Are you planning an adults-only trip to the Smokies? We’ve made a list of a few of our favorite Gatlinburg activities for adults, from affordable things to popular attractions we think are worth the price! Here are our top recommendations for couples and friend groups alike that we know you’ll love:
1. Visit Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience.
Attention car enthusiasts! Speedwerkz is an indoor Gatlinburg attraction you won’t want to miss. They have a rotating collection of rare cars, from Lamborghini and Porsche to a McLaren. You can get up close and personal with the displays at Speedwerkz, and they also offer a special add-on racing simulator experience so you can feel what it would be like to be behind the wheel of a beautiful exotic car.
2. Experience the fun at Anakeesta.
Anakeesta is not just a family attraction the kids will love; it’s also lots of fun for adults! You can participate in all the thrilling activities such as the zipline, mountain coasters, iconic Treetop Skywalk, and Astra Lumina. But if you prefer a more low-key date night, walk through the beautiful Vista Gardens before enjoying a romantic dinner and drinks at one of their amazing restaurants.
3. Walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
A trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without walking across the famous SkyBridge! Longer than 2 football fields, it’s the longest pedestrian cable bridge on the continent and provides some of the best panoramic views of the Smokies. Gatlinburg SkyPark also offers a scenic chairlift, food and drinks, spots to relax on the beautiful SkyDeck, and so much more.
4. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Exploring the national park and its many hiking trails, historic sites, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and visitor centers is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. One hiking trail is accessible from downtown, The Gatlinburg Trail! It leads you to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you’ll find several other trailheads for popular walking trails. Driving through the park is completely free, so places like Cades Cove are perfect for staying in your vehicle. If you plan to park somewhere longer than 15 minutes, you’ll need to purchase a parking tag either before you go or in person at one of the many locations inside the park.
5. Take a scenic drive to the Gatlinburg Overlook.
If you’re looking for a scenic overlook with gorgeous views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, you need to know about this spot! Located on the Gatlinburg Bypass road, this spot has multiple parking pull-off spaces so you can get out, soak up the scenery, and take lots of photos. It’s breathtaking during every season, especially in the fall with the colorful leaves and in the winter with a blanket of white snow covering the mountains!
6. Sample moonshine, beer, and wine.
Another affordable Gatlinburg activity for adults is tastings of regional alcohol and spirits. There are many distilleries, breweries, and wineries in the Smoky Mountains to choose from, including several right along the downtown strip! Try unique moonshine flavors at Ole Smoky, delicious local wines from Sugarland Cellars, or tasty brews from Smoky Mountain Brewery. You can even tour their facilities and learn more about the distilling, brewing, and winemaking processes!
Now that you know about a few of the best Gatlinburg activities for adults, learn more about popular restaurants to try. We know you’ll love these bars in Gatlinburg TN, which we locals would classify as hidden gems!
