Planning a trip to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains? This guide brings together the best things to do in Gatlinburg so you can explore top attractions, family activities, outdoor adventures, and local favorites all in one place. From alpine coasters and mountaintop views to distilleries, hidden gems, and nearby lakes, you’ll find quick links to our in depth guides so you can plan your stay with confidence and make the most of your visit.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a classic seaside amusement park on Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard featuring thrilling rides like the Texas Star Flyer and Iron Shark roller coaster, carnival games, waterfront dining, and stunning Gulf of America views.
Lake Conroe is a stunning 21,000-acre reservoir offering year-round recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, and lakeside golf, located just 40 miles north of Houston.
The Woodlands Mall is a premier shopping destination featuring over 140 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options in a beautiful indoor climate-controlled setting, just 30 miles north of downtown Houston.
Kemah Boardwalk is a 60-acre waterfront entertainment destination on Galveston Bay featuring thrilling rides including the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster, waterfront dining, live music, retail shops, and stunning bay views.
Old Town Spring is a charming historic shopping district just north of Houston featuring over 150 unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and attractions in restored turn-of-the-century buildings along tree-lined streets.
Hermann Park is Houston’s premier urban green space, offering 445 acres of beautiful landscapes, recreational activities, and cultural attractions including Miller Outdoor Theatre, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and the Hermann Park Railroad.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is one of the most popular museums in the country, featuring world-class exhibits in paleontology, astronomy, gems and minerals, butterflies, and energy science, plus a Burke Baker Planetarium.
Home to thousands of animals from around the world, the Houston Zoo features naturalistic habitats and conservation programs. Open daily 9am-4pm with last entry at 3pm. One of the most visited zoos in America.
Main Street Market is a beloved full-service supermarket in Egg Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin. Locally owned since 1987, this award-winning grocery store offers a full-service meat department, fresh produce, daily bakery, extensive deli, and Door County specialty products.
Snow Summit Ski Resort at Big Bear Mountain Resort offers premier skiing, snowboarding, and year-round mountain recreation in Southern California. Features 31 trails, terrain parks, night skiing, and summer activities including mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is Southern California’s premier fall celebration, bringing authentic German traditions to the San Bernardino Mountains for over 50 years with live German bands, traditional food, beers, and family-friendly activities.
Topgolf Houston North is a premier entertainment destination combining golf, great food, and fun in Spring, TX. Features climate-controlled hitting bays, high-tech golf games, full-service restaurant and bar, and rooftop terrace. Perfect for families, date nights, and corporate events.
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is Big Bear Lake’s premier year-round attraction, offering thrilling bobsled-style rides down dual quarter-mile concrete tracks with stunning San Bernardino Mountain views.
Space Center Houston is NASA’s Official Visitor Center at Johnson Space Center. This world-class museum features over 400 space artifacts, Apollo 17 command module, lunar samples, SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and NASA Tram Tours. Perfect for families staying at Houston vacation rentals.
Discover the adventure and beauty of the Smokies at the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg’s original alpine coaster. Glide down a smooth, silent track at your own pace, take in breathtaking mountain views, and experience dazzling night rides beneath vibrant LED lights. Perfect for families, couples, and thrill-seekers—this coaster lets you enjoy Gatlinburg in a whole new way.
Experience the world’s most unusual miniature golf at Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, TN. Ride an incline 300 feet above the city to two challenging 18-hole courses set on a mountainside, filled with quirky Appalachian-themed obstacles like outhouses, moonshine stills, and vintage farm equipment. Perfect for families and groups, this hilltop adventure offers fun, laughter, and stunning mountain views you won’t forget.
Experience stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Standing 680 feet tall, this classic observation tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views spanning up to 80 miles on clear days. Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, the Space Needle features high-speed glass elevators, an indoor observation deck, and an outdoor open-air deck for the ultimate viewing experience. Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors seeking quintessential Gatlinburg attractions.
Discover Tennessee moonshine and whiskey at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg. Enjoy tastings, live music, craft cocktails, and authentic Smoky Mountain spirits in a vibrant downtown atmosphere.
Escape to Cherokee Lake near Talbott, Tennessee—a pristine 28,780-acre reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. Enjoy world-class bass fishing, water sports, scenic parks, and stunning Smoky Mountain views.
