Are you planning a kid-free trip to the Smokies? Downtown Gatlinburg has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. This isn’t your average tourist guide – it’s our tailored list of the best 18 things to do in Gatlinburg for adults. Whether you’re into bar hopping, unique shops, exciting activities, or panoramic mountain views, we’ve got the inside scoop to make your getaway extraordinary.
1. Anakeesta
Picture this: a mountain adventure park that’s part treetop wonderland, part adventurist dream. There’s a chondola ride, observation tower, Zip-lining, garden walk, mountain walk, gift shops, restaurants, an adventure course, and much more!
2. Go Zip-lining
If you’re looking for things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, check out ZipLining! Conveniently located on the fabulous Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park property, Flying Bear Zip-line is not just a zip-line; it’s a photoshoot waiting to happen. We suggest you guys strike a pose mid-air and watch those likes roll in faster than you on the zip-line!
3. Ober Mountain
Ober Gatlinburg – The adulting playground that’s turning the Smoky Mountains into your personal amusement park.
Aerial Tramway – Experience aerial Tramway views that will make your heart race almost as much as the awaiting adventure.
Ice Skating at Ober – Sure, you’ve glided on ice, but have you done it with the stunning backdrop of the Smokies? We highly recommend it!
Skiing – Ober’s ski offerings are on point for those seeking the thrill of the slopes. Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, there’s a slope with your name.
Snowboarding – Strap on that snowboard because Ober Gatlinburg’s slopes are calling your name. Have you never stepped onto a snowboard before? No worries! Ober Gatlinburg offers lessons for all skill levels.
4. Horseback Riding
Picture this: trotting through the Smokies on a gorgeous horse. Our guides weren’t just pointing the way; they were the storytellers of the Smokies. And the views? Let’s say Mother Nature deserves a high-five for her artwork. Exploring the Smokies via horseback is definitely a must-try if it still needs to be added to your bucket list.
5. Whisky & Moonshine Tasting
We highly recommend whisky and moonshine hopping and trying out the different distilleries. Ole Smoky is where our moonshine journey began. With a history as rich as the flavors they offer, Ole Smoky is the OG of moonshine distilleries. We sampled their classics and some creative concoctions; each sips a testament to the Smoky Mountain legacy.
Old Smokey Whiskey Distillery:
But Gatlinburg isn’t just about the shine; it’s also about the smooth whiskey vibes. We savored the refined notes at Old Smokey Whiskey Distillery, pairing a few sips with some classic Coke – a match made in flavor heaven.
6. Wine Tasting at Gatlinburg Wine Trail
Wine enthusiasts, your Gatlinburg escapade just got a whole lot tastier! Rocky Top Wine Trail, our sixth pick, promises a journey through five divine wineries – Hillside, Apple Barn, Mill Bridge Hard Cider, Apple Barn Cider House, and Mountain Valley. Oh, did we mention the tastings are free? Indulge your senses, uncork the fun, and let the wine and cider adventure commence!
7. Spa at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
This spa oasis offers rejuvenating treatments that transport you to tranquility. Unwind with a massage, revitalize with a facial, and let the serene ambiance elevate your Gatlinburg retreat. It’s not just a spa day; it’s a rejuvenating journey into bliss.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park! It’s the not-so-hidden gem, the granddaddy of all outdoor escapades. Come on, if you’re in Gatlinburg and not hitting up this natural wonder, are you even adulting?
Strap on those boots, channel your inner explorer and hit the trails. The Smoky Mountains National Park has hikes for all levels – from casual strollers to “I climb Everest on weekends” enthusiasts.
9. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Ride their glass elevators over 400ft to the observation deck, where a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg awaits. It’s not just a view; it’s a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring panorama of beauty without equality, and it’s on display year-round. So, if your adventure checklist includes soaring to new heights, gaining a fresh perspective on the Smokies, and indulging in a bit of Higher Learning, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is your launching pad. It’s where the glass elevators are your chariots to the sky, and the view from the top is a masterpiece that’ll leave you breathless.
It’s a theme park that’s not just for the kiddos. At Dollywood, you will experience rides, like the Dollywood flying eagle! These rides will make your inner child squeal with delight. There is also a water park to cool off, and you can get tickets to their dinner shows that serve up entertainment with a side of Southern flair. It’s the trifecta of fun, and why should the kids have all the joy? Dollywood welcomes adults to relish in the magic, so we had to add it to our curated list of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults.
11. Shopping at The Island
Retail therapy, anyone? The Island in Pigeon Forge is a shopping haven that beckons adults to indulge in a spree of strolls, boutique discoveries, and unique finds. On the Island, you will find anything from trendy boutiques to quirky souvenir shops; it’s a shopper’s delight.
And when you need a break, there are eateries too! The two restaurants we recommend you visit are Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Timberwood Grill. There are also attractions and a charming atmosphere that makes The Island not just a shopping destination but a full-blown experience. Get ready to shop until you drop, then shop a little more.
12. Explore The Smokies On A Off Buggy Tour
Rev up your exploration game with an Off Buggy Tour through the heart of the Smokies. This isn’t your average sightseeing; it’s an off-road escapade that’ll have you tackling trails, conquering terrains, and experiencing the Smokies like never before. Adventure junkies, this one’s for you – where the journey is as thrilling as the destination. Buckle up and get ready for an off-road odyssey! Experiencing the Smokies via an off-roading vehicle is just way more fun and aesthetically pleasing.
13. Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park
Take your Gatlinburg adventure to new heights – literally – with a visit to Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park. The iconic yellow chairs will sweep you off your feet as you ascend to panoramic views of the Smokies. It’s not just a lift; it’s a journey into the sky, where the mountains unfold before your eyes. Capture the moment, soak in the beauty, and elevate your Gatlinburg experience at the Sky Lift Park.
14. Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
Who says winter is limited to a season? At Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, it’s winter fun all year round! Imagine tubing down snowy slopes, building snowmen, and feeling the frosty air – without the chill. It’s a snow day without the thermometer drama. So, whether it’s summer or winter on the calendar, Rowdy Bear’s Snowpark is where the snowflakes fall, and the fun never melts away.
15. Go Shopping at The Village
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, swap the solid ground for rushing rivers with Whitewater Rafting. Navigate through the rapids, feel the splash, and conquer the currents as you immerse yourself in the heart of the Smokies. It’s not just a rafting trip; it’s a wild ride through nature’s playground, and you’re in for the thrill of a lifetime.
16. Go Whitewater Rafting
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, swap the solid ground for rushing rivers with Whitewater Rafting. Navigate through the rapids, feel the splash, and conquer the currents as you immerse yourself in the heart of the Smokies.
17. Eat Authentic Southern Food at Southern Comfort
We wanted to add Southern Comfort to our curated list of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, because we want you to try authentic Southern Food. When in the South, you should eat like a Southerner, and Southern Comfort is where authentic flavors take the spotlight. Indulge in a culinary journey that includes classic Southern dishes, savory delights, and hospitality that warms the soul. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of Southern comfort, and your taste buds are in for a treat.
18. Go Shopping Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
Delve into the artistic heart of Gatlinburg at the Arts and Crafts Community, where creativity thrives and unique finds abound. From handcrafted masterpieces to interactive workshops, it’s a community that celebrates the art of making. So, whether you’re shopping for individual pieces or feeling inspired to create your own, this artistic haven is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of culture, craft, and Gatlinburg charm.
That sums up our tailored list of 18 things to do in Gatlinburg for adults! We hope you enjoyed this whirlwind tour through the adult wonderland that is Gatlinburg! From soaring to new heights at the Gatlinburg Space Needle to plunging into the Smoky Mountains’ natural embrace, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and relaxation.
Are you looking for a romantic flair of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults?
Check Out :20 Things To Do in Gatlinburg TN For Couples
