Here at Visit My Smokies, we typically recommend spending (at least) a week vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN. Sometimes, however, your schedule only leaves you with one day in Gatlinburg. Fortunately, there is still plenty of fun to be had even if you’re only in town for a little while! To help you make the most of your visit, we have put together the ultimate itinerary for 24 hours in Gatlinburg.
1. Pancakes for Breakfast
Gatlinburg is the unofficial pancake capital of the United States! There is no better way to start your day during your trip to Gatlinburg than with a mouthwatering stack of hotcakes at one of the legendary pancake houses in town. Pancake Pantry and Log Cabin Pancake House are just two of the most delicious spots to go. Here are the best places for pancakes in Gatlinburg.
2. Enjoy Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
After breakfast, it’s time to head over to one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies was voted the best aquarium in America by the readers of USA Today! This awesome aquarium is home to over 10,000 beautiful sea creatures and is a must for your trip to Gatlinburg.
3. Souvenir Shopping in the Arts & Crafts Community
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in the nation. Located 10 minutes away from Ripley’s Aquarium, this 8-mile loop off of the East Parkway is filled with shops, studios, and galleries that showcase the work of local artists. If you’re in search of handcrafted souvenirs, this is the place to find them!
4. Lunch at Split Rail Eats
Considered a hidden gem, Split Rail Eats is an amazing place to have lunch in the Arts & Crafts Community. You'll feel at home the minute you walk through the doors. In addition to delicious bar bites, their famous bowls, and hearty sandwiches, this Gatlinburg restaurant offers homemade desserts and a full espresso menu for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
5. Visit Anakeesta
In the afternoon, we suggest heading back to the heart of the city to visit Anakeesta. Tucked away in the hills overlooking the Parkway, Anakeesta is accessible via the Crystal Express that leaves from downtown. The gondolas offer a smooth and scenic ride to the top of the mountain. Once you arrive at Anakeesta, you’ll have the chance to climb to the top of a beautiful observation tower, walk across the longest tree-based skywalk, ride a mountain coaster, and more.
6. Walk The Strip
If you only have one day in Gatlinburg, you’ll definitely want to spend some time just walking along the downtown Parkway. Also known as “The Strip,” the center of town is lined with fun shops and attractions that your whole family will love to experience during your trip to Gatlinburg. Here are a few of our favorite things to do on The Strip:
- Play classic arcade games at Fannie Farkle’s.
- Do some shopping in The Village, a collection of 27 unique boutiques.
- Stop by one of Gatlinburg’s famous moonshine distilleries to hear live music and sample some authentic white lightnin’.
7. Dinner in Downtown Gatlinburg
When it comes to dinner, you really can’t go wrong in downtown Gatlinburg! Visitors to The Strip will find just about every type of food you could possibly want. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants in town:
- Steakhouses: Cherokee Grill, The Peddler, The Park Grill
- BBQ: Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Calhoun’s
- Pizzerias: Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
8. Enjoy Live Music
Gatlinburg is home to some great live entertainment! Live music is abundant during your visit to Gatlinburg, with places like Ole Red and Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar providing toe-tapping tunes. You'll love listening to up-and-coming musicians and local stars while you enjoy a drink and relax.
9. Dessert at a Candy Store
No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to one of the famous candy or fudge shops in downtown Gatlinburg. The Strip is home to a number of candy stores that have been in business for over 60 years! Here are some of the best sweet shops in Gatlinburg.
10. Relax at Your Cabin
After a long day of fun in town, you will love relaxing at your cabin rental. Located in the foothills of the mountains, cabins in the Gatlinburg area come with amazing amenities, such as decks with breathtaking views, hot tubs, home theater rooms, arcade games, pool tables, and even more fun features. Whether you’re spending one day in Gatlinburg or two weeks, you’ll have a blast staying at a cabin. To start planning your getaway, browse the best Gatlinburg cabin rentals!
Even if you only have one day on your trip to Gatlinburg, you can make the most of it with these activities on your itinerary! Are you looking to keep your trip affordable? Take a look at some free things to do in Gatlinburg that are a ton of fun!
