Things to Do in Gatlinburg
49 curated spots from Gatlinburg itineraries
Activities & Attractions
29 curated experiences
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Self-guided 8-mile loop of free studios, galleries, and artisan demos; pottery and woodworking
2h · Free
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Large, modern aquarium with underwater tunnels, touch pools, and well-curated exhibits, most of which follow a single, gently sloping path.
2h 30m · $40-50 per person
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Drive or ride this scenic loop for waterfalls, old homesteads, and excellent chances to spot wildlife from a calm, low-effort route; watch for bears and keep distance.
2h 30m · Free
Anakeesta Adventure Park
Mountaintop adventure park with 6 zipline runs (side-by-side dual lines), mountain coaster, aerial bridges, and dining. Control your speed for thrilling or relaxed experience.
4h · $79-99 per person (various package options)
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Free exhibits of student and local art; watch live demos
1h 30m · Free
Check-in and Balcony Time at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Arrive, settle into your modern room or suite, and enjoy a relaxed hour on the balcony or by the fireplace before heading out, using this as your home base for short, manageable walks.
1h · Free (with stay)
Downtown Parkway Stroll
Walk the main strip after dinner for people-watching, candy shops, and a quick look at Gatlinburg after dark without overcommitting to an attraction.
1h · Free
Ely's Mill
Historic free mill site with creek views and short trails
1h 30m · Free
Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
Free viewing of vintage machines; nostalgic family fun
1h · Free
Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Panoramic free views of town and mountains; prime photography
45m · Free
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park & SkyBridge
Take the chairlift up Crockett Mountain to a mountaintop plaza and walk part or all of the SkyBridge for dramatic views and couple photos, with plenty of seating and resting areas.
2h · $30-40 per person
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Take the SkyLift up for panoramic views, then enjoy the bridge and overlooks if weather is clear; this is a good scenic payoff with minimal effort.
2h · $30-40 per person
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Ride the glass elevator to an open-air observation deck with panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smokies, great for daytime or blue-hour photos.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Gatlinburg Trailhead
Easy 3.8-mile roundtrip riverside trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park; spot wildlife and streams
2h · Free
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Cades Cove Loop
Popular 11-mile scenic driving loop featuring wildlife spotting opportunities (black bears, deer, wild turkeys), historic homesteads, and overlooks. Pull-offs throughout for photo stops and short hikes.
3h · Free (park entry)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Newfound Gap Road & Photography Overlooks
Scenic mountain pass drive with multiple pull-offs and overlooks offering panoramic Smoky Mountain views. Photo-worthy vistas at various elevations; clear days provide 50+ mile views.
2h · Free (park entry)
Heartwood Art Gallery
Free viewing of local carvings and crafts; photo-friendly
1h · Free
Laurel Falls Trail
A popular nature hike with a major waterfall payoff; start early, wear trail shoes, and expect a moderate crowd but manageable effort.
2h 30m · Free
Martha Jane Ogle Cabin
Historic pioneer log cabin along trail; learn Appalachian history
45m · Free
Mills Park
Quiet park with picnic spots, restrooms, and nature trails; family relaxation
1h 30m · Free
Mynatt Park
Free playground, picnic areas, and stream for kids to play
1h 30m · Free
Ole Smoky Distillery or Sugarlands Distilling Company
Authentic Tennessee moonshine distilleries with tastings of various infusions (apple pie, peach, traditional), distillery tours, and gift shopping. Family-friendly tasting rooms with Southern hospitality.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person (tastings)
Ole Smoky Distillery The Holler
Free moonshine tastings and live music in a fun barn setting; non-alcoholic options available
1h · Free
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Interactive aquarium with hands-on marine encounters, diverse species displays, and educational exhibits. Combo tickets available for other Ripley's attractions (Haunted House, Mysteries).
2h · $32-42 per person (aquarium), combo options available
Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
Browse quirky free collection of 20,000+ shakers; quick family photo op
45m · Free
Scenic Drive to Newfound Gap Overlook
Enjoy a leisurely drive from Gatlinburg up Newfound Gap Road to the main overlook, with sweeping vistas of the Smokies right from the parking area.
2h · Free
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Free distillery tours and tastings; learn moonshine history
1h · Free
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Free exhibits on park history, wildlife displays, and ranger talks; grab maps
1h 30m · Free
The Village Shops
Browse the courtyard-style shops for local treats, a pastry, and a slower-paced break from the Parkway chaos.
1h 30m · Free to browseRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
The Peddler Steakhouse
Riverside dining with views of the Little Pigeon River; known for quality steaks, fresh trout, and seasonal Southern cuisine. Request a riverside table for optimal ambiance.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Anakeesta On-Mountain Dining
Elevated dining at the mountaintop adventure park with craft food options and unobstructed Smoky Mountain views. Casual but special occasion feel.
45m · $18-32 per person
Arrowmont Cafe
Simple sandwiches and salads at school cafe; fresh and local
45m · $8-12 per person
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Start with a hearty breakfast if you want something different from pancakes; go for biscuits, eggs, or a filling plate before heading into the park.
1h · $10-18 per person
Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse
Lodge-style yet sleek steakhouse with stone and wood details, dim lighting, and a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
1h 30m · $40-75 per person
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar Gatlinburg
Upscale seafood spot with a polished, contemporary interior and views toward the river, excellent for a special first-night dinner.
1h 30m · $45-80 per person
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
Themed log cabin breakfast spot offering hearty Southern breakfast—biscuits, pancakes, and log cabin comfort. Fun, energetic atmosphere to fuel your adventure days.
1h · $15-25 per person
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
If you prefer a later meal after the morning park drive, order biscuits, eggs, or a skillet-style breakfast and treat it as an easy brunch.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Crockett's Breakfast Camp Takeout
Pancakes and sausage to-go window; hearty Southern start
45m · $7-10 per person
Delauder’s BBQ
Casual barbecue with a straightforward, budget-friendly menu; order a plate or sandwich after the craft loop.
1h · $10-20 per person
Flapjack's Pancake Cabin To-Go
Stacked pancakes and fruit; portable
45m · $7-10 per person
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
Fresh local produce, baked goods, and coffee stalls; grab apple fritters and fruit
45m · $5-8 per person
Glades Road Cafe
Grilled cheese and soup; cozy budget spot
45m · $8-11 per person
Log Cabin Pancake House Takeout
Pancake sandwiches to-go; evening comfort food
45m · $8-11 per person
Margaritaville Restaurant Gatlinburg
Resort-style restaurant in the Margaritaville Resort with a clean, modern-coastal interior and spacious seating; ideal for a relaxed, slightly indulgent breakfast to start the trip.
1h · $18-30 per person
Mellow Mushroom Gatlinburg
Colorful but clean-lined pizza restaurant just off the main strip, good for a casual midday break between attractions.
1h · $18-32 per person
Old Mill Restaurant
Historic 1807 grist mill setting with Southern comfort food—fried chicken, country cooking, and local specialties. Authentic heritage dining experience.
1h 30m · $22-38 per person
Ole Smoky Moonshine Tasting Room
Do the tasting slowly and ask questions; this is more social than rushed. Pair it with a light snack earlier so you can actually enjoy the flavors.
45m · Free tasting; optional purchases
Pancake House
Classic Gatlinburg breakfast diner with loaded pancakes, omelets, and country-style breakfast; small-town comfort and quick turnover.
45m · $12-22 per person
Pancake Pantry
Classic Gatlinburg breakfast stop; go for pancakes, eggs, and coffee, and bring cash because it is cash-only.
1h · $10-20 per person