1. Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
If you're planning on spending any time in Gatlinburg, you should definitely go to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It's one of the most popular attractions in the area, making it one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg! You'll get to see all kinds of tropical fish, sharks, and penguins. You can interact with the animals while you learn about them during tons of interactive experiences. You don't want to miss out on the aquarium!
2. Explore The Village Shops
Do you love to shop? Then you should walk through The Village Shops on the Strip. The Day Hiker is a store where you can find everything you'd ever need for hiking. All kinds of artists have shops in this area, from photography to paintings to jewelry. There's shops that sell spices, jams, jellies, and more. Plus, there are a couple of cafes and even a restaurant! Everyone loves The Donut Friar, a popular cafe that serves fresh donuts and coffee. The Cheese Cupboard has all kinds of imported cheeses, and there's even a restaurant inside!3. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
The Gatlinburg SkyLift is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg on the Strip. You ride to the top of the attraction on a chairlift. Once you're on the SkyDeck, you'll see incredible views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. You can grab a drink and snack at the bar in the SkyCenter or browse through the gift shop. Don't forget to take pictures in front of the mountains and water feature. Plus, you'll want to walk across the glass panels in the middle of the SkyBridge!
4. Taste Moonshine at Ole Smoky Moonshine
For those of you who are 21 years old and up, you should taste moonshine at Ole Smoky! For a small fee, you can taste a handful of the signature flavors, from White Lightnin' to Apple Pie. Browsing through the store is neat, because you'll see all kinds of flavors and merchandise that you'll want to take home. You might even see some live music in the Holler while you're checking out the moonshine!5. Grab a Bite to Eat
We can't talk about the best things to do in Gatlinburg without talking about food! No matter what you're in the mood for, Gatlinburg has the cuisine for you. For breakfast, you'll want to eat at Pancake Pantry, where they're known for their delicious griddle cakes. Check out these incredible breakfast restaurants in Gatlinburg! There are quite a few Mexican restaurants, seafood places, steakhouses, and American eateries!These are just a few of the things you can do on the Strip while you're in town. Looking for something a little different? Check out some of the other great things to do in Gatlinburg!