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Planning a trip to Gatlinburg and trying to decide what to add to your itinerary? This mountain town is packed with lively attractions, scenic views, and family-friendly fun all along the main Strip! Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, you’ll have no trouble finding exciting ways to fill your days! Here are some of the can’t-miss things to do in downtown Gatlinburg TN:
1. Gatlinburg SkyPark
One of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg is visiting the Gatlinburg SkyPark! Take your vacation to new heights with a ride up the iconic SkyLift and a walk across the famous SkyBridge. This mountaintop attraction offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, making this one of the most unforgettable experiences in town!
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Consistently ranked among the best aquariums in the country, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is perfect for all ages! You can glide through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, watch penguins play, and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits that add educational fun to your Smoky Mountain vacation.
3. Ober Mountain
Another one of the popular things to do in downtown Gatlinburg is taking an aerial tram ride to the top of Ober Mountain. This mountain attraction offers year-round excitement for all ages and interests! In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding, and in the warmer months you can enjoy alpine slides, wildlife encounters, a scenic chairlift, and more!
4. The Village Shops
Step into a charming European-inspired shopping area right in the heart of town! The Village Shops features unique boutiques, local crafts, delicious food, and specialty items. Taking a relaxing stroll through the shops and picking up souvenirs is one of the can’t-miss things to do in downtown Gatlinburg!
5. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
If you’re looking for unique things to do in downtown Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a must! This Ripley’s attraction is filled with the bizarre, featuring fun facts, interactive exhibits, and fascinating artifacts from around the world. Kids and adults alike love exploring the unusual and learning something new!
6. Hillbilly Golf
Mini golf in Gatlinburg gets a mountain twist at Hillbilly Golf! You’ll ride the incline railway up the hillside and play through creative, hillbilly-themed courses on the side of the mountain. It’s a scenic and one-of-a-kind thing to do in downtown Gatlinburg for families, friends, and couples!
7. Gatlinburg Wine Trail
For adults, one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg is exploring the Gatlinburg Wine Trail! Sip your way through town on a self-guided tour of several local wineries. You can sample a variety of Tennessee wines and discover local flavors that originate right here in the Smokies. It’s a relaxing way to experience the area and find your new favorite drink!
8. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park that combines scenic beauty with exciting activities! After riding to the top of the mountain, you can browse whimsical shops, stroll the Treetop Skywalk, race on mountain coasters and ziplines, and dine with incredible mountain views. The stunning Smoky Mountain scenery makes this one of the most magical things to do in downtown Gatlinburg!
9. Gatlin’s Fun Center
Are you looking for family-friendly things to do in downtown Gatlinburg? Gatlin’s has plenty of exciting attractions for everyone! With mini golf courses, laser tag, bumper cars, escape rooms, a ropes course, and more, this is a great place to spend a few hours enjoying friendly competition and indoor entertainment!
10. Gatlinburg Space Needle
For 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, take a ride in a glass elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle! The observation deck stands 407 feet in the air, offering panoramic views and breathtaking photo opportunities unlike any other!
Where to Stay Near Downtown Gatlinburg
After exploring all these fun things to do in downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll want a comfortable and quiet place to unwind and recharge. Staying in a nearby cabin gives you the perfect balance of convenience, luxury, and peaceful mountain surroundings! Check out our incredible cabins near downtown Gatlinburg and start planning your stay today!
