If you’re a planning a trip to the southeast, there are a number of unique Smoky Mountains attractions you won’t want to pass up.
Not only is this mountain range lying on the Tennessee-North Carolina border home to some of the most incredible views in the country, but there’s also a healthy amount of things to do while here that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Keep reading to discover the 10 best Smoky Mountains attractions and start planning your dream getaway today.
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10 Smoky Mountains Attractions You NEED to Experience
1. Riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift
Head to downtown Gatlinburg for a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift.
Taking you up 500 vertical feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, you’ll get more than just a peek at the Smoky Mountains’ beautiful sweeping vistas.
Offering some of the best views in town, this is one of those Smoky Mountains attractions you won’t want to miss.
2. Shopping at The Village in Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg is well known for its long rows of quaint shops, but The Village is by far the most charming area of all.
Featuring 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries, and clothing stores, there’s no shortage of things to both see and do here in The Village.
Themed after a European style village and easily walkable from most Gatlinburg hotels, this area is a particularly wonderful spot to enjoy some food and sit down for awhile.
3. The World’s Largest Titanic Museum
If you’re a history lover, make sure you purchase tickets to the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge during your Smoky Mountains getaway.
The Smoky Mountains is home to the world’s largest Titanic museum, featuring 400 incredible artifacts such as authentic Titanic life vests, dinnerware, and more.
Rumor has it, the museum will soon be receiving the violin originally played by the quartet as the Titanic went down, too (yes, that happened in real life — not just in the movie!).
There truly is nowhere else in the world you can view these historical artifacts and be wowed by the $25 million, half scale recreation of the ship.
Not to mention, the tour is designed to make visitors feel like they’re actually a passenger on the Titanic’s 1912 maiden voyage.
You’ll be provided with a Titanic boarding ticket upon entry and also have unique opportunities like getting your photo taken at the incredible recreation of the famous Titanic stairway.
Take it from someone who’s been there, this is one of those Smoky Mountains attractions you absolutely have to do.
4. Dollywood Amusement Park (One of the Most Popular Smoky Mountains Attractions)
If you go to the Smoky Mountains and skip a trip to Dollywood, did you even go to the Smoky Mountains at all?
This famous amusement park is an incredible experience for both kids and adults alike, with countless thrilling roller coasters, unique boutique shops, and a number of opportunities to learn more about life in the Smoky Mountains.
You can easily spend a whole day at Dollywood and can even book accommodations at Dollywood Cabin Rentals or the luxurious Dollywood DreamMore Resort to experience more perks of one of the most popular Smoky Mountains attractions.
Related: The Best Dollywood Roller Coasters, Food, and More [Ultimate Guide]
5. Breakfast at Pancake Pantry
While not technically falling into the category of Smoky Mountains attractions, there are a few mouthwatering eats you’ll want to get a taste of during your trip.
Make sure you stop by Pancake Pantry in Downtown Gatlinburg for some fluffy, buttery hotcakes or delicious fruited crepes.
This establishment accepts cash only though, so be sure to plan ahead!
6. Ober Gatlinburg (Best of the Smoky Mountains Attractions for Sightseeing)
View the Smoky Mountains from 11,000 feet in the air when you board the Aerial Tramway in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Taking you to Ober Gatlinburg ski area and amusement park, the Aerial Tram is the best way to see Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Once you arrive to the top of the mountain, you’ll discover a variety of unique activities such as ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more.
There’s also a number of unique shops and eateries to choose from.
No matter if you’re interested in the multitude of activities Ober Gatlinburg offers or not though, you’ll definitely want to hop aboard for the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains alone.
7. Dolly Parton’s Dinner Theaters
Spend the evening in Pigeon Forge by booking seats at one of Dolly Parton’s entertaining dinner theaters.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede features 32 magnificent horses, making it perfect for any animal lover in the family.
For an even more adventurous show, buy tickets to Pirate’s Voyage.
You’ll witness an epic battle between two pirate crews, while enjoying a hearty southern meal and fun, lighthearted music and dance.
8. A Skillet Meal at Crockett’s
If you’ve got an appetite and are in the mood for some true southern cookin’, stop by Crockett’s for a bite to eat.
The breakfast menu includes several “skillet” dishes actually served on a full-sized cast iron skillet, so come hungry!
Related: A Weekend in Nashville — 14 Unforgettable Things to Do
9. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies & Other Downtown Gatlinburg Museums
Voted the best U.S. aquarium, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is of course one of those Smoky Mountain Attractions you’re bound to hear about while visiting the area.
From 12-foot sharks to giant sea turtles and sting rays, this is the perfect way to spend the afternoon in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Other museums like the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum, and Ripley’s Guinness World Records Adventure are also nearby providing plenty of opportunities for daytime entertainment.
10. Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Get your camera ready, and plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for an amazing day immersed in nature.
World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, you won’t want to miss the most visited national park in America during your trip to the Smoky Mountains.
With frequent black bear sightings, incredible wildflowers, and a variety of historic homes and churches, there’s no shortage of things to see here at this natural attraction.
What do you think are the best Smoky Mountains attractions? What Smoky Mountains attractions would you be most interested in?
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