A mural with the word Gatlinburg painted in large letters, featuring a black bear and mountain scenery, highlights things to do in Gatlinburg as a woman and a man wearing masks walk by.

What to do in Gatlinburg

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Gatlinburg, nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and fun attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline seeker, or a family on vacation, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit

Discover Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and fun attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline seeker, or a family on vacation, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Start your adventure by exploring America’s most visited national park. The park offers countless trails for all skill levels, scenic drives, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife. Don’t miss the chance to hike to Clingmans Dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Smokies.

Ober Gatlinburg: For a fun-filled day, head to Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski area accessible via an aerial tramway from the city center. In winter, it’s a ski and snowboard destination, while summer offers alpine slides, mountain coasters, and chairlift rides.

A sign for Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands on a stone base surrounded by lush green trees—a must-see spot and one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg. The sign features the National Park Service logo and park name.
A green and white cable car glides above lush hills, offering stunning views of the town below—a must-see for anyone searching for things to do in Gatlinburg. "Ober Gatlinburg" is displayed in stylized white text with a snowflake design.

Experience Unique Attractions

A wooden suspension bridge called SkyBridge stretches over a mountain valley at sunset in Gatlinburg—a must-see among the many things to do in Gatlinburg, with dramatic clouds and hills painting the perfect backdrop.
A family walks through a tunnel surrounded by water and sea life, including a large shark swimming overhead at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies—a must-see attraction when looking for things to do in Gatlinburg. The Ripley's Aquarium logo is in the upper left corner.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Get a different perspective of the Smokies by visiting the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The SkyBridge, known as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Ideal for families, this world-class aquarium is home to sharks, rays, and a plethora of marine life. The interactive experiences, such as penguin encounters and glass-bottom boat adventures, are unforgettable.

Taste the Local Flavor

Local Eateries: Gatlinburg is famous for its Southern cuisine. Enjoy hearty breakfasts at local favorites like the Pancake Pantry or indulge in some authentic smoked barbecue at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que.

Tennessee Homemade Wines: No visit is complete without tasting locally produced wines. Stop by Tennessee Homemade Wines for free tastings and a bottle of your favorite to take home.

A collage of ten restaurant signs, each featuring different names and styles—from steakhouses to tea rooms—set against buildings and nature scenes, highlighting unique dining experiences to do in Gatlinburg.
A rustic winery tasting room with wooden floors and decor, featuring a HOMEMADE WINE sign. Perfect for those seeking unique things to do in Gatlinburg, this cozy spot offers shelves of bottles, vintage items, and warm lighting for an inviting experience.

Shop and Explore

A rustic shopping area called The Village, one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg, features wooden signs for 27 unique shops, charming brick and wood buildings, and people strolling below a partly cloudy sky.
A colorful sign for the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community—a must-see to do in Gatlinburg—is decorated with large yellow flowers, painted animals, and a red mushroom, surrounded by greenery and blooms, with a trolley and cars in the background.

The Village Shops: Wander through this quaint European-style village that offers a collection of 27 unique boutiques and eateries. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, like handmade candles and local crafts.

Arts and Crafts Community: Just a few miles from the downtown area, this historic loop is home to over 100 artists and craftsmen. See live demonstrations and purchase unique handcrafted items directly from the artists.

Plan Your Visit

Gatlinburg serves as a perfect blend of natural beauty and fun-filled activities. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful moments in nature, this charming mountain town offers a memorable escape for travelers of all ages.

Nighttime view of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with bright city lights and surrounding mountains. Large text reads “A Family Vacation Tradition GATLINBURG” above the illuminated cityscape, highlighting all there is to do in Gatlinburg.
A scenic view of a small town nestled among forested hills during autumn, with colorful foliage and a tower—one of the best sights to see and things to do in Gatlinburg—mist rising at sunrise under a vibrant orange sky.
The entrance to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg, is decorated with large artificial trees, animals, and a red canoe on the roof, with bold yellow signage above the doorway.
A collage showing a lit-up Ferris wheel at night, a cable car over green mountains, a scenic overlook, people on a mountain coaster, and an outdoor plaza with mountain views—highlighting top things to do in Gatlinburg.
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