Take a trip to the scenic Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This popular resort town in the Smoky Mountains is filled with tourist attractions, outdoor activities, and unique cuisine for everyone. Below are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Top Gatlinburg Attractions
Spend some time enjoying a few of the tourist attractions that make Gatlinburg a must-see. The mountain resort city has fun things to do for the whole family. With theme parks, local attractions, and specialty shops you will have lots to keep busy during your stay. However, if you can only hit a few of the attractions, these are our top three.
- Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. This outdoor coaster combines the fun of a theme park with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Stop by during the day or experience the coaster at night with their lit track at night!
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Take a dive into the aquatic world of Ripley’s Aquarium! You can easily enjoy a large part of your day enjoying the unique creatures of the deep, swimming with the stingrays, or spend the night with the sharks, Ripley’s even have breakfast with a mermaid–this is a must for the little ones in your group! It’s sure to be a trip your family will never forget.
- Gatlinburg Space Needle. Elevate your view by 400 ft at the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Enjoy a 360 degree view of the town of Gatlinburg and the Great Smokies. Take pictures at a view that can’t be beat!
Outdoor Activities Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is perfect for the outdoor adventurer in us all. With activities centered around the natural landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to find the perfect outdoor excursion to satisfy your families’ sense of adventure.
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Take advantage of our national parks system here in Gatlinburg. Bring a picnic and walk a trail at this beautiful national park. Enjoy a stroll on trails for hikers of all levels.
- Gatlinburg Skylift Park. Ride the skylift up to the sky deck and look out over the Smokies while you walk across the skybridge. The sky ridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, spanning 680 feet, featuring views of the deep valley below.
- Zip Gatlinburg. Want to fly, but unfortunate enough to be born without wings? Zip on down to Zip Gatlinburg and sore through the trees. With views of the city, and the Great Smoky Mountain you are sure to relish the view as you zip down.
- Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. Always dreamed of horseback riding? Take a peaceful ride on these beautiful horses through trails around Gatlinburg. Catch a peek of a bear in a tree, a deer running, or a wild turkey or two.
- Rafting in the Smokies. Do you enjoy feeling a rush? Are you an adrenaline junkie? Hold on tight while you ride the rapids with a an expert at this white water rafting center in Gatlinburg.
Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg has dining options that are perfect for your palette and your Instagram. With an array of cuisine, there is sure to be food for even the pickiest eater. This family town has dining options for any budget.
- Season of Ober. Located in Ober Gatlinburg, mountain park and ski area, this restaurant sits high on the Smoky mountain looking over miles of peaks and forestry. Enjoy their hand-cut steaks and entrees that will make your mouth water. After dinner, take a stroll through the shops and in the winter bundle up for a trip down the slopes in skis or a tube.
- Gaucho Urbano. This Brazilian steak house will leave you completely satisfied. With a Brazilian inspired menu, every piece of meat is perfectly seasoned and cooked to your temperature. It can be pricey, but this is the perfect high-end restaurant for a date night with your significant other. You don’t want to miss out on this Pigeon Forge restaurant.
- The Donut Friar. Have a bit of a sweet tooth? Stop on by the Donut Friar for fresh homemade donuts with flavors galore. Order up a hot mocha to dip your donut in, sit back, and enjoy.
- Sugarlands Distilling Company. If you are looking for an adult activity, take a tour of this unique moonshine distillery. Enjoy the spirits of well-crafted moonshine that tells the history of the distilling process. Choose a few flavors for a flight or your usual, right here in Gatlinburg.
- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. This breakfast spot is named for the frontiersman David Crockett. The rustic cabin themed eatery features breakfast fit for any group. With food served on cast iron skillets, you will wake up ready to face the frontier. The menu features many breakfast favorites with a few unique options such as cinnamon rolls, candied apples, Cherokee sweet corn pone, and fresh made griddle or buckwheat cakes
Whether it is the outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains, the tourist attraction in town, or the tailored cuisine, the only thing left is to decide if a weekend is long enough!
If you live here in the Avalon, Gatlinburg is only an hour and 20 minutes away. Not far for a weekend, or even a day trip. Want to explore a different spot? Fortunately, Avalon residents are ideally located, surrounded by popular areas to keep you busy. For questions about our mountain community homes, contact us.