If you want to visit a charming small town with tons of outdoor adventures, then you must visit Bryson City. I’m excited to tell you about all the fun things to do in Bryson City, North Carolina so let’s get right into it!
Andrea, I'm looking for some specific things to do in Bryson City, NC. Let's skip right to it.
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Where is Bryson City, North Carolina?
Bryson City is a little town located in western North Carolina. Don’t be deceived by the name (city) because it doesn’t have a city vibe at all. It’s located in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Bryson City is a perfect location if you want to add a day trip to Tennessee, Georgia, or South Carolina to your travel itinerary. It’s the best place to visit if you love outdoor activities.
Still not sure if the hype is true? Don’t just take my word for it. The Smithsonian ranked Bryson City in the top 20 best small towns to visit! Now let’s find out about all the fun things to do in Bryson City, NC.
Things to Do in Downtown Bryson City
Explore Downtown Bryson City
Downtown Bryson City has your typical small-town downtown vibe. You can either use the free street parking or you can pay to park in the main parking lot. Either way, downtown Bryson City is a very walkable city.
You will find a main street with lots of boutique shopping and locally owned restaurants. This is where all the “action” is. (Well, as much action as you can expect to find in a small town.) Plan to spend one day exploring all the things to do in downtown Bryson City.
Shopping in Downtown Bryson City
LOCATION: Throughout Downtown Bryson City
If you are looking to buy some souvenirs, then you will find them in downtown Bryson City. I love to check out local boutique shops when I travel because they always have unique items. Shopping is a great choice when the weather isn’t the best for outside activities.
Market on the Square was my favorite store in downtown Bryson City. Not only did it have a cool bakery attached to it, but it had the most fun and unique gifts! I promise it’s a “must-visit” on your list of things to do in Bryson City.
Murals and Street Art in Downtown Bryson City
LOCATION: Throughout Downtown Bryson City
If you read my tips for traveling during the holidays, you know I love doing self-guided mural tours on days when things are closed. Not only is it interesting to check out street art, but it’s also on the list of fun FREE things to do in Bryson City.
Bryson City has 4 murals and 6 painted trout that you can find. Check out the Bryson City website for the street art map!
Visit Museums in Downtown Bryson City
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Gift Shop & Museum
LOCATION: 100 Greenlee St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum is a must-see if you have a train enthusiast in your group.
Admission to the museum is FREE with the purchase of a train ticket. If you don’t want to ride the train, and you only want to visit the museum, then tickets are approximately $9.00 for ages 12 and up and $5.00 for ages 3-11.
Swain County Heritage Museum and Swain County Visitor Center
LOCATION: 2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The Swain County Heritage Museum is located inside the Bryson City historic courthouse. It is FREE to visit the museum and this is a great indoor activity on days when the weather doesn’t allow you to explore outside.
You will learn about the history of the Swain County people, as well as the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam.
Plan to spend approximately 1-2 hours visiting the museum and visitor center.
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
LOCATION: 117 Island St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The Fly Fishing Museum is a great place to visit if you enjoy fishing because you will learn all about the history of fly fishing and see some fun detailed exhibits. Admission to the Fly Fishing Museum is FREE. Plan to spend less than 1 hour at the museum.
PRO TIP: Visiting museums is a good indoor activity when the weather isn't great.
Fun Things to Do Around Bryson City, North Carolina
Fun Outdoor Adventures in Bryson City
Bryson City is best known for having tons of great outdoor activities for all different skill levels. If you love exploring nature, then THIS is the place to do it.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile-long National Parkway in the United States and Bryson City is blessed to be part of it. You can enjoy countless outdoor activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and exploring Nantahala National Forest to name a few. I’m going to share some options to help you make an informed decision on what to add to your Bryson City itinerary.
Rent a UTV
LOCATION: 255 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
When we were in Bryson City we rented a UTV to do some exploring and it was so much fun! Bryson City Razor Rentals is easy to find in downtown Bryson City.
The 2 seater is approximately $65.00 per hour and the 4 seater is approximately $75.00 per hour. You can also rent them for the day.
With your UTV you can either drive around and explore downtown Bryson City or you can use it to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Whitewater Rafting
LOCATION: Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
One of my favorite things to do in Bryson City was trying whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. I 10/10 recommend doing it, especially if it is your first time.
You will see other locations offering whitewater rafting but I found the Nantahala Outdoor Center to be the best option.
They have been in business for 50 years, and their guides are amazing! They also have a great outdoor space for dining, a small store to purchase any extra outdoor gear you might need, or you can just watch others float or paddle down the river.
It is FREE to explore Nantahala Outdoor Center if you want to watch the water activities and enjoy Bryson City outdoors.
FUN FACT: The NOC is a training site for top Olympians and aspiring paddlers!
Guided Kayak Tour
LOCATION: Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
One of my favorite things to do is go kayaking. Taking a kayak tour on the river is so much fun! If this is your first time kayaking then this is a perfect beginner kayaking river experience.
Ziplining Adventures
LOCATION: Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
By now you might have figured out that the Nantahala Outdoor Center has ALL the fun outdoor adventures.
If water sports isn’t your thing, you might want to check out the zip lines. I’ve taken my family ziplining several times and it’s a lot of fun. At NOC it’s not just ziplining along the 500 acres, it is a ziplining park which means they have ropes courses too.
Hiking and Waterfalls
LOCATION: throughout the Bryson City area
The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states and Bryson City North Carolina is one of the places that provide access to the trail. If you love hiking, waterfalls, and wild animals then you will love Bryson City. They even have an option to do a day trip with a tour full of beautiful waterfalls and breweries.
During the autumn season, it’s a perfect time to hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while enjoying the fall foliage.
If you want to find hiking trails and waterfalls, I suggest using an app like All Trails to find out where they are located. The app will help you to find easy hikes or something more challenging. There are 10+ waterfalls for you to check out!
Unique Things to Do in Bryson City
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
LOCATION: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot 18 Fry St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Most people love a good train ride but the Smoky Mountains Railroad is on a different level. You have to check out their website for all the different themed train excursions because there is something for everyone. In the winter you can ride the Polar Express. In the autumn you can ride through the Smoky Mountains to see all the beautiful fall foliage.
This scenic train ride is fun for the entire family. They even offer a bagged lunch with your purchase but we opted to buy food from the dining cart. They had a bunch of food options like popcorn, nachos, soft pretzels, and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
Along with the purchase of your train ticket, you get unlimited beverages for your entire ride. They also have limited alcohol available for purchase. Plan to spend half of the day on your train ride adventure.
PRO TIP: The parking lot for your train excursion is in downtown Bryson City. Then take a short walk to the train depot.
Deep Creek Winery
LOCATION: 405 Johnathan Walk, Bryson City, NC 28713
If there’s a winery, then I’m going to check it out. I think it’s always a great time to relax and taste the locally made wines.
Deep Creek Winery is a nice place for a unique tableside wine tasting while enjoying the stunning view. If you have time, then you must add this to your Bryson City itinerary. It’s ranked in the top 10 things to do in Bryson City, NC.
PRO TIP: Deep Creek Winery does not permit children or dogs on the premisis.
Self-Guided Audio Tour
If you are looking for unique things to do in Bryson City, that don’t involve a lot of people, then take a scenic drive. This is a particularly great option for the autumn season.
If you’ve never done a self-guided audio tour before, don’t worry, it’s easy. All you do is download the app (when you are in a location with Wi-Fi) and then use it to guide you around the city.
The best part about a self-guided tour is you can start and stop at your leisure. You don’t have any time constraints. You can even break it up into a few different days.
PRO TIP: This is a great activity to do when you need a break from walking or when the weather isn't the best for outdoor activities.
Buttermilk Farms Antiques & Auction
LOCATION: Valley Village Shopping Center, 220 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Visiting the Buttermilk Farms Antiques & Auction is a unique experience, and it’s the only antique dealer market in Bryson City. If you like to look and shop for antiques, then this is a great spot to stroll through the 10,000 square feet of space. If you want to be part of the exciting live in-person auctions, check out their schedule to see when they take place.
Best Places to Stay in Bryson City, North Carolina
Elk Hollow Resort
LOCATION: 74 Elk Hollow, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Elk Hollow Resort is one of the best places you will find for glamping. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Bryson City and escape the populated downtown area, then this is the perfect place to stay.
The cool thing about glamping is you get to be immersed in nature, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and conveniences. Make sure you check out details of the best glamping in North Carolina to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
PRO TIP: There are only 7 Safari Tents available so make your reservations early.
Are you ready to add the ultimate glamping experience to your list of things to do in Bryson City? CLICK HERE to read about The Best Glamping in North Carolina!
Everett Hotel
LOCATION: 16 Everett Street, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
The Everett Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to be in downtown Bryson City for easy access to everything. It’s also the best place for fine dining at The Bistro at the Everett Hotel.
One of the things I love about staying at boutique hotels is that every room is unique. Aside from the food and the unique rooms, the best parts about the Everett Hotel are the rooftop terrace and of course the convenient location.
PRO TIP: There are only 10 rooms available so make your reservations early.
The Historic Calhoun House
LOCATION: 135 Everett St, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
The Historic Calhoun House is a family-owned bed and breakfast located in downtown Bryson City. This is a good option if you are looking for a budget-friendly, family atmosphere. As you might have guessed, at the bed and breakfast you will get a full country-style breakfast, served family style, each morning. Aside from the amazing breakfast, the best part about the Historic Calhoun House is the great central location.
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Day Trips from Bryson City, North Carolina
Although I told you plenty of things to do in Bryson City to keep you busy for a long weekend, you might want to add a fun day trip to your itinerary. Here are 5 great day trips from Bryson City, NC.
Day Trip from Bryson City to Asheville, North Carolina
DISTANCE: 62.8 miles (1+ hours) from Bryson City, NC to Asheville, NC
Asheville is well known for the enormous Biltmore Mansion. It will take you more than 3 hours to see the mansion.
It’s also another great location for amazing outdoor adventures. When you visit Asheville have all the fun by taking a bike tour, brewery tour, or a helicopter tour!
Day Trip from Bryson City, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
DISTANCE: 45.2 miles (1.5 hours) from Bryson City, NC to Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg Tennessee is another charming mountain town not far from Bryson City. It can feel a bit crowded because it’s such a small town, but it’s a popular location for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because they have 3 park entrances in town.
Day Trip from Bryson City, North Carolina to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
DISTANCE: 52.9 miles (1.5 hours) from Bryson City, NC to Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN is only a few miles away from Gatlinburg, TN. They are each great places to visit but have a slightly different vibe. Pigeon Forge is a small town and less expensive area than Gatlinburg. If you are looking to spend a fun day at a theme park, then this is a perfect day trip from Bryson City.
Pigeon Forge has the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Ride, the Dollywood Theme Park, and the Titanic Museum.
Day Trip from Bryson City, North Carolina to Helen, Georgia
DISTANCE: 86 miles (2 hours) from Bryson City, NC to Helen, GA
Helen Georgia is the cutest little German town in the USA. It is a perfect place for a day trip from Bryson City if you are looking for a unique, European-inspired location. You will find lots of cute shops, great German food, and of course, German beer. Helen, Georgia isn’t far from where I live so it’s one of the places I like to take my family and friends when they come to visit.
Do you want to visit the best German Town in the USA? CLICK HERE to read about Helen Georgia!
Day Trip from Bryson City, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia
DISTANCE: 164.2 miles (3+ hours) from Bryson City, NC to Atlanta, GA
There are plenty of fun outoor things to do in Bryson City, but if you want to get out of the small town and visit a really bustling city, then you should take a day trip to Atlanta. Atlanta has a TON of great restaurants, art, and culture. It is an action-packed city with lots of fun things to see and do!
Do you want to take a day trip from Bryson City to visit Atlanta? CLICK HERE to read about All the Fun Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia!
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If you liked Fun Things to Do in Bryson City, NC, you might also want to read Top 10 Things to See and Do in Nashville Tennessee.
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LET’S CONNECT: Which one of the tours from “Fun Things to Do in Bryson City, NC” do you think you’d definitely want to add to your Bryson City Itinerary? Comment below!
