13+ Iconic Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and honestly, this destination has such a special place in my heart. I grew up going to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, so coming back recently with my mom and niece felt extra sweet. It was this full-circle kind of trip where I got to experience a few new-to-me spots while also watching my niece light up over the places I already knew and loved.

The Smoky Mountains are just one of those places that feel nostalgic and magical at the same time. You have the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most visited national park in the US!) plus a downtown full of attractions, mountain views, candy shops, rides, and family-friendly fun around every corner.

It is such an amazing destination for families, friend trips, couples, multigenerational getaways, or anyone who wants that mix of outdoor adventure and classic vacation nostalgia. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning to the Smokies like I did, here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg!

Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You cannot talk about iconic things to do in Gatlinburg without talking about the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the main reasons this area feels so special, and even if you only have a little time, it is worth carving out at least part of a day to get into the park.

If you are staying in Gatlinburg, Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great first stop. It is close to town and makes an easy intro to the park with maps, restrooms, park info, and access to nearby trails. From there, you can keep things super low-key with a scenic drive or build your whole day around hiking, waterfalls, overlooks, and picnic stops.

The park gets busy, especially because the Gatlinburg entrance is so popular. Peak visitation is typically between 9 AM and 2 PM, so I would try to go early if you can. You will thank yourself later when you are not circling for parking with everyone else who had the exact same cute mountain morning idea.

2. Anakeesta

Anakeesta was one of the newer things to do in Gatlinburg since the last time I visited, and we loved it so much! It is a mountaintop adventure park right in downtown Gatlinburg, and getting there is part of the experience. You can ride the scenic Gondola, chairlift, or Ridge Rambler up the mountain, and once you are at the top, there are mountain views, gardens, restaurants, shops, play areas, and adventure activities.

My niece had the time of her life here going through the Treehouse Adventure Play Area. It was so sweet watching her run around, climb, explore, and experience that pure kid vacation joy. I also love that Anakeesta works for so many ages. Kids get the play areas, adults get the views and food, and everyone gets that “we are really in the Smokies” feeling.

Some other things to do at Anakeesta include the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, gem mining, shopping in Firefly Village, and grabbing food or drinks with a view. We went during the day and then came back in the evening for the Firefly Experience, which was absolutely magical. The lights, the music, the mountain setting… it felt like stepping into a true enchanted forest.

Grab your tickets here!

3. Gatlinburg SkyPark

For big views without needing to hike, Gatlinburg SkyPark is a fun one! You ride the SkyLift from downtown up to Crockett Mountain, then you can walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, hang out on the SkyDeck, and take in some seriously pretty views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

The SkyBridge is known as the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, stretching 700 feet across a mountain valley. It is one of those Gatlinburg attractions that feels a little thrilling without being too intense, although if you are nervous with heights, you will definitely feel that little stomach flip when you step onto it.

There is more to do here than just the bridge, too. You can explore the SkyTrail, check out the Tulip Tower, relax on the SkyDeck, grab a snack or drink, and soak in the views. I think this is especially pretty around sunset if the weather is clear.

4. Aerial Tramway

The Aerial Tramway is such a cool Gatlinburg experience, and I definitely recommend doing it at least once! It takes you from downtown Gatlinburg up to Ober Mountain, giving you beautiful views the whole way.

You do not technically have to take the tram to get to Ober Mountain since you can drive up, but the tram makes the journey feel like part of the adventure. The ride is about 2.1 miles each way and takes roughly 10 minutes, so it is long enough to feel memorable without taking up your whole day.

If you are planning to do Ober anyway, the Aerial Tramway is one of those classic things to do in Gatlinburg that makes the day feel more special right from the start.

5. Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain is jam-packed with activities! You’ll definitely need at least half a day here. Depending on the season, you can find skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, summer tubing, ziplining, a mountain coaster, scenic views, shopping, dining, and more.

It is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg if you want an easy mix of mountain views and activities all in one place.

If there is one thing you do at Ober, make it the zipline. It was so epic! The views were unreal, and I genuinely felt like a bird flying over the Smokies. Offerings vary by season, so check what is open before you go. If you are visiting in winter, Ober becomes even more of a classic Gatlinburg stop.

6. Ride a Mountain Coaster

Mountain coasters are such a Gatlinburg staple. They give you that little rush of adventure while still being approachable for people who do not want a full theme-park coaster situation. You ride through the trees, control your speed, and get a mix of mountain scenery and adrenaline.

We did Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, and the mountain coaster at Ober Mountain. I will be honest: I do not think one was noticeably better than the others! They were all fun, so I would choose whichever one makes the most sense for your plans.

If you are already going to Ober, do the one there. If you have a Ripley’s pass, do Ripley’s Mountain Coaster. If you are exploring that stretch of town and want something quick, Moonshine Mountain Coaster and Ripley’s are right next to each other. Easy decision, easy fun.

7. Make Your Own Souvenir at Fowler’s Clay Works

One of the coolest things we did in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community was take a pottery class at Fowler’s Clay Works. I love a good souvenir, but making your own souvenir? So much more special.

My partner and I took the class together, and we each got to make our own mug. I definitely needed a lot of assistance, but Mike, the owner, was such a great and patient teacher. It felt approachable even as a beginner, and it was just really cool to actually create something with your hands during the trip.

Once you are done making your pottery, they will fire it in the kiln, paint it, and ship it to you within a few weeks. I loved that I did not have to figure out how to fly home with a fresh mug in my suitcase. Huge win.

8. Explore Downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is touristy in the most nostalgic way. There are candy shops, mini golf, arcades, old-time photo spots, souvenir stores, pancake houses, and attractions packed along the Parkway. It is busy, yes, but it is also part of the charm.

Make sure you pop into The Village Shops while you are wandering. This little shopping area feels tucked away from the main strip with cute boutiques, snack spots, and that cozy European village look.

We also did Ripley’s Mirror Maze, and I was actually shocked by how tricky it was! It is one of those quick, silly things to do in Gatlinburg that ends up being way more entertaining than expected. If you have a Ripley’s pass or need something easy between meals and attractions, it is a fun little stop.

If you grew up coming here like I did, downtown has that “I remember this!” feeling around every corner. And if you are visiting with kids, it is so fun to watch them experience the lights, signs, treats, and little attractions for the first time.

9. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is such a classic Gatlinburg attraction, and it is especially great if you are traveling with kids or need a solid indoor activity. It is right downtown, so it is easy to pair with lunch, shopping, or a walk along the Parkway.

The aquarium has sharks, penguins, colorful fish, hands-on exhibits, and that big underwater tunnel experience that always feels exciting no matter how old you are. It is also a good rainy-day option, which is always helpful in the mountains because the weather does what it wants.

If you are planning on doing several Ripley’s attractions, compare ticket bundles before purchasing. Gatlinburg has a lot of paid attractions, and those little savings can add up fast.

10. Do a Tasting

For adults 21 and over, tastings are a big part of the Gatlinburg experience. You will see plenty of moonshine, whiskey, wine, and cider spots as you walk around town, and they can be a fun little break between attractions.

Ole Smoky Moonshine is the classic stop, especially if it is your first time in Gatlinburg. It is lively, central, and very much part of the downtown Gatlinburg energy. Even if moonshine is not usually your thing, the experience itself is fun.

We also loved Tennessee Cider Co.. If they have their fall seasonal cider donut hard cider, the adults in your group may end up leaving with a bottle like we did. It was SO good!

11. Grab Drinks at Alibi

If you love a hidden cocktail spot, add Alibi to your list. It is Gatlinburg’s first speakeasy, tucked inside a coffee shop, and it is such a fun change of pace from the more touristy downtown stops.

The drinks were great, and I loved that it felt a little more tucked away and unexpected. This is a perfect stop for adults planning a date night, girls’ trip, or grown-up evening after a full day of family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

12. Enjoy the Amazing Food

I was honestly so happy with how much good food we had on this trip. Here were some of our favorite restaurants in Gatlinburg:

• Howard’s Restaurant – Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurant, and such a good dinner stop. Their steak-for-two dinner deal was amazing, and if the weather is nice, ask to sit outside on their open-air patio along the stream. It is the best seat!
• Ole Red – Definitely one of our favorites of the trip. The vibe was so fun, they had live music, and we loved the food. The cornbread is a must, and I know it sounds random, but I am telling you: the taco salad was so good.
• Smith & Son Corner Kitchen and Myron Mixon’s BBQ – Both are great BBQ spots when you want something hearty and casual.
• Tennessee Jed’s – Awesome sandwiches and a solid lunch in town. This is a great option when you want something filling but do not want a long sit-down meal.
• Best Italian – Sometimes you are just craving pizza, and Best Italian does that well. Plus, the garlic knots were sooo good.
• Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin – Such a fun breakfast spot, especially if you are visiting Gatlinburg with kids! The menu has all the cozy mountain breakfast classics, but the cute bear pancakes were definitely the highlight for my niece.

13. Make Time for Pigeon Forge

Even though this guide is focused on Gatlinburg, I have to include Pigeon Forge because it is so close and such a big part of the Smoky Mountains experience. Growing up, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville all felt like one big family vacation zone, and honestly, they still do.

Dollywood is the big one, especially for families. It has rides, shows, food, seasonal festivals, and that warm Smoky Mountain feel that makes it different from a typical theme park. If you love theme parks or are traveling with kids, it is absolutely worth considering.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is another easy (and more affordable) add-on with rides, shops, restaurants, fountains, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It is fun for an evening when you want something lively but not necessarily a full theme park day.

More Things to Do in Gatlinburg If You Have Extra Time

There were a few things to do in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smokies area that we did not have time for on this trip, but I would absolutely keep them on your radar if your Gatlinburg itinerary has more breathing room.

• Cades Cove – One of the most beloved areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The main attraction is an 11-mile one-way scenic loop with mountain views, wildlife viewing opportunities, historic buildings, churches, cabins, and peaceful valley scenery. The NPS recommends allowing at least two to four hours for the loop, and it can take longer with traffic and stops.
• Gatlinburg Trail – A convenient, approachable trail that runs between downtown Gatlinburg and Sugarlands Visitor Center. It is one of only a couple of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where dogs and bikes are allowed, which makes it a nice option for families or anyone who wants something casual.
• Kuwohi – This is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Smokies. The paved trail to the observation tower is short but steep, so wear comfortable shoes and check seasonal road access before you go.
• Go ATVing – If you want something adventurous outside of the main downtown Gatlinburg attractions, an ATV ride is such a fun way to experience the Smoky Mountain area. This would be especially great for groups or families with older kids who want a little more adrenaline and mountain scenery.
• Go white water rafting – White water rafting is another exciting option if you are visiting during the warmer months and want to spend more time outdoors. The Smokies area has guided rafting trips for different comfort levels, so you can choose something more beginner-friendly or a little more adventurous depending on your group.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

If you are looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg, Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown is definitely my number one pick. We loved our stay here so much!

Great location, right at the beginning of the strip and less than a 10-minute walk to some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg, including Ripley’s Aquarium and Anakeesta. That walkability is huge because parking and traffic can be a lot in Gatlinburg, especially during busier times.

The rooms were spacious and comfortable; they have a great rooftop bar and restaurant, and my favorite part was the infinity pool with epic views of the Smoky Mountains. It felt like such a treat to come back to after a full day of exploring.

Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

Gatlinburg is one of those places that can be exactly what you need it to be: a nostalgic family vacation, an outdoorsy mountain getaway, a kid-friendly adventure, or a cozy cabin trip with pretty views and way too much fudge. Going back with my mom and niece reminded me why this area has stayed so special to me for so long.

Between the national park, downtown attractions, scenic drives, and mountaintop adventures, there are truly so many things to do in Gatlinburg for every age and travel style. I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels equal parts fun, easy, and full of those little Smoky Mountain moments you will remember forever!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:

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