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Home » Blog » Gatlinburg Attractions » 8 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN to Add to Your Bucket List
overlook of things to do in gatlinburg tn

8 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN to Add to Your Bucket List

Gatlinburg, TN is full of opportunities for both fun and relaxation! There is an entire bucket list of things you’ll want to cross off while you’re on vacation. When you’re planning your trip, we want to make sure you have all the best activities included on your itinerary. To make sure you don’t miss anything, check out these 8 can’t-miss things to do in Gatlinburg TN that you should add to your bucket list:

1. Eat Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry

Gatlinburg is known for its delicious breakfast options. The perfect place to start your mornings is the Pancake Pantry! The Pancake Pantry is Tennessee’s first pancake house. Since 1960, both locals and visitors have been enjoying their real butter, fresh whipped cream, and made-from-scratch pancakes. Try their Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes or their special Banana Pineapple Triumph. If you’re not in the mood for pancakes, the menu includes all your favorite breakfast staples, like eggs, waffles, and omelettes.

2. Visit Anakeesta

The scenic Firefly Village at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg.Anakeesta is full of fun for the whole family. Not only is there excitement everywhere you turn, but there are gorgeous views as well! Your adventure begins with a Scenic Chondola ride into the magical Firefly Village. There, you can browse the shops, grab a bite to eat, and have fun! There’s the Dueling Zipline Adventure, Tree Canopy Walk, Children’s Treehouse Village Playground, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, and more. People of all ages love this can’t-miss attraction.

3. Go Skiing at Ober Gatlinburg

If you visit during the winter, don’t miss the chance to go skiing at Ober Gatlinburg! Ober is fun all throughout the year, but it comes alive during the winter when the slopes are open. You can enjoy hours of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun. Don’t worry if you’ve never been skiing before. Ober offers lessons from qualified instructors that will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

4. Go Ziplining at CLIMB Works

happy-man-ziplineFor more outdoor adventure, go ziplining at CLIMB Works! CLIMB Works offers two different ziplining tours, both offering unbeatable views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Their Treetop Zipline Tour includes 9 world-class ziplines that stretch from tree to tree. Your feet won’t touch the ground for 2.5 hours! Their Mountaintop Zipline Tour is open year-round and has higher vantage points and longer lines than ever before. Both tours include other fun activities, like an ATV ride, aerial bridges, and rappels.

5. Ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift

One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN is ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. This relaxing ride provides the opportunity to see spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. You’ll ride up 500 vertical feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. Visitors can get off the lift onto the SkyDeck to admire the view before riding back down the mountain, or cross the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

6. Try a Unique Experience at Ripley’s Aquarium

ripley's aquarium of the smokiesPart of the reason Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is so special is because it’s so much more than just your average aquarium. Ripley’s offers unique experiences that allow you to interact with some of the animals. You can waddle with penguins, splash with stingrays, and even touch a jellyfish! One of the best experiences is the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, during which you’ll ride out into the middle of Shark Lagoon with just 3 inches of glass separating you from the 12-foot sharks that call the lagoon home. You’ll love seeing the sea life swimming below you.

7. See the Sights from the Gatlinburg Space Needle

Another popular attraction to add to your bucket list is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. From the top of the 407-foot observation tower, you’ll have 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the mountains. Visit during the day to admire the sights, or visit at night to see the town come alive with city lights! Once you’ve taken in the view, ride the glass elevator back down to hang out in the arcade or test your skills at an escape game.

8. Stay in Our Cabins in Gatlinburg TN

cabin in the smoky mountainsThe most important thing to add to your vacation bucket list is a stay in our cabins in Gatlinburg TN! Cabins come with all the comforts of home and all the added benefits of staying in the Smoky Mountains, making them the best place to stay during your vacation. You can enjoy the privacy of being surrounded by the peacefulness the mountains provide, while still being just a short drive from all the can’t-miss things to do in Gatlinburg TN. Cabins come with a variety of amenities, from hot tubs to game rooms, and even swimming pools! Browse all our cabins in Gatlinburg TN and choose the one that’s perfect for your vacation.

More Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

We’ve given you a list of some of the can’t-miss things to do while you’re in town, but there are endless opportunities for fun when you visit! Take a look at more things to do in Gatlinburg TN, then start planning your trip.