This NC city is among Top 50 places to visit in 2026, Travel + Leisure says

The great outdoors, lush mountain views and a buzzing art scene are what make Asheville a top travel destination, according to Travel + Leisure.

The North Carolina city landed on the magazine’s list of the 50 Best Places to Visit in 2026, earning recognition as a top pick for nature enthusiasts. It was featured alongside Salt Lake City, New Zealand, Okavango Delta in Botswana, and several other must-visit spots from around the globe.

“For this edition, our staff vetted more than 100 nominees, with an eye to what makes a place worth visiting in the year ahead,” Travel + Leisure editors wrote.

“We also tapped the expertise of travel-world insiders and many members of the T+L A-List to find out which big cities are the most resonant right now — and which underrated spots are serving up culinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else.”

Highlights included the best stops for foodies, beach vibes, cultural immersion and more. Major events, including the Winter Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup, were also considered, according to editors.

Here’s what cemented Asheville as a top pick for travel lovers:

Why folks love Asheville, NC

Nestled in the western North Carolina Mountains, Asheville has no shortage of unique attractions.

The Biltmore, considered “Asheville’s crown jewel,” is the city’s most famous landmark and welcomes more than 1 million guests every year, according to the estate’s website.

Visitors seeking a bit of adventure can enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Appalachians, plus access to hiking, biking and other outdoor activities, the city’s website says. It’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains also makes it an autumn escape, especially among leaf watchers vying to see the colorful foliage.

Foodies can find something for everyone — from Mediterranean to New American cuisine — in Asheville’s food scene, called “Foodtopia.”

USA Today’s 10Best also recognized it as one of America’s best beer cities for its “impressive number of breweries, friendly beer bars, and bottle shops that provide enthusiasts with easy access to more than 100 local beers.” Asheville landed at No. 7 on the Top 10 list.

Specialty shops and boutiques are plentiful, as are bookstores and open-air markets.

Post-Helene Asheville

It’s been just over one year since Hurricane Helene devastated large portions of Western North Carolina, and Asheville is still working to rebuild. The city’s River Arts District, home to painters, potters and other local artists, was completely flooded after water “at least 10 feet deep swept through” the area, The Charlotte Observer reported.

“My biggest concern post-hurricane was: Will people give up?” Meherwan Irani, chef and owner of Chai Pani in Asheville, told Travel + Leisure. The restaurant, which specializes in Indian street food, served as a base for World Central Kitchen during the storm, the magazine reported.

“What I’ve seen over the last year was people not throwing in the towel, but choosing to rebuild, sometimes against financial odds,” Irani said.