Smoky Mountains Travel Guide: Things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Sevierville

THEATERS & MUSEUMS

From headline tours and Broadway shows to family-friendly screenings and live comedy, Orlando has something for everyone.

Local Favorites

Amway Center

Orlando’s 20,000-seat arena opened in 2010, and it’s spectacular. Check the venue’s schedule to see what’s on the calendar while you’re in town. The Amway Center regularly hosts headliner acts, special events, Orlando Magic NBA games, and Orlando Solar Bears ECHL hockey.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

This leisurely pontoon tour is one of Central Florida’s longest running experiences (since 1938). Hop aboard and cruise along the Winter Park Chain of Lakes via a connection of picturesque canals.

Lake Eola Farmers Market

It’s where outdoor yoga, swan-boat rides, fresh produce, and puppy play dates collide. You’ll find fun in full bloom every Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The weekly event at Lake Eola is an absolute must-do, outdoor event.

Orlando Brewing

Orlando Brewing is a no-frills taproom south of downtown boasting 24 taps along one wall. Go when the free brewery tour is offered to learn about the passion and the process that goes into creating craft beer.

East End Market

Welcome to Orlando’s best indoor, seven-day-a-week farmers market! East End is packed with amazing vendors that supply everything from cold brews to local eats to sinful treats.

Park Avenue

Park Avenue in Winter Park is filled with local restaurants and shops. Most of the restaurants have outside seating, so it’s fun to sit, eat, and people-watch. You'll also find some of the best eateries in town.

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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HARRY P. LEU GARDENS

Stop and smell the roses (literally) as you stroll through Leu Gardens. The beautifully cultivated grounds are home to over 40 diverse plant collections from around the world. Highlights include a tropical rainforest, butterfly garden, and awe-inspiring forests of camphor trees, elms, and 200-year-old oaks.

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

Beat the Florida heat with a day trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Explore the nature trails before cooling off at the swimming hole. Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the Wekiva River, then paddle yourself all the way to a crystal-clear, 72-degree spring for swimming and snorkeling.

BOK TOWER GARDENS

Pack up the car for a visit to Bok Tower Gardens. Enjoy a hike through the gardens and be sure to stop by the famous Singing Tower, one of the few Carillons in the world. Plus, keep your eyes peeled — you may be lucky enough to sight a few of the garden’s 126 different species of birds.

ORLANDO WATERSPORTS COMPLEX

Wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and an Aquapark with floating obstacle courses? Check, yes! Make your way to OWC for some of the best lake-borne action Orlando can deliver. No special skills are required, life jackets are provided, and hours of fun are guaranteed.

ORLANDO TREE TREK

Navigate your way through an aerial obstacle course set high atop the trees in a natural pine forest. Orlando Tree Trek is a 15-acre, outdoor adventure park designed for guests ages 7 and up, and features 97 challenging games, four obstacle courses, two separate kid’s courses, and a 425-foot zip line.

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HARRY P. LEU GARDENS

Stop and smell the roses (literally) as you stroll through Leu Gardens. The beautifully cultivated grounds are home to over 40 diverse plant collections from around the world. Highlights include a tropical rainforest, butterfly garden, and awe-inspiring forests of camphor trees, elms, and 200-year-old oaks.

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

Beat the Florida heat with a day trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Explore the nature trails before cooling off at the swimming hole. Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the Wekiva River, then paddle yourself all the way to a crystal-clear, 72-degree spring for swimming and snorkeling.

BOK TOWER GARDENS

Pack up the car for a visit to Bok Tower Gardens. Enjoy a hike through the gardens and be sure to stop by the famous Singing Tower, one of the few Carillons in the world. Plus, keep your eyes peeled — you may be lucky enough to sight a few of the garden’s 126 different species of birds.

ORLANDO WATERSPORTS COMPLEX

Wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and an Aquapark with floating obstacle courses? Check, yes! Make your way to OWC for some of the best lake-borne action Orlando can deliver. No special skills are required, life jackets are provided, and hours of fun are guaranteed.

ORLANDO TREE TREK

Navigate your way through an aerial obstacle course set high atop the trees in a natural pine forest. Orlando Tree Trek is a 15-acre, outdoor adventure park designed for guests ages 7 and up, and features 97 challenging games, four obstacle courses, two separate kid’s courses, and a 425-foot zip line.

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Orlando Theme Park Guide

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom Park

The perfect starter park for families with young kids.

Epcot

A timeless celebration of world culture for all ages.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Packed with exciting rides and movie-making magic.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

For those who love both animals and roller coasters.

Explore All Parks

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Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida

Best for movie buffs with 3D attractions for all ages.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Full of daring, high-speed thrills with a superhero edge.

Universal’s Volcano Bay

An island oasis with slides for all ages and speeds.

Explore All Parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida

Best for movie buffs with 3D attractions for all ages.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Full of daring, high-speed thrills with a superhero edge.

Universal’s Volcano Bay

An island oasis with slides for all ages and speeds.

Explore All Parks

Discover More Orlando Resorts

See All Resorts

Explore The Smoky Mountains

Your next outdoor adventure awaits in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. A trio of towns — Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg — are the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offer a plethora of attractions to entertain the whole family. So when you’re ready for your next mountain adventure, rest assured your resorts are Vacation Ready, with enhanced cleaning standards and safety protocols in place.

Check out all the things to do in the Smoky Mountains right now, and start checking off your bucket list.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Adventure is waiting in the Smoky Mountains, from a spectacular national park to an array of local attractions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Most of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened to visitors on May 23. Hike more than 800 miles of trails, see the park’s preserved historic buildings, or take a scenic drive.

Dollywood

Dollywood’s theme park and water park in Pigeon Forge both opened to guests on June 17.

Ober Gatlinburg

While Ober Gatlinburg is known for skiing and snowboarding, it’s also a year-round attraction that reopened in May, with rides like a mountain coaster, an alpine slide, and a scenic aerial tram.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a Gatlinburg attraction that reopened May 27, kids can pet stingrays, and watch penguins, turtles, and even sharks.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Explore all the Smoky Mountains have to offer, like hiking, whitewater rafting, scenic drives and more.

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Cades Cove

One of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is accessible via an 11-mile scenic loop road, and features several historic buildings like churches, log houses, barns, and a working mill, all dating back to the early 1800s.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Another scenic drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers the chance to chase waterfalls off its 5.5-mile loop. Hike the Trillium Gap Trail to reach Grotto Falls, or drive to see the Place of a Thousand Drips waterfall, which is accessible by car at stop 15.

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Sevierville features two zip line tours, one of which is the only zip line in the Smoky Mountains that flies over a waterfall. After conquering the course, enjoy the park’s trails, creeks, and a 335-foot swinging bridge over the Pigeon River.

Whitewater Rafting

Thill seekers, this one’s for you. Professional rafting guides will take you through class III and IV rapids along the Pigeon River to get your adrenaline pumping. Best of all, no previous experience is required.

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MORE THINGS TO DO

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

When visiting Dolly’s hometown, seeing her themed dinner show is a must. Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which features singing, dancing, and equestrian stunts, reopened on July 3.

Tanger Outlets

Find discounted brand names (think Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Bradley, and Ralph Lauren) at Tanger Outlets Sevierville. Many stores are open with options to shop in-person or via curbside pickup.

NASCAR Speed Park Smoky Mountains

Put the pedal to the metal at NASCAR Speed Park Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, which reopened in June. Family-friendly attractions include go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, and an arcade.

WHERE TO EAT

Fuel up for your next adventure at one of these must-try local restaurants.

Local Goat

Local Goat offers locally sourced fare with a side of craft beer and cocktails. The menu features scratch-made pub favorites like whiskey-glazed chicken wings, baby back ribs, and gourmet burgers.

Elvira’s Cafe

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Elvira’s Cafe serves up farm-fresh food in a welcoming atmosphere. Choose from a range of down-home menu items, like biscuits and gravy, a fried green tomato BLT, and blackened North Carolina trout.

Alamo Steakhouse

Hand-cut, aged, and seasoned to perfection is the motto at Alamo Steakhouse. In addition to the classic cuts on the menu, specialties include a horseradish-crusted filet, a peppercorn New York strip, and chili-rubbed pork chops.