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Top 5 Downtown Gatlinburg Attractions That You Won’t Want to Miss

aerial view downtown gatlinburg
May 29, 2025

When you come to visit Gatlinburg, you will have no shortage of options when it comes to fun things to do here in the area! For instance, when you decide to stop by the Gatlinburg strip, you will be able to check out several of the top downtown Gatlinburg attractions, including those with amazing views, challenging puzzles, and more. If you are planning to stop by downtown Gatlinburg, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to visit these top downtown Gatlinburg attractions!

1. Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle not only stands out as the tallest structure on the downtown strip, it also stands out as one of the top attractions in the area. With panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s observation deck is an ideal place for taking photos and soaking in the sights. In addition, you can learn about the area’s history with the exhibits that have been installed at the observation deck. You can find out even more about the Gatlinburg Space Needle right here!

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg

Next up, just steps away from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, there is the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, which is another of the top attractions located in the heart of downtown. If you are a fan of movies or television, especially those with iconic vehicles, then this is the place for you. Check out their collection of famous vehicles, including those that have been used in Fast & Furious, Batman, and other noteworthy pieces of media. There are even opportunities to have your photo taken in many of the vehicles!

3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

If you are looking to have your mind blown while visiting Gatlinburg, you will certainly want to stop by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This attraction is also located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and is home to a variety of unique exhibits that you can’t see anywhere else.

4. Gatlinburg SkyPark

skybridge

Another of the top downtown Gatlinburg attractions that you can check out is the Gatlinburg SkyPark, which, although not technically located in downtown Gatlinburg, is accessible from the Gatlinburg strip by using the iconic SkyLift! When you visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark, you will first ride their chairlift up the side of the mountain, before being able to cross the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. You can even stand at the center of the bridge and look down through the glass bottom!

5. The Escape Game

The last of the attractions in downtown Gatlinburg that we are covering today is The Escape Game, which offers a variety of themed challenges that will put your wits to the test! Choose from scenarios like the Prison Break and the Train Through Time, and get ready for the ultimate adventure with friends and family.

As you can see, there are lots of excellent attractions that you will be able to visit when you’re in downtown Gatlinburg, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and more. If you are interested in finding out about even more of the best things to do in the area, you can check out lots more Smoky Mountain attractions right here!