Surrounded by the Smokies, the small community of Gatlinburg, TN is only two miles long by five miles wide, with just over 3,500 people who call the mountain burg home. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, surrounds Gatlinburg on three sides and has transformed it over time into a mountain resort destination, packed with numerous local-to-national restaurants and attractions galore! Search our extensive list of Gatlinburg cabins and experience the inspirational community feel for yourself!
Things to do in Gatlinburg TN
With so many things to do in Gatlinburg TN, your vacation will be filled with lots of fun! Take a look at all of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN to start planning your vacation!
Travel to Gatlinburg to Entertain your Senses
In addition to the National Park, Gatlinburg’s largest attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies; the phenomenal 1.3 million gallon saltwater aquarium recently voted “#1 Aquarium in the U.S.” by customers of TripAdvisor. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park provides year-round ice skating and outdoor family fun in addition to great winter snow sports once the 120-person Aerial Tramway takes you to the summit. Gatlinburg vacations are action-packed and fun for the whole family!
Memorable Meals in Gatlinburg TN
Once the sun sets, select from the numerous fine and family restaurants and entertainment! Then, take a trip back in time to the slapstick vaudeville comedy of Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre for family-style entertainment that will have you holding your sides in laughter.
Smoky Mountain History
Gatlinburg, Tennessee takes great pride in its mountain heritage, and the arts, crafts, and retail shops reflect that heritage to a large extent. Gatlinburg is a walking community, with the Downtown Parkway offering literally hundreds of things to see and do. If you prefer, get around town on one of the city’s trolleys, where you can ride unlimited times with the new All Day Trolley Pass. Stroll the river walk along River Road as it echoes the wistful sounds of the Little Pigeon River, with gazebos and benches along the walkway.
At the corner of East Parkway and Glades Road, you’ll find Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Home to over one hundred craftspeople and artists along the eight-mile loop, it’s the largest gathering of its kind in North America. Inevitably, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind craft or work of art being crafted while during your visit.
Enjoy the Events
In Gatlinburg, Tennessee we celebrate throughout the seasons with parties, craft fairs, concerts and festivals. The Gatlinburg calendar of events is jam-packed with seasonal special events like Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the nation’s first 4th of July Parade, Gatlinburg’s Fine Arts Festival, and Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales.
Plan your Gatlinburg vacation today!