12 Romantic Activities You Can Do In Gatlinburg

ByKen Cameron

A getaway to Gatlinburg is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your significant other, as there are plenty of romantic things to do in the area.

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 1

What’s the most romantic thing to do in Gatlinburg?

The most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg are:

  • Carriage Ride
  • Wine Tasting
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Romantic Dinner
  • Hot Tubbing 
  • Ice Skating
  • Amusement Parks
  • Star Gazing
  • Waterfalls
  • Romantic Photos
  • Sunset Views
  • Romantic Picnic

After extensively researching Gatlinburg’s sights and activities, I have gathered enough information to determine the most romantic things you can do in the area. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best activities that you can do in Gatlinburg with your spouse or partner. 

Most Romantic Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Tennessee’s Gatlinburg is a cozy town nestled near Smoky Mountains National Park. This has been a hotspot for many vacationers over the years, and it continues to be a top pick among couples looking for a romantic getaway.

The surrounding area is gorgeous and loaded with different types of activities. However, downtown Gatlinburg itself is such a lovely town, you really can’t go wrong with spending the bulk of your time here.

Love is in the air in Gatlinburg and each year people come here for their honeymoons, anniversaries, and to get married. If you are looking for a great place to spend a romantic weekend with your sweetheart, keep Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains at the top of your list. 

Carriage Ride 

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 3

What could be more romantic than taking a carriage ride in the mountains? This is one of the most romantic things that you can do in Gatlinburg, TN, and as cheesy as it may be to some, it’s an undeniably adorable way to spend time with your loved one. 

The best place to hop on a carriage ride is Sugarlands Riding Stables. They are located just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg and you can arrange a carriage ride for your partner for a time slot that suits you best. 

With that said, if you are the adventurous type, you can always opt for proper horseback riding instead. 

Sugarlands Riding Stables has guided tours and can have a romantic ride around the Smoky Mountains National Park on horseback while soaking in the scenery.

Wine Tasting 

A glass of wine with your partner surrounded by some of the most stunning nature in the country is an excellent way to spend a romantic day in Gatlinburg. 

The Smoky Mountains region is home to some world-class wineries, making this a great place to wet your whistle and spice up your romantic retreat. There are a variety of wineries scattered around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but I find one of the best ways to go wine tasting in the area is on the Rocky Top Wine Trail. 

To make your holiday stress-free and your wine-tasting efficient, the Rocky Top Wine Trail takes you through five wineries to grab a glass (or two). 

One of the best things about this experience is that you can hop on the trail for free and get a stamp at each of the stops to fill your Rocky Top Wine Trail ‘Passport’. 

By the end of the last stop, you will get free gifts and free samples for completing the trail! 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 1 1

The Great Smoky Mountains are full of fun attractions and views of the surrounding mountains. If you are coming to Gatlinburg for a romantic experience, you can’t miss a day exploring the national park. 

This is the most popular national park in the entire country and it features stunning nature and a glimpse of the historic and local culture of Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has nearby rivers, hikes, waterfalls, breathtaking views, and other outdoor activities.

The Newfound Gap and Clingman’s Dome feature an incredible scenic overlook from the observation tower and it’s the highest point in all of Tennessee. In addition, you can check out the following attractions in the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg area:

  • Douglas Lake
  • Cades Cove
  • Pigeon River

You can also take a scenic drive around the park where you might be able to spot wildlife such as wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bears. 

Romantic Dinner

No couple’s retreat to Gatlinburg would be complete without a romantic dinner. For a special occasion such as this, you should consider a delicious dinner in a fine dining establishment.

There are a number of romantic restaurants in Gatlinburg worth considering such as the Greenbrier, which features a melting pot of flavors and delicious meal options. A romantic meal in Gatlinburg is the perfect way to end the day, especially when it’s followed by the Greenbrier’s mouth-watering chocolate cake.

Having a lovely dinner each night is one of the more romantic things you can do in the region on your getaway, as there are a lot of choices for dining.

Hot Tubbing

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 2 1

Getting inside a warm jetted tub is one of the most romantic activities you can do. There are several businesses that specialize in this kind of romantic activity, but I find that booking a place with hot tubs is the best way to do it. 

Many cabins and hotels in Gatlinburg have hot tubs and this is a great way to relax on a rainy day if the weather turns for the worse. 

The jacuzzis are generally open year-round so that you can soak in the hot tub regardless of the season you visit. If you decide to go to a spa instead, they often advertise couple’s massages as well.

Ice Skate at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a great place to have a romantic day with your partner. This is an amusement park for people of all age groups and a lot of couples like to come to go ice skating.

Ice skating at Ober is a great way to change up the activities from the national park’s nature adventures. 

Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

The atmosphere always feels more romantic when you have a view in front of you. If you want to take your significant other to enjoy the best views of Gatlinburg, head up to the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Alternatively, you can always take the Gatlinburg Sky Lift for a ride as this experience offers equally impressive views of the surrounding area. 

Lastly, a romantic drive on the Gatlinburg bypass is one of the best ways to see nature and the city for free, if you want to have a budget-friendly vacation.

Amusement Parks

If you want some adrenaline on your romantic vacation, Anakeesta Gatlinburg is the place to do it. 

You can ride a zip line or take the mountain coaster for some real excitement, which you can top off with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.

This is a great way to enjoy quality time with your partner in case you get tired of exploring the city and national park.

Star Gazing 

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 4

For an intimate night with your partner, I recommend grabbing a blanket and heading out stargazing in the Smoky Mountains. 

One of the best things about being in the mountains at night is that there is hardly any light pollution.

You will see incredible views of the night sky and even see some shooting stars if you are lucky. Star gazing is best on clear nights and when the weather is warmer during the summer season.

Waterfalls 

The Smoky Mountains region is home to over 100 waterfalls, and you can spend the day exploring them with your partner on your romantic retreat. 

Drive out to the national park and check out the waterfalls while enjoying remarkable scenery along the way. The waterfalls are particularly nice to see in the mid-Spring and early summer months right after the snow melts. 

There are a lot of waterfalls to explore but some can be quite crowded during peak season. If you want a more intimate setting with your loved one, I would recommend getting off the beaten path and checking out some of the less traveled areas. 

I find that romantic settings are much more satisfying when you can get away from the crowds. Luckily, the national park is huge so finding a quiet and romantic spot should not be a problem.

Romantic Photos 

If you are having an unforgettable experience with your significant other, you want to make sure to capture it for future memories. There are some great photographers in the Gatlinburg area that you can hire to schedule a photo session in a romantic setting. 

However, for fun shots in Gatlinburg, you can always go into one of the many photo studios in the downtown area that let you dress up in western outfits and other costumes. 

The studios have a bunch of different outfits and props for you to try out and you can capture the moment in style or with a sense of humility.

Sunset Views

Having your arms around your partner as the sun sets in front of you is about as romantic as it gets. Luckily, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are full of prime spots to enjoy the sunset.

You can head up to the Gatlinburg Space Needle or take a drive into the national park for some breathtaking natural views. 

The best places to see the sunset in the national park are Clingman’s Dome, Newfound Gap, and the Gatlinburg Bypass Overlook.

Picnic Lunch 

romantic things to do in Gatlinburg 5

Not every romantic experience requires fine dining at a nice restaurant. One of the best ways to enjoy a romantic getaway in the area is to pack a picnic lunch and drive in the Smoky Mountains. 

There are so many great places to picnic with your partner in the park. As soon as you drive into the Smoky Mountains, you will see picnic benches and ideal spots to lay out a blanket.

While it may seem instinctive to use the park’s amenities, I find that an isolated spot away from the crowds offers a perfect setting for a romantic picnic.

Key Takeaways

  • The most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg are carriage rides, wine tasting, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, romantic dinner, hot tubbing, ice skating, amusement parks, star gazing, waterfalls, romantic photos, sunset views, and romantic picnics. 
  • The best time to visit the Gatlinburg area for a romantic retreat is from April to mid-October.
  • Gatlinburg is home to the Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the country.