Discover Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Your Ultimate Guide to Smoky Mountain Adventures

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Gillian Spatz

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Curator’s statement

Welcome to Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, where breathtaking scenery meets Southern hospitality. Known for its charming downtown, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions, Gatlinburg offers a quintessential mountain getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Join us as we explore the vibrant culture, thrilling activities and natural wonders that await in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

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Where to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Escape to adventure and relaxation at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – where endless fun meets natural beauty.

Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

A contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, providing stylish accommodations and easy access to local attractions and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

An aerial view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the daytime.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.

  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Immerse yourself in the underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, featuring interactive exhibits, a penguin habitat and a glass-bottom boat ride through Shark Lagoon.

  • Anakeesta: Experience outdoor adventure at Anakeesta, where you can ride the scenic Chondola to the summit, explore treetop canopy walks, zipline through the forest and enjoy shopping and dining in Firefly Village.

  • Ober Gatlinburg: Hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, a year-round mountain resort offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating and scenic chairlift rides with stunning views of the Smokies.

  • Gatlinburg Space Needle: Take in 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains from the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, standing 407 feet tall in the heart of downtown.

  • Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: Discover the largest group of independent artisans in North America at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, where you can shop for unique handmade crafts and watch artisans at work.

  • Sugarlands Distilling Company: Take a tour and sample locally crafted spirits at Sugarlands Distilling Company, known for its moonshine flavors inspired by Appalachian traditions.

  • Moonshine Mountain Coaster: Experience thrills and stunning scenery on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, an exhilarating alpine coaster ride that twists and turns through the mountains.

  • Gatlinburg Pinball Museum: Step back in time at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum, where you can play vintage pinball machines and arcade games dating back to the 1950s.

  • Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook: Drive or hike to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook for breathtaking views of the city nestled in the valley below, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Day Trips:

  • Pigeon Forge: Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. Visit Dollywood, a renowned theme park with rides, shows and festivals, explore the Titanic Museum Attraction or enjoy indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore more of the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with a day trip to the national park. Hike scenic trails, visit historic sites like Cades Cove and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of America's most visited national park.

  • Asheville, North Carolina: Head east to Asheville for a day of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure. Visit the Biltmore Estate, a grand mansion surrounded by gardens and vineyards. Explore the vibrant downtown area with its art galleries and breweries or hike to scenic waterfalls in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Places to eat & drink in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A picture of a person cutting a steak on a wooden board at a restaurant.
  • The Peddler Steakhouse: Indulge in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood at The Peddler Steakhouse, a Gatlinburg institution known for its rustic atmosphere and mountain views.

  • The Park Grill: Enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist at The Park Grill, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and served in a cozy lodge setting.

  • The Greenbrier Restaurant: Dine in elegance at The Greenbrier Restaurant, housed in a historic log cabin and known for its upscale Southern cuisine, including prime rib and seafood specialties.

  • Cherokee Grill: Feast on wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood and signature cocktails at Cherokee Grill, a casual yet sophisticated restaurant located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

  • Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria: Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, where you can enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, pasta dishes and hearty Italian entrees in a cozy atmosphere.

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Experience the fun and lively atmosphere of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., inspired by the movie "Forrest Gump," and enjoy a menu featuring seafood favorites like shrimp scampi and fish and chips.

  • Smoky Mountain Brewery: Quench your thirst with craft beers brewed on-site at Smoky Mountain Brewery, where you can also enjoy a menu of pub-style fare, including burgers, wings and pizzas.

  • The Melting Pot: Indulge in a fondue dining experience at The Melting Pot, where you can dip into cheese fondue, cook your own meats and seafood at the table and finish with decadent chocolate fondue desserts.

  • Crockett's Breakfast Camp: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp, featuring Southern-inspired dishes like biscuits and gravy, skillet breakfasts, and fluffy pancakes.

  • Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina: Spice things up with Mexican-inspired cuisine at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina, offering a menu of tacos, fajitas and margaritas, plus rooftop seating with views of downtown Gatlinburg.

  • Pancake Pantry: Treat yourself to a stack of fluffy pancakes at Pancake Pantry, a beloved Gatlinburg institution serving up a variety of pancake flavors, plus omelets, waffles and other breakfast favorites.

  • No Way Jose's Cantina: Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites and handcrafted margaritas at No Way Jose's Cantina, featuring a lively atmosphere and festive decor reminiscent of a Mexican fiesta.

Need to Know

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Explore Flagstaff, Arizona: Your Gateway to Adventure in the Southwest. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tennessee.

Advisor - Gillian Spatz

Travel Advisor

Gillian Spatz

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