Gatlinburg is where family vacations turn into family traditions. One visit and you'll see why. We have the most mesmerizing museums and mazes; the most fun and challenging mini-golf courses in the world; and enough arcades — including the legendary Fannie Farkle's -- to keep you and the fam entertained for hours. None of those options start your engine? Well, why not hop behind the wheel at one of our many Go-Kart tracks!
Believe It or Not: Ripley's Aquarium Rocks!
It's been voted the #1 Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor. It has more than 10,000 sea creatures comprised of 350 different species. The aquatic world comes to stunning life with Ripley's array of exciting exhibits. Be brave and come face to face with sharks in the Shark Lagoon. Let out your silly side and play around with penguins at the Penguin Playhouse. Admire the beauty of the sea's gentle giants at the Stingray Bay. This world-class aquarium will leave you and your family breathless for hours. And unlike the real ocean, there's no chance you'll get stung by a jellyfish! Your summer will get a whole lot cooler when you make a trip to Ripley's! Check them out.
Shop Around Town
Find fashion, food, art and more authentic Gatlinburg goods.
The Gatlinburg village is packed with unique and eclectic shops that sell everything from the best chocolate you’ll ever eat to high fashion you’d find on New York City runways. Additionally, head over to the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts eight-mile loop to peruse more than 100 craft shops, studios and galleries and pick up something special for your home or a great gift for a friend. And just a short drive away, you’ll find bargains a plenty at Tanger Outlet. There truly is a deal around every corner in Gatlinburg so shop around.
Smoky Mountain High
Nothing compares to the cool, green vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
There are plenty of ways to take in a breathtaking view within minutes of downtown Gatlinburg, on foot or by car. Step onto the aerial tramway of Ober Gatlinburg and head up to shoosh the ski slopes or just enjoy the scenery. Buckle up for a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Head for the hills by auto. Or, lace up and head up a trail walked by original mountain settlers. Gatlinburg is as close to the Smokies as you can get.
Zipline It
Fly high in the sky.
Plan a Gatlinburg zipline adventure and get ready to experience the woods, hills and hollers with some hollerin' of your own. Nothing's more exhilarating than flying over the wooded canopies of the Smokies. If a Gatlinburg zipline adventure is on your bucket list, you can make your plans right in downtown Gatlinburg and get ready to fly.