Families of all shapes and sizes are drawn to the Smokies for the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but also the fun and excitement within the three main mountain towns- Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Our ultimate guide for first-time visitors explores the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains, from dinner shows, museums, and unique local shops to outdoor adventures and affordable activities!
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Attractions
Popular attractions such as Anakeesta and Gatlinburg SkyPark are great choices for families and couples. Both have chairlift rides to the top of the mountain, where all kinds of thrills await you. Of course, Ripley's attractions are ideal for rainy days or colder weather and provide hours of entertainment for kids.
For a 360-degree view of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is the place to go. Ride the glass elevator up to the 400-foot high observation deck and admire the stunning scenery plus the panoramic downtown sights. The ground level features a massive arcade, pizza shop, and the Iris Theater, where you can watch a mind-boggling magic and mind-reading show! Another bonus- our hotel on the river is within walking distance of all the action in downtown Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg Shopping
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for shopping in Gatlinburg, from The Village complex along the downtown strip to The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Loop, which features dozens of local artisans selling handmade jewelry, candles, soaps, woodworking, leather goods, artwork, photography, and so much more.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Shows
One of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains is to experience a dinner show in Pigeon Forge! Dolly Parton’s Stampede stands out as one of the original shows with an incredible Southern spread, as well as the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Other live entertainment includes the Country Tonite Theatre and the Comedy Barn, both offering family-friendly music, dancing, and comedy with an incredible cast of performers.
Pigeon Forge Attractions
Of course, Dollywood and its waterpark, Splash Country, are some of the most popular attractions in all of the Smokies, and for good reason! Each season brings a new festival and special foods and experiences, creating lasting memories for everyone in your group. Pigeon Forge museums are also abundant, as are miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, mountain coasters, distilleries, and wineries.
Sevierville
Sevierville Attractions
There’s no shortage of activities in this awesome town; in fact, it features some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains! You can play miniature golf, race go-carts, explore the Forbidden Caverns, and much more. Downtown Sevierville is also worth visiting. Since it’s her hometown, a life-sized bronze statue of Dolly Parton sits on the front lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse!
Sevierville Shopping
No doubt, the biggest shopping complex in the area is the Tanger Outlet Mall. You’ll find high-end brands all the way to local stores selling one-of-a-kind items, so there’s truly something for everyone! If others in your group want to shop but you want something else to do, the Adventure Park at Five Oaks is just across the road. They offer horseback riding as well as the best ziplines for all ages! You won’t believe that their 70-acre nature park is right off of the Parkway!
Are you ready to experience all the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains? Book one of our comfortable and affordable Gatlinburg hotel rooms and start planning your vacation today!
