29+ Great Things to do in Asheboro NC (Zoo) & Nearby

Looking for Things to do in Asheboro NC?

Asheboro is a well-loved, mid-sized city in the heart of North Carolina. In 1819, Asheboro was made the county seat of Randolph County and has been the largest city in the county ever since.

Asheboro is home to a rich economy, with many natural and cultural resources, and a friendly community. The “open-arms” vibe of the town makes it easy to explore the area and be a part of the neighborhood. Even visitors will feel right at home.

Asheboro is located in one of the best areas in North Carolina, being under two hours from several major cities and close enough to the mountains, so you have plenty of outdoor activities nearby. However, Asheboro itself is packed with fun things to see and explore.

Things to do in Asheboro NC & Nearby

If you are taking a trip to Asheboro and wondering what’s in store, well, you’ve come to the right place. This article will be the most helpful guide for finding the best things to do in and around Asheboro.

1. The North Carolina Zoo

Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

The North Carolina Zoo is the biggest and most popular attraction in Asheboro. Visitors come from near and far to check out the animals and walk the zoo grounds. The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. There are roughly five miles of walking trails open to visitors. An average person will spend about five hours exploring the entire zoo.

The animals living in the zoo consist of species mainly from North America and Africa, and there are over 1,700 animals who call the zoo their home. There are animals like monkeys, big cats, bears, seals, rhinos, zebras, elephants, polar bears, and so much more!

Attractions in the zoo include the butterfly garden, the observation giraffe deck, the carousel, and a treehouse trek. Guided golf cart zoo tours are available for a faster way to get around and learn about the animals.

The Kidzone is a popular place for kids to play in the natural play area and learn more about nature and animals. Teaching the public the importance of these animals and how to care for the nature around us is a big part of The North Carolina Zoo.

29+ Great Things to do in Asheboro NC (Zoo) & Nearby

You can’t visit Asheboro without taking a day to see the zoo and meet the animals. Not only do you get to see fascinating animals, but you also have the chance to learn about these important animals that inhabit this planet with us.

✅ Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden

The Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden is one of the North Carolina Zoo’s prized exhibits. Inside the habitat are hundreds of native U.S. and exotic species of butterflies and a gorgeous garden. Guests are welcome to walk freely through the exhibit as the butterflies float around as they wish. Small signs indicate types of tropical flowers, information, and more.

2. American Classic Motorcycle Museum

Address: 1170 U.S. Hwy 64 W, Asheboro, NC 27205

The American Classic Motorcycle Museum is a pleasant Asheboro local museum. The museum has one of the largest private collections of antique Harley Davidson motorcycles on display, with an array of other motorcycles, posters, and trinkets.

After you tour the shop, visit the gift shop for motorcycle-themed souvenirs, then dine on-site at the Heritage Diner (more information on this diner is in the Drinks and Restaurants section below.)

3. North Carolina Aviation Museum

Address: 2222 Pilots View Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

The North Carolina Aviation Museum is a non-profit organization that started as a small dream of Jim Peddycord in 1994. The museum features civil and military aircraft, wartime memorabilia, artwork, historically accurate airtime models, and other rotating exhibits. The museum hosts several events like dances, veteran breakfasts, and air shows.

The goal of the North Carolina Aviation Museum is to educate the public on the importance of aircraft and how it has helped us get to where we are today. The model planes, engines, and air shows will have anyone in the family excited about flight.

4. Bicentennial Park

Address: 135 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

This small one-acre park in the center of downtown Asheboro serves as a lovely public recreation area with a nice grass lawn, a paved walkway, a stage, a dance floor, and picnic tables.

This park holds many small festivals, concerts, and public meetings year-round. During the summer, the popular summer concert series “Rock’n the Park” takes place every Friday evening with live music.

5. Antiques & Geeks Collectibles on Sunset

Address: 227 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

Antiques & Geeks is not your average antique store. This large facility works with over 100 vendors who bring new antique collectibles, furnishings, and more each week. The selection of goods is constantly changing, so it is always a fun and exciting visit.

6. The Asheboro Farmers’ Market

Address: 134 S Church St, Asheboro, NC 27203

From May through October, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, local farmers and vendors gather on Church Street to share and sell their fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, produce, and other handmade items.

There are plenty of fresh organic produce vendors and others selling baked goods and home-pressed products. Everything at the Asheboro Farmers Market is grown or made locally in Randolph County.

7. Asheboro Mini Golf

Address: 1842 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27205

Asheboro Mini Golf is a classic 18-hole, wooden rail miniature golf course that has been around for 60 years. It is an excellent outing for families and for those looking to put their skills to the test. The courses are somewhat challenging but loaded with plenty of fun. There isn’t a lot of glam, just simple putting for a great price.

8. North Asheboro Park

Address: 1939 Canoy Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

North Asheboro Park is a local favorite. It is a 26-acre park with a disc golf course, ball courts, a playground, walking paths, grassy areas, and a seasonal swimming pool. The public swimming pool is a convenient way to cool off during a warm summer day, and it’s a wonderful place for the kids to play.

9. Clay Presnell Memorial Park

Address: 5129 Seagrove Plank Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

Clay Presnell Memorial Park is a 46-acre park outside of downtown Asheboro. The park is very popular for having one of the best and most challenging disc golf courses in the area.

The park also features baseball and soccer fields, two playgrounds, picnic shelters, campsites, and walking trails. The park is very peaceful and well-maintained. It is a great place to have a relaxing walk, enjoy a picnic, or play yard games.

10. Richard Petty Museum

Address: 311 Branson Mill Rd, Randleman, NC 27317

Richard Petty, nicknamed “The King,” is a former stock car racer and seven-time Champion of the NASCAR Cup Series (formerly the Winston Cup).

The Richard Petty Museum is a historical museum featuring the entire history of NASCAR, model cars, the house Richard Petty grew up in, Petty’s garage, and where he got his love for racing. The gift shop has fun souvenirs, Petty and NASCAR merch, and other NASCAR-related memorabilia.

11. Randleman Lake

Address: 7123 Adams Farm Rd, Randleman, NC 27317 (for Randleman Lake Marina)

Randleman Lake is a 3,000-acre man-made lake between Greensboro and Asheboro in Randleman, NC. It is a popular lake for boating and fishing.

Swimming and water sports are strictly prohibited on the lake. The Randleman Lake Marina has a variety of fishing boats, electric boats, and paddle boats for rent, along with any permits you may need.

12. Kersey Valley Zipline

Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

Are you looking for something unique to do with your visit? Take a trip to Kersey Valley Zipline! At this zipline company, they have 14 zip lines and 10 sky towers with a total of 17 sky decks. You can fly from 40 to 100 feet off the ground overlooking the Maize Adventure corn maze.

Each zip line tour starts with a trip to “Flight School” so visitors can learn the basics of ziplining, how to work with the gear, etc. Once you’re ready, you’re off on your zipline adventure!

13. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness

Address: Lassiter Mill Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

The Birkhead Mountain Wilderness covers over 5,000 acres at the northern end of the Uwharrie National Forest.

This area of wilderness was established in 1984 by the North Carolina Wilderness Act to protect and preserve nature while at the same time creating a safe space for public use. Dating back 12,000 years, the Birkhead Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in North America.

There are many miles of hiking trails within the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness. You can find half-mile walks or take 3-day backpacking trails. These trails include densely wooded areas and spectacular views. Tot Hill Trailhead

Uwharrie National Forest Wilderness Area

14. North Carolina Pottery Center

Address: 233 East Eve, Seagrove, NC 27341

The North Carolina Pottery Center is a non-profit center and the only state-wide facility in the country devoted to pottery. Since 1998, anyone is welcome to come to enroll in programs, listen to lectures, and learn about the history and importance of pottery.

Visitors are also welcome anytime to see the works of art on display. The exhibits are constantly changing and always showcase a different form of pottery.

15. Seagrove Creations

Address: 354 Little River Rd, Seagrove, NC 27341

Seagrove Creations is one of the leading pottery shops in the area. They have a wide collection of crafted art, craftsmen’s wares, jewelry, pocketbooks, household items, and much more.

Visitors are welcome to simply come and see everything the store has to offer and to find the perfect gift for the holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. You won’t find another store with this kind of variety anywhere else.

16. Latham’s Pottery

Address: 7297 US-220 ALT, Asheboro, NC 27205

Bruce and Janice Latham are the owners of Latham’s Pottery. They founded the pottery shop in 1992, right beside their home, so they could share their love for pottery with the public.

Besides pottery, the Lathams grow blueberries and raise baby goats, which you will always find running around by the shop.

Everything at Latham’s Pottery is handcrafted by the Lathams themselves. They have mugs, household wares, honey jars, garlic jars, earring trees, hand-turned baskets, and much more.

17. Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery

Address: 127 E Main St, Seagrove, NC 27341

The Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery is dedicated to preserving and sharing the importance of pottery with the public. They have works of pottery from over 200 years ago that were made in and around Seagrove, NC.

There are over 80 pieces of pottery on display throughout the museum, and each one has a story to share. The Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery is a unique museum to walk around.

18. Purgatory Mountain Trail Head

Address: North Carolina Zoo, Purgatory Trail, Asheboro, NC 27205

The North Carolina Zoo preserves 2,000 acres of undeveloped land on the edge of the Uwharrie National Forest Land. One of the highlights of this area is Purgatory Mountain and the Purgatory Mountain Trail.

The trail is 1.8 miles, there and back, and takes about 40 minutes for the average person to complete. It is a generally easy trail that is well-maintained and great for families. Dogs are welcome on leash. Along the trail, you’ll find lots of wildlife, plants, and a great view from the Purgatory Mountain summit.

19. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club

Address: 3185 Tot Hill Farm Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

Tot Hill Farm Golf Club is one of the most pristine golf courses in the country and ranked the 7th hardest course in America by Golf Digest; this is a place to test your skills and perhaps learn something new. The course is challenging, and the sights are inspiring, including creeks, rolling green hills, and magnificent views.

20. Pisgah Covered Bridge

Address: 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

Built in 1911 for $40, this Pisgah Covered Bridge is one of the two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina. This historic structure spans 54 feet across the West Fork Branch of the Little River, which is inside the Uwharrie National Forest.

From the parking area, there is a short 4-minute path that leads visitors to the bridge. Picnic tables are nearby, and the river provides cool waters to dip your toes in. This is a very kid-friendly trail, and dogs are welcome.

21. Uwharrie National Forest

Address: 789 North Carolina 24, Troy, NC 27371

Just thirty minutes from downtown Asheboro, you will find the entrance to the great Uwharrie National Forest. The forest takes up 51,546 acres and offers numerous hiking trails, biking, and horseback riding trails, along with many creeks, waterfalls, camping opportunities, and gorgeous scenic views.

Some of the best trails in the national forest include the Badin Lake Trail (400 Cove Rd, New London, NC 28127), Dutchmans Creek Trail, and the Uwharrie Trail.

The Uwharrie Mountains are possibly the oldest mountain ranges in America, dating back over 500 million years. It is an incredible experience to see the mountains and the land around them. Visitors can easily spend a few days exploring the trails within this national forest.

22. Caraway Mountains

Address: Off US Hwy-64, between Lexington and Asheboro, in western Randolph County

The Caraway Mountains have an elevation of 1,131 feet and are part of the ancient Uwharrie Mountain Range. The mountain range is named after the creek, “Caraway Creek,” which is named after a Native American tribe that walked these lands. The Caraway Mountains were once a place the Native Americans used as a trading area.

Today, the Caraway Mountain area is over 175 acres of dense woods that are popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding, and more. There are dozens of small creeks, spectacular views, and dense woods to explore.

23. Lake Lucas

Address: 3207 Old Lexington Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

Lake Lucas is 238 acres outside of Historic Downtown Asheboro. Upon arrival, you will see a large building that offers boat rentals, a bait shop, drink and snack machines, brochures, and permits.

The lake area has a boat launch, docks, a pier, small walking trails, picnic shelters, and a playground. There is plenty of room to hang out on the beach. However, swimming is prohibited.

Boats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats are the only boats permitted on Lake Lucas. Permits are required for boating and fishing.

24. Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe

Address: 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406

On the outskirts of Greensboro and just a 23-minute drive from Asheboro is Wet ‘n Wild, one of the largest waterparks in North Carolina. They have 26 water rides and almost 20 more attractions which include five pools, two children’s areas, and one of the largest wave pools in the country.

The entire family will have a blast playing the water games and riding the water slides. There is often live entertainment and special events, and you will always have a great selection of food and drink. There is almost no better way to enjoy a hot summer day than at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.

25. The Preppy Possum

Address: 830 S Cox St, Asheboro, NC 27203

The Preppy Possum is Asheboro’s premier paint & sip art studio. Located in a quaint little house in downtown Asheboro, this is the perfect place to unwind and get into some art. They offer professional art classes for all levels of painting, including children’s classes.

Whether you are looking to have a girl’s day painting and sipping fine wine, or you want to bring the kids for some quality time spent together, The Preppy Possum is exactly where you want to be.

26. Collector’s Antique Mall

Address: 211 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203

The Collectors Antique Mall was once a department store that turned into an antique mall in 1993. The large store hosts almost 100 antique dealers with various goods.

They have everything from collectibles and trinkets to furnishings, costumes, jewelry, and housewares. You can also find a wide selection of North Carolina pottery. As you peruse downtown Asheboro, this is a unique little spot to stop in, grab a cup of coffee and explore the antiques.

27. Asheboro Mall

Address: 1437 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

The Asheboro Mall is a fully enclosed shopping mall with all your favorite stores and restaurant chains. There are over 25 stores ranging from accessory stores to clothing stores, shoe stores, and more. Whatever you can think of, you can find at the Asheboro Mall.

28. Cinemark Asheboro

Address: 400 Randolph Mall, Asheboro, NC 27203 (Asheboro Mall)

Caught looking for something to do on a rainy day? Asheboro’s Cinemark is the perfect place to stay out of the bad weather and enjoy a quality film.

Cinemark plays all the most current and popular movies (the only movie theatre in Asheboro to do so), serves classic movie theatre popcorn and candies, and has many comfortable seats.

29. Caraway Speedway

Address: 2518 Race Track Rd, Sophia, NC 27350

Caraway Speedway is a short track just ten minutes from Asheboro. The track began in 1966 as a dirt track and has since been revamped into an amazing paved short track. Caraway Speedway hosts various weekly series and several other touring series from March through October.

Drinks and Restaurants in Asheboro, NC

There are so many great options we cannot list them all; here are some to check out.

✅ Four Saints Brewing Company

Address: 218 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Four Saints Brewing Company was the first official brewery in Randolph County. As the owners were looking for a place to open their company, Asheboro clicked with them.

Asheboro had open arms and friendly people, and the brewery wanted to help revive the downtown area, and that’s exactly what they did.

The spacious taproom has a large collection of beers on tap, and they are always holding live events, hosting food trucks, and playing music. It’s the perfect casual taproom with great vibes, excellent beers, and great people.

✅ The Table

Address: 139 Church St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Three women saw the potential in an old building in downtown Asheboro. After much love and remodeling, The Table was born into an elegant restaurant and bakery. The Table serves an amazing brunch and lunch on the weekends.

All baked goods are made from scratch and handmade in-house. The owners have done a wonderful job at creating a place for the community to enjoy warm meals together.

✅ Magnolia 23

Address: 23 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Magnolia 23 is a big name in North Carolina and has been voted the best place to eat in North Carolina by Parade Magazine. The food is an elegant take on classic, home-cooked Southern-style dishes inspired by the owners’ mothers.

Everything is made from scratch and cooked with love. Visitors feel right at home as they dive into Magnolia 23’s famous fried chicken and sip a glass of sweet tea. You can’t visit Asheboro without stopping by Magnolia’s for dinner.

✅ The Flying Pig Food & Spirits

Address: 208 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

Located in downtown Asheboro, The Flying Pig Food & Spirits is your one-stop pizza and sandwich shop. They are known for their stone-cooked pizzas, Philly cheese sandwiches, and “pig” nachos.

They have a large variety of appetizers, Southern-style foods, and more. The restaurant is a very laid-back, casual environment with a great staff and delicious meals. Grab the family and head on over for a beer and some pizza.

✅ Arbol Mexican Ice Cream

Address: 161 NC-42 Ste E, Asheboro, NC 27203

Mexican Ice Cream is the best for anyone who doesn’t know, and they do it right at Arbol Mexican Ice Cream. They have a huge selection of Mexican-style ice creams, desserts, homemade popsicles, and more. You won’t find these flavors anywhere else nearby.

✅ Paw-Paw’s Place

Address: 2004 N Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203 and 715 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

Paw-Paw’s Place is a family-owned and operated business started by Paw-Paw in 2007. He retired in 2014, but his restaurants have remained in the family ever since. The point of the restaurant was simple, great food, quality ingredients, and service that will make you feel right at home. Those principles are still what make Paw-Paw’s what it is today.

Both of Paw-Paw’s locations are a short drive from the North Carolina Zoo, making it the perfect stop before or after your NC Zoo adventure. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving the fluffiest pancakes, perfectly cooked burgers, homemade chili, and more. It’s classic food made with love.

✅ Leo’s Whiskey Bar

Address: 111 North St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Leo’s Whiskey Bar is an ode to simpler times. They play music from the 1940s and have simple wood paneling, checkered floors, and old-timey black-and-white photos on the walls.

Leo’s is named after Leo Papas, a Coast Guard veteran, steel mill worker, and handyman who truly loved his friends and family. He was a great listener who valued good conversation and a good drink, which is precisely what Leo’s Whiskey Bar is all about.

Leo’s Whiskey Bar has an extensive whiskey/bourbon/rye menu and a large list of classic handcrafted cocktails. It is the perfect place for a calming atmosphere and a great place for conversation.

✅ Heritage Diner

Address: 1172 U.S. Hwy 64 W, Asheboro, NC 27205

After your visit to the American Classic Motorcycle Museum (discussed above), head on over to the Heritage Diner for a delicious home-cooked meal. The diner serves a classic breakfast and a tasty lunch in the motorcycle-themed restaurant. This is truly a gem of Asheboro because of its great prices, mouthwatering menu, and friendly service.

✅ America’s Roadhouse

Address: 818 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

Since 2002, America’s Roadhouse has been serving the community amazing, classic Southern-style dishes. They have a ton of options to choose from, so even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious. America’s Roadhouse is a simple yet fantastic family-friendly option with good prices too!

✅ Bold Coffee Company

Address: 103 N Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Bold Coffee Company is a coffee and espresso bar serving some of the best coffee in Asheboro.

The idea of the company was to serve high-end coffee at an affordable price. They make delicious, unique lattes and exciting coffee drinks.

Annual Events near Asheboro, NC

Nothing screams community better than a great festival put on for all to enjoy. Asheboro and the surrounding areas have some spectacular festivals that bring the community together with their shared love for art and fun. Here are some of the finest annual local events near Asheboro to add to your list of things to do in Asheboro NC.

✅ Annual Celebration of Spring in Seagrove Tour

Address: Pottery Shops of Seagrove, NC Pottery Hwy-705, Seagrove, NC 27341

The Annual Celebration of Spring is a wonderful event where visitors can visit pottery studios, meet artists, and purchase a variety of exciting pottery works. For the past 15 years, potters from around the county have come together at the beginning of Spring to share their art and make connections.

✅ Pettyfest

Address: Richard Petty Museum, 311 Branson Mill Rd, Randleman, NC 27317

This yearly event has occurred for the last 13 years at the Richard Petty Museum. This year, happening on April 13, 2023, families are welcome to meet The King himself, Richard Petty, and other members of his family and get exclusive tours of the museum and garage. Food trucks will be lined up outside for various food and drink. All proceeds go to the Petty Family Foundation.

✅ Stepping into the Craft-Summers

Address: Seagrove, NC

Every day in July 2023, potters, studios, and artists will have events and vendors in the Seagrove area. Visitors will be able to have hands-on experience working on pottery wheels, firing kilns, painting pots, and more. If you are interested in how pottery is made and are wanting to learn, this is the perfect event for you.

✅ Kersey Valley Spooky Woods

Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

For 39 years, Kersey Valley Spooky Woods has been the biggest spooky Halloween attraction around. It is the ultimate haunted house with real actors, real scares, and real screams. It is one of the safest and best attractions of its kind. If you are searching for something to do this Halloween season, consider making this a new spooky tradition. The attraction is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8 pm from October 1st to November 4th.

✅ Kersey Valley Maize Adventure

Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

The Kersey Valley Maize Adventure is the perfect family-friendly Autumn event. They have attractions such as the famous corn maze, pumpkin patch, Kersey Valley express train, jumping pillows, Super Mega Ride N Slide, tree house adventures, bungee trampolines, kiddie zip lines, and so much more! This is the ultimate kid fun adventure that will leave beautiful lasting memories.

Where To Stay in Asheboro NC

📍Sunnyside Wilds – Sunnyside Wilds is a nice-sized house right in downtown Asheboro and just ten minutes from The North Carolina Zoo. This house is the perfect option for budget-friendly families looking for a spacious, comfortable place to spend their vacation. The house sleeps up to seven guests and has a full kitchen, a full bathroom, and a porch/lawn. The location is ideal and is within walking distance from major Asheboro attractions and restaurants.

📍Holiday Inn Express & Suites – The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is as close to a luxury hotel as you can get around Asheboro, NC! The rooms are spectacular, clean, and comfortable, and the hotel has wonderful amenities like a seasonal pool, fitness center, and free breakfast. The hotel is located right outside of downtown Asheboro, making it easily accessible and within driving distance of many Asheboro attractions.

Asheboro, NC: FAQs

📌 What is Asheboro, NC, known for?

Asheboro, NC, is most known for housing The North Carolina Zoo. In recent years, Asheboro has also been recognized for its efforts in rebuilding the downtown area to unite the community and attract more residents and visitors.

📌 Does Asheboro have a downtown?

Historic downtown Asheboro may not be the largest downtown you’ll ever see, but there are quite a few blocks filled with unique shops, museums, restaurants, and community events.

📌 What major city is near Asheboro, NC?

The closest major city to Asheboro is Winston-Salem, which is just 42 minutes away. Other major cities like Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham are all under two hours from Asheboro.

Final Thoughts

Asheboro isn’t just another North Carolina town but a town with strong core values and deep history. Even though the North Carolina Zoo is the biggest attraction, there are many other things to do in Asheboro. So, on your next visit to Asheboro, be sure to explore the downtown, visit the shops, and enjoy the classic Asheboro restaurants.