On this tour, you’ll get to revel in them both. Your guide will have your raft ready—complete with an ice-filled cooler—and you’ll float down the beautiful French Broad River, stopping at a few of the city’s best pubs and food trucks. This one’s all about relaxing, river views, and really good beer.

Paddle 7 miles (11 km) with a private guide on the picturesque French Broad River. You’ll pass by Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear about its history. Learn stand-up paddleboarding tips and techniques from your SUP instructor and keep an eye out for native wildlife like turtles, herons, otters, and osprey. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise during a morning or afternoon.

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.

Start your visit off right and hop on two wheels for some outdoor fun; with the only moped tour in Asheville: Shaka Street Tours. Get the wind in your hair, explore the city, and enjoy the nature that makes this place special. The Shaka Street Tours is one of a kind. We will be taking you all over Asheville. Our ability to scoot around with ease allows us to cover much more area than any other tour in town! Beginning your trip to Asheville by moped is a great way to familiarize youself with what the city has to offer. Shaka tours are personal; you will have a tour guide & a max group of 3. So we’ll be sharing tons of information about the best local spots to check out during and after the tour as well. Whether you have been to Asheville before or it’s your first time. We’re confident you will have an incredible experience while seeing the nature, art, and shops that make Asheville awesome!

The captain works with the guest to design a custom outing based on his 30 years of cruising experience in the local area. With knowledge of the local sea conditions and coastal ecology. you build a custom experience. Typically, Guests experience: * Offshore sailing * Relaxing in secluded Anchorages * Intracoastal Excursions *Transits to Wilmington or Southport (return fee not included)

This is a certified naturalist led kayak tour around Lake Lure, located in the North Carolina Mountains. A serene lake and blue sky...what could be better? Your guide will also point out local flora and fauna and talk to you about the history of the area. Feel free to jump in and swim!

Asheville is well known for its unique assortment of breweries, bars, and even sake breweries. During this 4 hour tour we will ride around in Ashevilles first ever party bus to at least 4 of our favorite breweries in town. We will begin with a short drive to Hi-Wire Brewing, where we will check out their unique south Asheville "big top" location. We will then make our way over to one of Ashevilles most exciting new breweries, New Origin. From here we will head downtown and make a stop at one of our favorite breweries on the South Slope, often called Ashevilles "brewery district." We will round out the trip at the Wedge Brewing in the River Arts District adjacent to our outpost. Our uniquely decorated bus is BYOB, so we can keep the party going in between stops too! I will serve not only as your party captain, but also your photographer since we will have a camera with us for the trip to capture the memories! This experience will surely be the best part of your Asheville trip.