Things to do in Waynesville

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Waynesville

Types of activities

Where to stay

Waynesville travel guide

Just in my backyard. From Waynesville North Carolina

Summer day stroll around Lake Junaluska in Haywood County NC #mountains

Francis Grist Mill. One of the small treasures in Western NC. Owned by a very special family, dear to my heart..They hold a couple of events each year to help them keep their mill functional. Look it up on the National Register of Historic Places.

A view of the Cataloochee Valley. This is an area in the northern-most section of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the best areas of the park to see elk but the drive down the mountains into the valley is a white-knuckled drive the entire way. But it is well worth it, not only for the beautiful scenery, but also because you're almost guaranteed to see elk. #blue #smokymountains #mountains #tennessee #greatsmokymountain #nationalparks #EndlessSummer #Green

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Waynesville

Popular places to visit

Peaceful little day retreat - close to home. Great walking path and plenty of ducks to watch!

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center

Learn about the events happening in Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center during your trip to Waynesville. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Charlotte featuring a river or creek and forest scenes

Cataloochee Valley

Spot elk and visit historic buildings while camping, driving and hiking in the tranquil countryside of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Sign on Richland Balsam overlook on Blue Ridge mountains parkway in North Carolina with mist fog spruce coniferous trees and highest elevation at 6053 feet

Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance

Explore the great outdoors at Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance, a lovely green space in Waynesville. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area or enjoy its golf courses.

Lake Junaluska Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Waynesville at Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Queen's Farm Stables

Meet the animals who live at Queen's Farm Stables during your travels in Waynesville. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area or seek out the golf courses.

Waynesville Recreation Center

Take the family on an outing to Waynesville Recreation Center during your trip to Waynesville. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the golf courses.

Smoky Mountain Jumphouse

Catch an event at Smoky Mountain Jumphouse and enjoy other activities in Waynesville such as golfing.Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Balsam Spa

Enjoy a trip to Balsam Spa and popular activities such as golfing in Waynesville. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography

You can spend time exploring the galleries in LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography during your trip to Waynesville. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or seek out the golf courses.

Areas of Waynesville

Settlers Ridge

While Settlers Ridge may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

Fairway Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fairway Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Waynesville Recreation Center.

Downtown Waynesville

Though Downtown Waynesville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Waynesville Recreation Center and Lake Junaluska Golf Course.

Ivy Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Ivy Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Waynesville Recreation Center.

Mountain Springs

While there might not be top attractions in Mountain Springs, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

Hemphill Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Hemphill Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cataloochee Ski Area and Wheels Through Time Museum.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Gatlinburg

The river that runs through the mountains in North Carolina

Sylva

Frequently asked questions

Is Waynesville worth visiting?

Renowned for its golfing and history, discovering awesome things to do in Waynesville is a cinch. Make sure to add Cataloochee Ski Area to your itinerary when here.

How do I spend a day in Waynesville?

Once you've checked off key attractions like Queen's Farm Stables and Fantasy Golf & Game Room, spend the rest of your day enjoying Waynesville's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Waynesville?

Cataloochee Ski Area is one of the top tourist attractions in Waynesville and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Waynesville?

Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, such as Fantasy Golf & Game Room, Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance and Lake Junaluska Golf Course. The average stay in Waynesville is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Asheville isn't far away.

Is Waynesville a walkable city?

It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Waynesville. Several attractions, such as Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Balsam Spa, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Waynesville's best neighbourhoods, Apple Creek Acres is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown Waynesville is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Waynesville with kids?

Planning what to do in Waynesville with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Waynesville for adults?

Wheels Through Time Museum and Maggie Valley Gem Mine are just a few of the things to do in Waynesville. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Waynesville?

One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Waynesville is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.