Looking for things to do in Gatlinburg? This Smoky Mountain town has everything from scenic mountain attractions to restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re spending a few hours downtown or planning a weekend trip, there are plenty of places to visit throughout the year.
Walk Along the Gatlinburg Strip
Downtown Gatlinburg is centered around the Parkway, often called the Gatlinburg Strip.
The street is lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, candy stores, and attractions. Visitors can easily spend an afternoon walking through downtown and stopping at different businesses along the way.
The Village Shops is another popular destination just off the Parkway. This shopping area features specialty stores and walkways with distinctive European-inspired architecture.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg’s most popular family attractions.
Visitors can see sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and a variety of other marine animals. The aquarium’s underwater tunnel offers a close-up view of sharks and fish swimming overhead.
Interactive exhibits and animal encounters make it a popular activity for families.
Visit Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop attraction located near downtown Gatlinburg.
Visitors can ride to the top of the mountain for scenic overlooks, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The attraction also features walking paths and treetop experiences.
Anakeesta is a popular place to enjoy mountain views without taking a long hike.
See the Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle stands 407 feet above downtown and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A glass elevator takes visitors to the observation deck, where they can look out over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
It’s especially popular during the fall when the mountains are filled with changing leaves.
Restaurants and Sweet Treats in Gatlinburg
Trying local restaurants is another popular activity in Gatlinburg.
Pancake Pantry has been a downtown favorite since 1960 and is known for its breakfast menu.
The Melting Pot offers fondue dining with cheese, entrees, and chocolate desserts.
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a longtime downtown stop where visitors can watch candy being made and purchase sweet treats.
Gatlinburg also has barbecue restaurants, steakhouses, casual dining spots, and plenty of places to grab ice cream or fudge.
Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum features vehicles from popular movies and television shows.
Visitors can see recognizable cars from productions such as Back to the Future and other Hollywood favorites.
The museum is located along the Parkway, making it an easy stop while visiting downtown.
Spend Time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg is visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The park entrance is just minutes from downtown and provides access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Popular nearby activities include walking the Gatlinburg Trail, driving Newfound Gap Road, and visiting Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Visitors can also take a longer drive to Cades Cove for wildlife viewing and historic sites.