Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for Adults: 16 Mountain Moments Made for Grown-Ups
Escaping to the Smokies isn’t just for families with strollers and selfie sticks—sometimes adults need the mountains even more. Between the burnout, the back-to-back Zooms, and the group texts that never lead to an actual plan, a grown-up getaway feels less like a luxury and more like survival.
Things to do in Gatlinburg for adults aren’t just background noise while the kids ride roller coasters—they’re the main event. Whether it’s sipping moonshine with a mountain view or catching a live show where the only screaming comes from an electric guitar, this trip is about doing what you actually enjoy without apology.
This list of things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults includes zipline thrills, wine festivals, rooftop bars, and jeep tours that won’t leave you begging for ibuprofen.
Real talk: it’s everything needed to reset your mood, revive your senses, and remind yourself you’re still fun. Keep reading—we promise this list will make you want to start a group chat called No Kids Allowed!
Sip, Sway, and Stay a While: Where to Drink and Unwind in Gatlinburg
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Order a flight and let the local brews do the heavy lifting after a day of sightseeing, hiking, or let’s be honest—shopping for matching Smoky Mountain hoodies.
Located just off the Parkway, Smoky Mountain Brewery serves up handcrafted beers, hearty bar fare, and live music that hits just right when you’re off mom duty or finally escaping a group tour. With cozy cabin vibes and a full tap list ranging from velvety porters to crisp blond ales, it’s a favorite among travelers looking for things to do in Gatlinburg TN for adults that don’t involve another scenic overlook.
Bonus: their weekly music lineup features everything from acoustic sets to full-on jam nights, so stick around—your night might just turn into a full-blown microbrew-fueled dance party.
Pints & Penguins at Ripley’s Aquarium
Make your way to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies after dark for one of the quirkiest and coolest events in town—Pints & Penguins.
This after-hours experience lets adults mingle with adorable tuxedoed birds while sipping craft beer in one of Gatlinburg’s most iconic attractions. It’s not every day you get to clink glasses in front of a shark tunnel or catch a buzz while watching penguins waddle around like it’s their own personal red carpet.
The Pints & Penguins event transforms the aquarium into a grown-up playground and delivers a memorable twist on typical nightlife in the Smokies.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
Live music, skyline views, and Southern eats collide at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, one of the few places in town where the stage is just as hot as the wings.
This multi-level restaurant-bar hybrid brings Nashville flair to downtown Gatlinburg with nightly performances and a rooftop made for golden-hour selfies. Grab a moonshine cocktail or frozen margarita and claim a seat upstairs—this is where locals and travelers come to unwind with a side of country twang.
If you’re keeping a running list of can’t-miss things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults, this spot deserves a high-ranking spot and maybe even a return visit before you leave.
Nightlife – Dinner, Drinks, and a Damn Good Show: Gatlinburg Nightlife That Delivers
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Settle in for live country tunes, Southern bites, and rooftop energy at Ole Red Gatlinburg, where Blake Shelton’s influence is strong and the drinks don’t disappoint.
This Parkway hotspot strikes a perfect balance between high-energy nightlife and laid-back Tennessee charm, making it one of the most consistently fun places to post up for the evening. Whether you’re two-stepping after a smoked wings platter or sipping a Blackberry Moonshine Margarita while watching the band crush a cover of Chris Stapleton, this place brings the honky tonk without the hokey.
If you’re looking to experience the best of Gatlinburg TN after dark, Ole Red should be your first stop—and quite possibly your last.
Shamrock Pub
Catch a buzz and maybe a new favorite band at Shamrock Pub, a hidden gem that leans Irish but plays well with all musical styles.
It’s casual, no-frills, and exactly where you want to end up after a long day of exploring or people-watching on the strip. The regular rotation of acoustic acts and small-stage performances make this pub a local favorite for a reason—there’s no bad seat, and no cover charge to enjoy the tunes.
It may not be flashy, but it nails what most things to do in Gatlinburg for adults try to deliver: good drinks, great vibes, and music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Tucked into the heart of town with its own tropical twist, Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a low-key hotspot for adults looking to wind down without sacrificing the fun.
With fire pits, cocktails by the water, and live music echoing Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits (and then some), it’s like stepping into vacation mode on command. Whether you’re relaxing with a frozen concoction or catching a set from a local artist near the pool deck, the atmosphere is made for breezy nights and carefree energy.
Add it to your short list of things to do in Gatlinburg for adults that feel indulgent, effortless, and way more fun than scrolling Netflix in your hotel room.
Soul of Motown
Let the smooth harmonies and powerhouse vocals of Soul of Motown transport you straight to the golden age of R&B.
This high-energy tribute show at the Grand Majestic Theater is packed with hits from The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and more—all performed by a cast that knows how to work the room. Expect sequins, synchronized moves, and moments that’ll make you forget you’re in Pigeon Forge and not front row at the Apollo.
If you’re mapping out unforgettable things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults, consider this your built-in excuse to get dressed up and stay out late.
The King Comes Home – Elvis Tribute Show
Relive the magic of Elvis without hopping a plane to Vegas thanks to The King Comes Home, a glittering, hip-shaking tribute that brings the legend to life in full technicolor.
Set inside the Grand Majestic Theater, this show is equal parts nostalgia and electric stage presence—perfect for date night or a just-because-it’s-Friday plan. With spot-on vocals, rhinestone swagger, and crowd engagement that feels more concert than impersonation, it’s an immersive experience that celebrates The King without crossing into cheesy territory.
This one easily earns its place among top things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults—especially if your playlist includes a little “Suspicious Minds.”
Olé! – Argentinian Dance & Music
Get swept away by the rhythm at Olé!, a fiery Argentinian dance show that brings world-class talent and foot-stomping drama to the Mountain of Entertainment Theater.
From synchronized malambo drumming to passionate choreography, this performance is pure culture-meets-flair and a rare find in the heart of the Smokies. It’s vibrant, unforgettable, and just the right amount of unexpected if you’re craving something beyond country crooners and Elvis tributes.
Add it to your list of must-see things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults—this is one show that’ll leave you clapping mid-scene and Googling “how to dance like that” on the way out.
Scenic & Romantic Activities – Chill, Thrill, and Catch the Views: Scenic Adventures for Grown-Ups
Gatlinburg SkyPark & SkyBridge
Get your heart rate up the scenic way with a ride to the top of Gatlinburg SkyPark, followed by a walk across the SkyBridge—the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. The views are nothing short of jaw-dropping, especially at sunset when the Smokies start showing off.
SkyPark is one of those rare things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee for adults that manages to be both romantic and thrilling without breaking a sweat (unless heights make you nervous). And if you time your visit around the “Love Is In The Air” Wine Festival, you can follow your bridge walk with local pours, food pairings, and live music in the clouds.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cruise through American history and Appalachian beauty on the iconic Cades Cove Loop, a scenic drive packed with wildlife sightings, mountain backdrops, and 19th-century homesteads.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place—bring a picnic, hike a little, or just soak in the scenery from the comfort of your car. For an upgraded experience, book the Cades Cove Tour in an Open-Air Jeep and let someone else do the driving while you sit back, feel the breeze, and get the inside scoop on the Smokies.
This combo ranks high on lists of things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults who want beauty, history, and a bit of a break from planning.
Anakeesta
Let the chairlift carry you above Gatlinburg to Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park that somehow nails romance, relaxation, and a touch of adrenaline all in one place.
Whether you’re walking the treetop canopy, sipping a cocktail by the firepit, or catching golden hour from AnaVista Tower, the vibe is pure main-character energy. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, explore the cute shops, and maybe even sneak in a zipline ride if the mood strikes.
It’s one of the most versatile things to do in Gatlinburg for adults—whether you’re on a date, friend trip, or just embracing your “treat yourself” era.
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Channel your inner adventurer and get high on life (and elevation) with a zipline tour at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains.
This guided experience offers sweeping views, sky bridges, and heart-thumping launches that make you feel like you’re flying through the forest. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s way more satisfying than another passive sightseeing stop. For adults looking for active things to do in Gatlinburg for adults, this checks all the boxes: excitement, nature, and memories that make you feel more alive than a TikTok scroll ever could.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Skip the crowds and take to the skies with Scenic Helicopter Tours, offering everything from short flights to full aerial excursions over the Smokies.
The moment you lift off, downtown Gatlinburg fades into the distance, and it’s just you, your pilot, and a seriously cinematic view of the mountains. It’s a splurge-worthy way to celebrate a special occasion or just to finally feel like the main character in your own movie.
If you’re hunting for breathtaking things to do near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults, this one literally rises above the rest.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Hold onto your hat (and your dignity) as you zip, dip, and swirl through the woods on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
It’s the longest coaster of its kind in East Tennessee and the only one with four uplifts—translation: more ride time, more screaming, more fun. Night rides take it to the next level, with colorful lights adding a little extra drama to the twists and turns.
It’s no surprise this ranks high among top mountain coasters and adrenaline-worthy activities that don’t require you to break a sweat climbing a trail.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
Towering 200 feet above The Island in Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel offers a chance to relax, reconnect, and see the mountains from a whole new angle.
The fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas make it enjoyable year-round—whether you’re escaping the summer heat or cozying up in cooler temps. It’s slow, scenic, and surprisingly romantic, especially if you ride at dusk when the town lights flicker on below. Add it to your short list of things to do in Pigeon Forge for adults that deliver maximum ambiance with minimal effort.
Ready to Make the Smokies Your Grown-Up Playground?
From moonshine tastings to mountaintop sunsets, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Gatlinburg for adults—and even more when you add Pigeon Forge to the mix. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a besties-only weekend, or just a chance to hear yourself think again, the Smokies seriously deliver.
The good news? Planning your trip is easier than picking your first cocktail, thanks to vacation packages through Tripster. You can lock in deals on top-rated Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions, shows, and hotels, all in one go—no spreadsheet required.
So go ahead—romanticize your weekend, book the show, and finally ride that mountain coaster like the adult you are. Let this be the trip where you do it all—and love every second of it!
What Are The Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults FAQs?
Is Gatlinburg walkable, or will I need a car?
Downtown Gatlinburg is very walkable, with attractions, restaurants, and shops close together. However, if you’re exploring Pigeon Forge or scenic spots like Cades Cove, having a car or booking a tour is a must.
Can I book adult-friendly activities and shows in advance?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended—especially for popular dinner shows, moonshine tastings, and scenic tours. You can easily book Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions, shows, and hotels in advance through Tripster for the best availability and pricing.
Are there wine or moonshine tastings available for adults?
Absolutely—both towns offer tasting rooms for local wines, whiskeys, and flavored moonshines. You’ll find several along Gatlinburg’s strip and throughout Pigeon Forge, many offering free or low-cost samples.
What are some romantic things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for couples?
Couples love the Gatlinburg SkyBridge at sunset, rooftop cocktails at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen, and scenic helicopter tours. For a cozy, relaxing vibe, book a cabin with a hot tub and mountain view.
Are the mountain coasters safe for adults, even if I’m not super adventurous?
Yes, mountain coasters like Rocky Top are safe and rider-controlled—you set your own speed. They’re a fun, low-pressure way to get a little thrill without needing full-on roller coaster energy.
Do I need reservations for the top attractions or restaurants?
Many popular dinner shows and fine dining spots fill up quickly, so reservations are a smart move. Booking ahead, especially through a platform like Tripster, ensures you don’t miss out on the good stuff.
What’s included in vacation packages through Tripster?
You can bundle hotels, shows, and attractions into one customizable vacation package to save time and money. It’s a hassle-free way to plan your trip with built-in discounts and instant confirmations.
Can I get around without hiking or doing anything too physical?
Definitely—there are plenty of scenic drives, gondola rides, and laid-back experiences that don’t require breaking a sweat. Cades Cove, SkyPark, and moonshine tours are perfect for a more relaxed pace.
Is it worth visiting both towns, or should I stick to one?
Each town offers unique experiences—Gatlinburg has mountain views and walkability, while Pigeon Forge is known for entertainment and dinner shows. If possible, spend time in both to get the full range of things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for adults.
