Things to do in Gatlinburg

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park showing landscape views, mountains and a sunset
Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Gatlinburg must see attractions

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The beauty and diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park explain why it is the most visited of the U.S. national parks. Enjoy nature, wildlife and the quiet peace of endless forests.
Learn more
Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring mountains, forests and a waterfall

2. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Experience a spectacular aquatic adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where 10,000 sea creatures represent over 350 species. Explore a tropical rain forest or walk through an underwater tunnel, watch live feeding shows and get face-to-face with tropical animals. Since opening in 2000, the aquarium has become one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions and welcomes about 1 million visitors per year.
Learn more
Gatlinburg

3. Gatlinburg SkyPark

Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a 1950s chairlift that transports you from downtown Gatlinburg to a lookout point at the summit of Crockett Mountain. From an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 meters) you can enjoy picnics while taking in the views of the Smoky Mountains and the pretty town below.
Learn more
Gatlinburg Sky Lift which includes mountains and fall colors

4. Gatlinburg Space Needle

Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation tower and entertainment complex located in the center of Gatlinburg. Come here to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Smoky Mountains and learn about the region’s history. Watch comedian and magician shows and celebrate New Year’s Eve at a free pyrotechnic fireworks display.
Learn more
Gatlinburg Space Needle

5. Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum

Discover weird and wonderful artifacts from around the world at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Come and see the museum inspired by the adventures of Robert Ripley, who traveled the world in search of unusual stories, unique people and bizarre souvenirs. With 500 artifacts spread over three floors, the museum is an ideal attraction for all ages.
Learn more
Ripley\'s Believe It Or Not Museum showing interior views

What to do in Gatlinburg

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gatlinburg

Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies which includes interior views and marine life as well as a large group of people

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

From sharks and stingrays, to penguins and octopus, get close to a colorful collection of tropical sea creatures at this walk-through aquarium.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain

Bring the family to Ober Mountain and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Gatlinburg. Wander the riverfront or discover the beautiful waterfalls in this romantic area.

Ober Mountain
Small but pretty waterfall

Anakeesta

Bring the kiddos to Anakeesta and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Gatlinburg, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or discover the beautiful waterfalls in this romantic area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Gatlinburg Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Gatlinburg Convention Center during your trip to Gatlinburg. Discover the beautiful waterfalls and mountain views in this romantic area.

Gatlinburg Convention Center
Gatlinburg Sky Lift featuring forests and a gondola

Gatlinburg SkyPark

Ride this historic chairlift to a lookout point that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg’s townscape.

Gatlinburg SkyPark
Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park featuring a garden

Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park

Take the family on an outing to Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park during your trip to Gatlinburg. Discover the mountain views and beautiful waterfalls in this romantic area.

Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
Gatlinburg Space Needle

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Ride in a glass elevator to an observation tower for panoramic mountain views or enjoy comedy, magician and fireworks shows.

Gatlinburg Space Needle
Ripley\'s Believe It Or Not Museum showing interior views

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum

Get ready to be astounded by unique artifacts from all corners of the globe at this museum dedicated to astonishing people and events.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg showing landscape views and autumn leaves

Downtown Gatlinburg

While visiting Downtown Gatlinburg, you might make a stop by sights like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg SkyPark.

Downtown Gatlinburg
Default Image

Chalet Village

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Chalet Village, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ober Mountain are top sights worth seeing.

Chalet Village
Default Image

Chalet Village North

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While Chalet Village North isn't home to many top sights, Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park and Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook are some notable places to visit nearby.

Chalet Village North

Popular day trips from Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge

Sevierville

Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

Pigeon Forge

Townsend which includes a house, tranquil scenes and forests

Townsend

Robbinsville

Robbinsville

Dillsboro

Cherokee

Frequently asked questions

Is Gatlinburg worth visiting?
Renowned for its family-friendly attractions and golfing, discovering awesome things to do in Gatlinburg is easy. Remember to add Anakeesta to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Gatlinburg?
Once you've visited top attractions like Anakeesta and Laurel Falls, spend some time discovering Gatlinburg's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gatlinburg?
The top tourist attraction in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Gatlinburg?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Anakeesta, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Laurel Falls with a three-day break in Gatlinburg. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Pigeon Forge.
Is Gatlinburg a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Gatlinburg is a great place to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Anakeesta and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Then take a stroll through Chalet Village, located 3 kilometers from downtown, and Chalet Village North, which is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Gatlinburg with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Gatlinburg with kids.

What to do in Gatlinburg for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults including Sugarlands Distilling Company and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters.
Are there free things to do in Gatlinburg?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Gatlinburg is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without getting your cash out. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.