Tennessee’s Sevier County is home to the mountainous resort city of Gatlinburg. Due to its location on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s southern edge, it is a well-liked vacation destination. The community was formerly known as White Oak Flats
Gatlinburg, which is located in East Tennessee and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a popular travel destination. The community has worked together to provide a warm environment for the visitors. As you explore the things to do in Gatlinburg TN, you will undoubtedly feel at home. In addition, the city is renowned for all of its thrilling rides and undiscovered treasures.
What is There to See in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg has a massive influx of visitors every year. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation is this charming mountain town. The city draws both adventurers and nature lovers, young and old, with activities that range from thrilling rides to picturesque peaks.
This city in the Smokies has everything, whether you’re searching for an exciting week full of activities or merely want to unwind and soak in a gorgeous nature trail and stream. The city’s best restaurant is the ultimate reason you will adore it.
1. Explore the Aquatic Life at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
At Ripley’s Aquarium, sea animals from over 300 species will take you on a stunning underwater excursion. A hundred thousand visitors have come to the aquarium annually since it opened in 2000, making it among the bestattractions in Gatlinburg. The Shark Lagoon and Underwater Tunnel are two notable highlights.
Walk through a tunnel that is 340 feet long while admiring sea turtles, sharks, and enormous stingrays swimming above you. Visit the Tropical Rainforest exhibition to view schools of piranhas and a poison dart frog. Visit the aquarium’s official site for information on visiting times and to book interactive events.
2. Slide Down the Mountain Slope from Anakeesta
Anakeesta was founded above Gatlinburg for a unique experience of the Smoky Mountains. People of all ages enjoy a genuine Smoky Mountain experience at this nature-themed park.
The Treetop Skywalk, which has an 880-meter hanging bridge that provides 360-degree vistas, is one of the highlights.
The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster and the Dueling Zipline Tour, including the TreeVenture Challenge course, are popular activities here.
Both informative and unwinding areas are offered by the Vista Gardens and Memorial Forest Walk
To bask in a sunset or gaze at the constellations, gather with your friends near one of their three fire pits.
3. Get the Birds Eye View from Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Perhaps one of the city’s first attractions and one that has been open to the public since 1954 is the SkyLift. It has become a landmark for thousands of tourists on yearly excursions to the Smokies. The park offers a picturesque experience and is a must-do thing in Gatlinburg.
SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offers excitement, beauty, and an incredible experience. The bridge delivers 360-degree visibility as glass panels are spaced at regular intervals. Other lovely features of this location are the SkyTrail hiking trail, SkyDeck amphitheater, Tulip Tower observation deck, and SkyCenter mountain store.
4. Sip some Organic Tea of Wild Plum Tea
The Wild Plum Tea Room offers a unique chance to savor great dining in a cabin. The design is similar to tea houses prevalent in the Austrian highlands.
They cook with cherished recipes that have been handed down by family and friends.
The screened porch and the outdoor patio are both great places to eat.
Come in for a casual dessert or a cup of tea. Moreover, their diverse menu accommodates vegan and gluten-free selections.
Amaretto Apple Bread Pudding, Curry Quinoa Salad, Salmon Burger with Cheddar Soup, and Cuban Pork Sandwich with Chutney are a few of the local favorites.
5. Climb the Panoramic Tower of Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle, which debuted in 1970, is arguably the city’s most well-known landmark. The Space Needle towers provide a spectacular holistic perspective of Gatlinburg and Mount LeConte. It is best to ascend the tower during the golden hour so you can enjoy the panoramic view.
You will adore this location for its breathtaking views as well as its glittering cityscape after dusk. It has a 25,000-square-foot arcade with laser tag and all kinds of video games. Along with the arcade, there is a tiny theatre and a fast-service eatery.
6. Witness your Favorite Car in Full Glory at Hollywood Star Cars Museum
In 1996, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum opened and has fun stuff to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Fans of movies or cars will adore this museum.
Over 40 legendary vehicles are included in the remarkable collection, featuring the original Batmobile and Mike Tyson’s Lamborghini Diablo.
A tour of the spectacular two-story museum typically lasts around an hour.
The exhibit’s highlights include General Lee, Herbie’s “The Love Bug” a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance from Dolly Parton, and Sir Paul McCartney’s 2006 Cadillac CTS.
Interesting facts surrounding the creation, operation, and survival of the cars are included throughout the tour.
7. Devour a Fully Loaded Breakfast at Little House of Pancakes
As a local landmark, the Little House of Pancakes offers both lunch and breakfast service. The restaurant is unique as it mostly serves locals. You can feel the aromas as you step in. Everything here is prepared from scratch, including all the gravies, pancakes, drinks, and delicious syrup.
Add apples, peaches, bananas, chocolate chips, cherries, berries, or pecans to your pancake there. Each omelet is prepared from scratch and is served with southern potatoes, biscuits, and grits. You can select a drink, like their best-selling sweet tea or lemonade.
8. Get your Hands on Meaningful Gift from Village Candles
Village Candles is a wonderfully unusual gift business that seldom attracts large crowds. The store provides distinctive scented candles and artistic candles, making it a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg, TN.
You can locate gifts that are special and significant that you can’t find in commercial stores.
The shop’s attractiveness is enhanced with wooden slat walls, glass shelves, and a rustic ambiance.
With vintage tapers hanging from the ceiling, the shelves are stacked high with hand-crafted candles.
After a short brunch, come here to shop. The staff is welcoming and accommodating to respond to inquiries or assist in finding the ideal present.
9. Fine Dining at Red Oak Bistro
Red Oak Bistro may be the ideal choice when you want a peaceful, quiet evening just a short drive from popular tourist destinations. The ambiance is laid-back yet elegant, ideal for a date. Several open shelves display a wonderful drink menu. You can expect delicious cuisine, including vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives.
There are options for an indoor dining area and a welcoming outside deck. The warm, diffused lighting creates a friendly ambiance. You can select the ideal beverage for your meal from a carefully crafted drink menu. The majority of the ingredients at Red Oak Bistro are sourced locally.
10. Spend an Entire Day in Ober Gatlinburg
Having been open for 50 years, Ober Gatlinburg offers a variety of summer and winter activities. It has remained a favorite vacation destination due to the abundance of outdoor and indoor activities.
Usually, most of these Gatlinburg activities cost less than $20, or you can purchase an all-day wristband for unrestricted entry.
An aerial tramway, tubing, ski slopes, a picturesque chairlift, an alpine slide, ice skating, wildlife diversity, and much more can be found at this Alpine getaway.
The amusement park’s retro appeal is enhanced by its appearance from the 1970s.
All of the above-mentioned activities are enjoyable for families.
11. A Quick Climb at Ober Rock Wall
Ober Rock Wall is located within the boundaries of Ober Gatlinburg. This climbing wall is their newest addition. Ober’s thirty-foot-long rock wall offers an alluring challenge for experienced climbers while also being accessible to individuals who have less expertise.
In a single sitting, a maximum of five climbers can ascend the rock.
Many people view the wall as the ideal occasion to challenge their dear ones because of its accessibility.
Children are permitted on the rock wall when they meet the harness’ lower limit of size restrictions.
Families with adventurous teenagers will particularly enjoy this family-friendly climbing session.
12. Order Your Favorite Perfectly Cooked Meat at Delauder’s BBQ
This little area is located just beyond downtown Gatlinburg and a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. At Delauder’s BBQ, unwind amidst Smokies-themed furnishings.
Start drooling over appetizers such as Smoky Mountain nachos or crispy green beans.
When you’re ravenous, choose the pulled-pork sandwich, which is loaded with smoked pulled pork, and your choice of toppings.
A three-meat platter with pulled pork, ribs, and sausage paired with sides and a roll is a great option if you prefer to experiment with your meats.
To round up your meal, order one of the local desserts served here.
13. Watch your Kids Giggling at Mills Park
Consider taking a break from Gatlinburg, TN attractions in Mills Park. For a family barbecue with picnic benches and BBQ grills, plus restrooms, you can book the pavilion with advance notice. The new playground in the park is arguably the most popular amenity for parents traveling with kids.
The park has a 9-hole course for disc golf that is moderately difficult. So, don’t forget to bring your discs. You’ll be surrounded by a vast wilderness, which will make all your worries disappear. You can feel the stress ebbing away as soon as you set foot in the park.
