You Don’t Want to Miss These 6 Gatlinburg Attractions
The historic city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known as “The Gateway to the Smoky Mountains” for good reason. This important and popular tourist destination has roots that date back hundreds of years. Nestled right in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is shrouded by beautiful scenery, man-made Gatlinburg attractions, and amazing wildlife.
Additionally, Gatlinburg is known for its sightseeing, family fun, spectacular views, museums, and outdoor adventures. Explore a wide range of events at any time of the year in this Appalachian area. So if you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot that has a little bit of something for everyone, come to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You won’t be disappointed.
The Most Popular Attractions in Gatlinburg
The following is a list of the most popular Gatlinburg attractions and fun things for visitors to experience, many located on the famous Parkway! Although there are literally dozens of places to see and things to do, visitors routinely flock to these world-class Gatlinburg attractions for a variety of reasons. Be sure to get your tickets early.
Anakeesta
While at this amusement park, the entire family can take a ride on the famous gondola (known as the Chondola) down the mountain. Once you make it there, try out other adventures like the Treetop Skywalk for the challenging TreeVenture. Exploring the beautifully arranged Vista Gardens is always a treat. You can also have a heart-pounding ride on the dueling zipline or the mountain coaster. Treat yourself to the wonderful array of arts and crafts as well as sprawling waterfalls. Once you climb the AnaVista Observation Tower, you will get a full 360-degree look with the best views of the smokies! There is also an awesome view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Ober Gatlinburg
When you come to see Gatlinburg attractions, Ober Gatlinburg should be high on the list. This scenic, mountaintop adventure is filled with beauty, fun, and excitement. There are things to do in all four seasons with activities like the Aerial Tramway, viewing the wildlife habitat, ice bumper cars, climbing the rock wall, snow tubing, and ice skating. During the winter months, skiers and snowboarders will have a ball. Not only can you rent equipment, but there are professional skiers on the slopes that provide training for beginners. There is also plenty of shopping and dining on the mountain.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Housed in a state-of-the-art facility, this exciting attraction is great for the whole family and provides you with an underwater experience of a lifetime. Not only do you get to interact with thousands of vibrant, colorful creatures, but you can also watch the penguin, stingray, coral reef, and mermaid shows. They even put on a parade where African penguins walk around, eager to meet you and say hello! See a wide range of species and fish as far as the eyes can see. Stingray Bay is an exciting place where you can see a variety of the species like the cownose ray, southern ray, and the unique spotted eagle ray. At the Ripley’s Believe It or Not area, there are interactive activities like the marvelous Mirror Maze, a mini golf course, and laser tag.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
The Gatlinburg SkyLift is a lot of fun, especially if you’re not afraid of heights. Get transported by chairlift from the downtown Gatlinburg area to the top of Crockett Mountain. After you get to the top, you’ll walk across the Gatliburg SkyBridge to enjoy some of the best views of The Great Smoky Mountains and downtown. The SkyPark also has the SkyTrail leading to the Tulip Tower, the SkyCenter where you can find plenty of places to eat and shop, and the SkyDeck which is the perfect place to end your day with firepits and seating areas.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
This is arguably the most iconic site in the Gatlinburg area with people coming from all over the world to experience its views. The Space Needle is 407 feet above the ground and provides one of the most stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as the glass elevators take you all the way up to the observation deck. You can also enjoy the 30,000-square-foot Arcadia video game center, filled with the latest video and redemption games. Once you work up an appetite, Slice Pizza Bakery is right next door. Get some of the best pizza and pasta in the city. If you need gifts for the trek back home, there is an adjoining gift shop full of pretty much anything you need. The Space Needle is one of the most popular attractions so it is wise to book early.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Tour famous vehicles from your favorite TV shows and movies! Check out the Drag-u-la from The Munsters, cars from The Fast and the Furious franchise, and even the original Batmobile. That’s not all – enjoy vehicles from your favorite celebrities private collections. Who knew there’d be so many popular vehicles from North America under one roof?
Some Honorable Mentions
It’s no secret that Gatlinburg and it’s surrounding areas are jam-packed with tons of fun. Here are a handful of other places to make sure to check out:
- Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
- Ole Smoky – Moonshine distillery
- Sugarlands Distilling Company
- Cades Cove
- Hillbilly Golf
- Dollywood themepark – in nearby Pigeon Forge
Relax Gatlinburg Will Help You Plan Your Stay
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known for its deep roots, amazing scenery, and popular attractions. If you are looking for the perfect vacation getaway, this is the destination spot for you. Thousands of visitors come to Gatlinburg on a yearly basis to enjoy food, fun, and relaxation. You will be blown away by the small-town hospitality and everything it has to offer.
If you want to experience Gatlinburg attractions in all their glory, start planning your stay with the resources available on the RelaxGatlinburg.com. You can find out everything you need to know about lodging, shopping, special events, dining, and more. We’ll see you soon!