The best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled at the foot of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-time fun. Gatlinburg is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay to chase picturesque mountain views, experience outdoor adventures, and savor the bustling local shopping and dining scene.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family or a group of friends, there’s no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg. Keep reading to discover which can’t-miss Gatlinburg attractions to add to your itinerary.

What you’ll learn:

• Gatlinburg is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers and shoppers.

• Many outdoor Gatlinburg activities, like hiking, ziplining and mountain coaster riding, provide an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Capital One can elevate your trip with flexible rewards and travel benefits.

For thrill-seekers who want to take in the astounding natural beauty of Gatlinburg, these outdoor experiences offer front-row seats to the mountains.

With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes more visitors each year than any other U.S. park. The park is perfect for hiking, fishing, picnicking, bike riding, scenic drives and wildlife watching. It’s also home to plenty of black bears, so observe responsibly. 

There isn’t a bad time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it boasts beautiful wildflowers that bloom all year long. The park is open year-round, and dogs are allowed. Entry to the park is free, but there’s a $5 per day parking fee. 

Gatlinburg boasts North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Following a peaceful chairlift ride, you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies while you walk across the 680-foot-long SkyBridge.

If you’re looking for a real stomach-flipping thrill, the bridge features a glass-floor section where you can look down and see 150 feet below you.

If you have a need for speed, Gatlinburg’s many mountain coasters deliver. These gravity-propelled rides will have you zipping around bends and zooming down hills at 25-30 miles per hour. An easy-to-use hand brake lets you control your speed. Just don’t forget to look around.

Gatlinburg has a handful of amusement parks with outdoor activities for you to do no matter the season. You can zipline at the mountaintop adventure park Anakeesta or explore Ober Mountain for skiing, snowboarding or ice skating in the winter.

Some activities might be dependent on weather, but both parks are open year-round. 

With more than 200 species of birds regularly spotted in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—some native and some visitors stopping on their migratory journey—Gatlinburg is a bird-watcher’s dream. Key places in the park for bird-watching include Cades Cove and Grotto Falls.

Downtown Gatlinburg is full of charm and local flair.

Looking for something to do that’s completely free? Downtown Gatlinburg can be easily explored on foot, or you could hop on the trolley that covers the entire city and operates all year long, which is also free. 

The Parkway is full of places to stop and grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. Chances are, you’ll find something you can’t get anywhere else because Gatlinburg is known for its one-of-a-kind artisan shops. 

You can interact with more than 10,000 creatures of the deep at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, located in the center of Gatlinburg’s downtown area.

The aquarium features a shark tunnel, Penguin Playhouse and Touch-A-Ray Bay, where you can get up close and personal with stingrays. Admission is about $40 for adults and $25 for kids (even less for younger children), making this a fun, family-friendly option. It’s also a great rainy-day activity and offers a mix of education and excitement for all ages. Don’t forget to check out the hourly dive shows and interactive exhibits.

Whatever you’re hungry for, downtown Gatlinburg likely has a restaurant to satisfy your craving. It’s a city known for its numerous pancake houses, but you can also find everything from steak to tapas.

Gatlinburg has several distilleries, where authentic moonshine is made if you’re interested in experiencing a big part of Appalachian culture and history.

Shopping might not be the first Gatlinburg activity that comes to mind when planning a trip, but there are nine malls in Gatlinburg, not to mention plenty of shops offering locally made goods.

From local artisan works to a Santa-themed shop, you’ll find most everything on your list, and likely a few things that aren’t. Many of these specialty stores are located in The Village Shops, a collection of 27 shops that resemble a quaint old world village.

Gatlinburg has some one-of-a-kind experiences that will show you a different side of this Appalachian town.

Showcasing the craftsmanship of more than 100 local Gatlinburg artisans, this historic eight-mile loop gives visitors an opportunity to watch blacksmiths, woodworkers, potters and painters at work. 

While visiting the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, you can buy handmade Appalachian crafts like pottery, soaps, paintings and jewelry directly from the makers. 

The loop is an interesting way to experience some of the region’s heritage while supporting local artists. You can also check out Gatlinburg’s murals along the way for a free photo opportunity to commemorate your trip.

This quirky, only-in-Gatlinburg museum features over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. The culture represented by this collection will surprise and delight even the most seasoned travelers. Admission is $3, which goes toward the purchase of any salt and pepper shaker in the gift shop.

Maybe you’ve heard some of the spooky Appalachian lore about ghosts or creatures lurking in the wilderness. In Gatlinburg, you’ll find walking tours, ghost hunts and haunted houses that send shivers down your spine while you immerse yourself in the local folklore. 

This iconic spot is technically in Pigeon Forge, but Dollywood is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Dollywood is a sprawling resort that boasts a theme park with rides and a water park, live entertainment and dining options. You can stay on-site in one of the resorts or get a cabin for a more rustic feel. 

Theme park rides and water park attractions can be enjoyed during the warmer months. But if you’re traveling in the colder months, it’s the perfect time for a cozy stay and a visit to Dollywood’s full-service spa. 

Dollywood also offers thrilling dinner shows, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, featuring trick riders performing unbelievable horse-riding stunts and patriotic musical numbers. Try to arrive early to catch the preshow featuring bluegrass and country music in the Saloon.

Ready to book your Gatlinburg getaway? Here are some ways Capital One can help you get the most from your trip.

• Travel rewards: Capital One travel credit cards let you earn unlimited miles on every purchase, whether you’re traveling or not. Plus, you have flexible options for redeeming your miles.

• Booking benefits: If you’re an eligible Capital One cardholder, you can book your trip with Capital One Travel. You can sort and compare thousands of options to find Capital One’s best prices for hotels, airfare and rental cars. Plus, eligible Capital One cardholders can earn enhanced rewards on hotels and rental cars when booking through Capital One Travel. You can use your rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more.

Whether Gatlinburg has been on your radar for some time or you’re just learning about it, this Tennessee city has so much to offer. With its walkable downtown full of dining, shopping and entertainment and its outdoor adventures, you’ll be trying to fit a little of everything into your itinerary.

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

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