Whether it’s your first visit or you come multiple times a year, there’s something for everyone in the Smokies! From things to do in the national park to local attractions, you’ll find all kinds of fun things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg that have to be on your vacation bucket list when you visit:
1. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is something you don’t want to miss out on when you visit the Smoky Mountains. The “dome” is an observation tower at the top of a half mile paved path. The tower sits at the highest point in the national park at 6,643 feet. Clingmans Dome offers fantastic 360 views of the Smoky Mountains!
2. The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse is a restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg with a neat history to the building, a romantic atmosphere, and delicious food! You’ll find menu items like rainbow trout, gulf shrimp, steak, chicken and more. Be sure to save some room for dessert because you can have things like blackberry cobbler or brownies and ice cream!
3. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a must-visit attraction in Gatlinburg. You must take a gondola or chair lift to reach the summit of Anakeesta. Once you are up there you can shop, dine, and explore in Firefly Village. There is a memorial walk that offers views of the mountains, a tree canopy bridge to explore, ziplines, and a mountain coaster you can ride!
4. Ole Smoky Moonshine
Moonshine is part of the Southern heritage in the Smokies. If you visit Ole Smoky Moonshine you’re sure to learn all about how it’s made and its part in Appalachian history. You can taste a variety of flavors for a small fee. Ole Smoky produces over 15 flavors of moonshine in various proofs. Tasting leaders are full of knowledge, fun facts, jokes, and some sassy wit!
5. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers one of the best ways to see views of the Smoky Mountains and of Gatlinburg. The Needle is over 400 feet tall with 360-degree views. There are also informational exhibits where you can learn more about the area, as well as binoculars where you can look at the mountains a little closer.
6. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Ready for some good food and cold beer? Smoky Mountain Brewery can answer your craving! The brews and produces its own craft beers, so this the only beer brand you will find on tap at their restaurant. Famous menu items include wings dripping in delicious sauces, pasta, burgers, and freshly tossed pizzas. The brewery is a great place to spend an evening relaxing having a drink, catching a sports game, and even doing karaoke on some nights!
7. Ripley’s Mirror Maze
How’s your sense of direction? Put it to the test as Ripley’s Mirror Maze! Get so lost that you actually find the secret Infinity Room. Inside the maze, you’ll see countless reflections of yourself all trying to find the correct way to go while listening to music with vibrant lights matching the beat.
8. Sugarlands Distillery
Sugarlands Distillery is another moonshine distillery in Gatlinburg and is a worth a stop by! You can learn about how moonshine is made and hear great jokes and banter from tasting guides. Sugarlands has their own unique bar area where you can try mixed drinks featuring their moonshine and learn the recipes for the drinks. Moonshine tasting is a must among things to do in Gatlinburg!
9. Gatlinburg Bypass
The Gatlinburg Bypass is worth the drive if you want to get some great views of the Smoky Mountains and of Gatlinburg! The Gatlinburg Bypass connects US 441 S from the Spur to inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the bypass you can pull off to look at and take pictures at the overlook.
10. Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to more than 200 different varieties of marine life. You can expect to find animals like sharks, sea turtles, eels, penguins, and much more! The aquarium is the perfect place to have some fun and learn about these creatures.
There’s tons of fun things to do in Gatlinburg! Since you have an idea of what you might want to do when you’re in Gatlinburg, check our cabin rentals now to start planning your next trip!
