Clingmans Dome obsefvation tower at sunset

Ultimate Bucket List of Things To Do in Gatlinburg

Whether it’s your first visit or you come multiple times a year there’s something for everyone in the Smokies! Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg that have to be on your vacation bucket list when you visit.

1. Clingmans Dome

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many points inside the park that are worth exploring. Clingmans Dome is a must on things to do in Gatlinburg and inside the park. The “dome” is an observation tower at the top of a half mile paved path. The tower sits at the highest point in the national park at 6,643 feet! Clingmans Dome offers fantastic 360 views of the Smoky Mountains!

2. The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse is a restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg with a neat history to the building, a romantic atmosphere,and delicious food! You’ll find menu items like rainbow trout, gulf shrimp, steak, chicken and more! For dessert you have to try the hot black berry cobbler it’s homemade from scratch! The Peddler is great for a more dressed up date night, or family dinner.anakeesta tree canopy walk

3. Anakeesta

Resting above Gatlinburg is Anakeesta, an aerial adventure park! You must take a gondola or chair lift to reach the summit of Anakeesta. Once you are up there you can shop, dine, and explore! There is a memorial walk that offers views of the mountains, a tree canopy bridge to explore, zipline, and more!

4. Ole Smoky Moonshine

Moonshine is part of the Southern heritage in the Smokies. If you visit Ole Smoky Moonshine you’re sure to learn all about how it’s made and it’s part in Appalachian history. You will definitely get to witness it being made in a still and get to try it even! Ole Smoky produces over 15 flavors of moonshine in various proofs. Tasting leaders are full of knowledge, fun facts, jokes, and some sassy wit!

5. Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers one of the best ways to see views of the Smoky Mountains and of Gatlinburg. The Needle is over 400 feet with 360 views. At the Gatlinburg Space Needle there is also a large arcade full of the latest games, and a hypnotism show.

Smoky Mtn Brewery 6. Smoky Mountain Brewery

Ready for some good food and cold beer? The Smoky Mountain Brewery can answer your craving! The “brewery” brews and produces its own craft beers, so this the only beer brand you will find on tap at their restaurant. Famous menu items include wings dripping in delicious sauces, pasta, burgers, and freshly tossed pizzas. The brewery is a great place to spend an evening relaxing having a drink, catching a sports game, and even karoking on some nights! This is one of the best restaurants and things to do in Gatlinburg!

7. Ripley’s Mirror Maze

How’s your sense of direction? Well put it to the test as Ripley’s Mirror Maze! Get so lost that you actually find the secret Infinity Room! Inside the maze you’ll see countless reflections of yourself all trying to find the correct way to go while listening to music with vibrant lights matching the beat.

8. Sugarlands Distillery

Sugarlands Distillery is another moonshine distillery in Gatlinburg, and is a worth a stop by! Here you can expect to learn about how moonshine is made, and here great jokes and banter from tasting guides. Sugarlands has their own unique flavors that differ from Ole Smoky Moonshine. Moreover, what’s especially unique to Sugarland’s is their bar area where you can try mixed drinks featuring their moonshine, and learn the recipes for the drinks. Moonshine tasting is a must among things to do in Gatlinburg!

9. Gatlinburg Bypass

The Gatlinburg Bypass is worth the drive if you want to get some great views of the Smoky Mountains and of Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Bypass connects US 441 S from the “Spur” to inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the bypass you can pull off to look at and take pictures at the overlooks.

10. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to more than 200 different varieties of marine life. Inside you can expect to find animals like sharks, sea turtles, eels, penguins, and much more! The aquarium is the perfect place to have some fun and learn a few new facts you might not have known before.

There’s tons of fun things to do in Gatlinburg! Come experience the fun, and stay in a comfy cabin  with Aunt Bug’s Cabin rentals while you’re here! Check our cabin rentals now to start planning!