25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

If you’ve never been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, prepare yourself…because one visit probably won’t be enough. After visiting a few times I’ve found best things to do in Gatlinburg TN.

Nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg somehow manages to be equal parts mountain town, outdoor playground, family vacation destination, and romantic getaway. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a couples retreat, or escaping for a long weekend with friends, there’s something here that will keep you entertained from sunrise until well after dark.

I’ve always loved destinations that let you choose your own adventure. One minute you’re riding a mountain coaster or hiking to a waterfall, and the next you’re enjoying dinner with mountain views before ending the evening at a cozy cabin.

If you’re planning a trip, here are my favorite things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Gatlinburg.

25 Best things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee

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Walk the Gatlinburg Strip

Start your trip by simply exploring downtown Gatlinburg. It’s the first thing you should do that I have on my guide of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN

The Parkway is packed with unique shops, candy stores, local crafts, moonshine tastings, attractions, and live entertainment. Even if you don’t buy anything, people-watching here is an attraction all by itself.

It can get warm depending on the time of year so dress accordingly, wear a hat and bring sunglasses.

This is also the perfect place to book guided tours and attractions before they sell out during busy seasons.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can’t visit Gatlinburg without spending time inside America’s most-visited national park.

Some favorite stops include:

Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, or hiking, the Great Smoky Mountains National park has something for every activity level.

Ride the Gatlinburg SkyPark

Walking across the famous SkyBridge is one of those experiences you’ll never forget.

The suspension bridge offers incredible mountain views and is especially beautiful during sunset.

It’s one of the most photographed spots in Gatlinburg for good reason.

On our last visit to Gatlinburg we took the gondola ride up to the SkyBridge and crossed it. Pretty cool! Check out my video on Instagram.

Visit Ober Mountain

Families especially love Ober Mountain.

Depending on the season you can enjoy:

Alpine Slide
Wildlife Encounter
Ice skating
Scenic chairlift
Mountain coaster
Skiing and snowboarding during winter

It’s one attraction that truly offers year-round fun.

Ride a Mountain Coaster

If you’ve never ridden a mountain coaster, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to try one.

Several operate throughout the area, giving you complete control over your speed as you race down the mountainside.

It’s fun for older kids and adults alike.

Visit Ripley’s Attractions

Families could spend an entire day exploring Ripley’s attractions.

Favorites include:

The aquarium consistently ranks among the best in the country.

Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour

Want to see the Smokies from above? Just another of my best things to do in Gatlinburg TN.

A helicopter tour offers breathtaking views you simply can’t get from the ground.

It’s one of the most memorable experiences you can book.

Sample Local Moonshine

Adults can enjoy complimentary tastings at several local distilleries.

Even if you’re not a whiskey drinker, the flavored moonshines are surprisingly smooth.

Just remember to pace yourself!

Go Ziplining

Adventure seekers won’t want to miss soaring through the Smoky Mountains.

Several zipline companies offer beginner-friendly tours with incredible scenery.

Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

This peaceful drive often gets overlooked.

Historic cabins, streams, wildlife, and waterfalls make it one of the prettiest drives in the Smokies.

Bring your camera because you will want pictures along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail drive.

Visit Anakeesta

Anakeesta is a newer attractions in Gatlinburg.

Take the chairlift or gondola to the mountaintop where you’ll find:

Treetop Skywalk
Scenic overlooks
Mountain coasters
Shopping
Restaurants
Fire pits
Live entertainment

You could easily spend a whole day here.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Looking for an adrenaline rush?

Several guided rafting adventures depart nearby and range from beginner-friendly to more challenging rapids.

Perfect for families with older kids or adventurous couples.

Shop the Village

The Village Shops feel like a tiny European town hidden in Gatlinburg.

Browse boutiques, specialty shops, bakeries, and coffee shops while enjoying a slower pace away from the crowds.

Visit Arts & Crafts Community

The eight-mile arts and crafts loop features dozens of local artisans creating everything from pottery to wood carvings.

It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs you won’t see anywhere else.

Watch the Sunset

Whether from Anakeesta, SkyPark, or your cabin porch, sunset over the Smoky Mountains is simply unforgettable.

Don’t rush through it.

Sometimes the best attraction is doing absolutely nothing. However, don’t forget to capture your sunset pictures so you can remember how beautiful they were.

Take a Guided Jeep Tour

Want to explore parts of the Smokies you might never find on your own? A guided Jeep tour is a fun way to get off the beaten path while learning about the area’s history, wildlife, and hidden scenic overlooks. It’s a fantastic option for families, couples, or anyone who prefers sightseeing without doing all the driving.

Ride the Gatlinburg Space Needle

Standing over 400 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle offers panoramic views of downtown and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Visit during the day for incredible scenery or after sunset when the Parkway lights up below. Don’t forget your camera—this is one of the best photo spots in town.

Visit Mynatt Park

Need a break from the crowds? Head over to Mynatt Park, a peaceful local park just minutes from downtown. Families will appreciate the playground, picnic areas, walking paths, and creek access, while couples can enjoy a quiet stroll surrounded by nature.

Chase Waterfalls

The Smokies are home to some beautiful waterfalls, and several are easily accessible from Gatlinburg. Laurel Falls is the most popular, but Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Abrams Falls are also worth adding to your itinerary. Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water—you’ll be rewarded with some unforgettable scenery.

Visit the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

This quirky little museum is exactly the kind of hidden gem I love discovering while traveling. With more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world, it’s surprisingly entertaining and makes for a fun rainy-day stop.

Loretta Lynn collected salt and pepper shakers that her fans gave her, but she didn’t have as many as you will see here in the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum.

Experience Wild Bear Falls Water Park

If the weather isn’t cooperating—or you simply want a break from hiking—Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park is a great family option. The heated indoor water park features slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy year-round.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

From comedy shows and live country music to bluegrass performances and dinner theaters, Gatlinburg offers entertainment nearly every night of the week. It’s a fun way to wind down after a full day of exploring, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel season.

Take a Day Trip to Pigeon Forge

One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that Pigeon Forge is only about 15 minutes away. Spend a day enjoying attractions like Dollywood, The Island, dinner shows, miniature golf, go-karts, and shopping before returning to the quieter mountain atmosphere of Gatlinburg in the evening.

Relax at a Smoky Mountain Spa

After hiking, sightseeing, and walking the Parkway all day, treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment. Several local spas offer couples massages, facials, and wellness treatments, making this an excellent addition to a romantic getaway.

Stay in a Mountain Cabin

One of the best parts of any Gatlinburg vacation isn’t an attraction at all—it’s where you stay. Waking up to mountain views, sipping coffee on a private deck, soaking in a hot tub under the stars, or watching wildlife from your porch is an experience all by itself. If you’re traveling with family, look for cabins with game rooms and multiple bedrooms. Couples may prefer a cozy one-bedroom cabin with a fireplace and hot tub for the ultimate mountain escape.

I highly recommend a VRBO for the best lodging in Gatlinburg and surrounding areas.

Adventures Galore

I know that is quiet the list of amazing things you can do with your family, as a couple or even solo. Depending on how long you are staying in the Gatlinburg area there is a good chance you can pick a handful from my list and really get the full Gatlinburg feel.

So, you are planning to stay in the area, but not sure where? Keep reading as I have great recommendations.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels

If you’re traveling with kids, these hotels consistently receive excellent reviews for convenience and amenities.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

Many include pools, family suites, and easy walking access to downtown attractions.

Best Hotels for Couples

Planning a romantic getaway?

These properties offer a quieter atmosphere that’s perfect for reconnecting.

For even more privacy, consider booking a secluded mountain cabin through VRBO where you’ll often find fireplaces, hot tubs, mountain views, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Where Families Love to Eat

After a busy day exploring, you’ll definitely work up an appetite.

Some family favorites include:

Expect generous portions and plenty of kid-friendly menu options.

Best Restaurants for Date Night

If you’re traveling as a couple, treat yourselves to dinner with a view.

Some excellent choices include:

These restaurants are perfect for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening together.

Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a fantastic destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the experience you’re looking for. Spring (March through May) brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather, while summer is perfect for family vacations and outdoor adventures. Fall (late September through early November) is the most popular season thanks to the Smoky Mountains’ breathtaking fall foliage, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices.

If you love festive lights, cozy cabins, or winter sports at Ober Mountain, visiting between late November and February offers a magical holiday atmosphere with fewer crowds after New Year’s. No matter when you visit, Gatlinburg has something special to offer in every season.

A Perfect 3-Day Gatlinburg Itinerary

Not sure how to fit everything into one trip? Here’s a three-day itinerary that gives you the perfect mix of mountain adventures, family fun, great food, and time to simply enjoy the Smokies.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Gatlinburg

Start your morning with breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or the famous Pancake Pantry before strolling the Parkway. Browse the unique shops, pick up some homemade fudge, and stop by local boutiques for souvenirs.

In the afternoon, visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, one of the top-rated aquariums in the country, then head up to the Gatlinburg SkyPark for incredible views of the mountains and a walk across the iconic SkyBridge.

As evening rolls around, enjoy dinner at Cherokee Grill or The Peddler Steakhouse, then finish the night with a ride on the Gatlinburg Space Needle or catch some live entertainment downtown.

Don’t miss: Sunset from the SkyBridge is absolutely worth timing your visit around.

Day 2: Discover the Great Smoky Mountains

Get an early start and spend the day exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, hike to Laurel Falls, and keep an eye out for black bears, wild turkeys, and deer along the way.

Pack a picnic lunch or stop in nearby Townsend before continuing your adventure with a drive through Cades Cove, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing and historic buildings.

After a full day outdoors, head back to Gatlinburg and unwind with dinner at The Greenbrier Restaurant for a romantic evening or Big Daddy’s Pizzeria if you’re traveling with kids.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the national park before 9 a.m. to avoid traffic and secure parking at popular trailheads.

Day 3: Adventure Day

Today is all about choosing your own adventure.

If you’re traveling with kids, spend the morning at Ober Mountain, where you can ride the Alpine Slide, mountain coaster, scenic chairlift, or enjoy seasonal activities like skiing or ice skating.

If you’re traveling as a couple, ride the gondola to Anakeesta for breathtaking mountain views, elevated gardens, the Treetop Skywalk, and a relaxing lunch overlooking the Smokies.

Adventure seekers can book a ziplining excursion, guided Jeep tour, whitewater rafting trip, or even a helicopter tour for a completely different perspective of the mountains.

Before heading home, make one last stop at The Village Shops to grab locally made gifts, homemade treats, or a bag of fresh coffee to remember your trip.

Finish your getaway with dinner at Chesapeake’s Seafood & Raw Bar or Crystelle Creek Restaurant, then enjoy one final Smoky Mountain sunset before calling it a trip.

My Best Gatlinburg Travel Tip

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is trying to cram too much into a single day. Gatlinburg isn’t just about checking attractions off a list—it’s about slowing down and enjoying the mountain atmosphere. Leave a little room in your schedule to wander into a shop that catches your eye, sit by a creek, or relax on the porch of your cabin with a cup of coffee. Those unplanned moments often become the ones you’ll remember most.

If it’s your first visit, don’t worry about seeing everything. Gatlinburg has a way of making people come back again and again—and after your first trip, you’ll understand why.

Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Gatlinburg. In fact, some of the area’s best experiences are completely free! Start by exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain overlooks.

Wander through The Village Shops to soak up the charming atmosphere, browse unique boutiques, and enjoy free window shopping. Take a stroll along the Gatlinburg Parkway, where you’ll find live street performers, local art, and plenty of people-watching.

For a quieter escape, visit Mynatt Park for a picnic by the creek or explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, where you can watch local artisans at work and admire handmade creations. If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss a scenic drive through the Smokies to experience some of the most spectacular autumn colors in the country—all without spending a dime.

Final Thoughts

Gatlinburg is one of those destinations that keeps pulling people back year after year—and it’s easy to see why. You can spend your mornings hiking through the Smokies, your afternoons riding mountain coasters or exploring downtown, and your evenings relaxing with incredible food and mountain views.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation packed with adventure or a romantic mountain escape, Gatlinburg delivers unforgettable memories in every season.

My biggest tip? Don’t overbook your itinerary. Leave room to wander, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the slower pace that makes the Smoky Mountains so special.

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, be sure to check out my recommended tours, attractions, hotels, and vacation rentals throughout this guide. Booking through my links doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support ThatTravelingChick.com so I can continue sharing honest travel tips, destination guides, and money-saving advice for fellow travelers.

Happy travels!

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