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ripleys aquarium of the smokies in gatlinburg
October 20, 2025

There is nowhere else in the world quite like downtown Gatlinburg TN! Commonly known as The Strip, the heart of the city may only be a few blocks long, but it is absolutely jam-packed with incredible attractions, restaurants, and shops. Over 11 million people come to Gatlinburg each year to experience everything our Smoky Mountain city has to offer. To help you get started planning your next trip, check out these top 4 things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip:

1. Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

A trip to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a real blast from the past! This unique thing to do on the Gatlinburg Strip is home to some of the most beloved cars to ever grace the big and small screens. Some of the famous vehicles in the collection include Adam West’s Batmobile, Michael Keaton’s Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future , the Jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies , and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters . All of the vehicles you see in the museum were actual props used for the TV shows or movies they’re famous in. For an additional charge, you can even have your photo taken in one of the iconic cars.

2. Experience Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is another one of the best things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip. Voted the #1 aquarium in the nation by the readers of USA Today several years in a row, Ripley’s Aquarium boasts over 10,000 spectacular sea creatures. Guests at the aquarium will have the chance to pet a stingray at Touch-A-Ray Bay, take a glass bottom boat tour of Shark Lagoon, and crawl through the Penguin Playhouse. People of all ages will have a blast touring the aquarium and it’s extensive exhibits!

3. Go Wine Tasting on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail

Gatlinburg winery trail

If you're looking for the ultimate wine tasting experience, the Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a must! It features 5 of the area's top wineries with 4 of them conveniently located on the Gatlinburg Strip. For just $10 you can sample some of the most flavorful wines and ciders around at each stop on the trail. This self-guided experience includes stops on the Gatlinburg Strip at Tennessee Homemade Wines, Tennessee Cider Company, Smokin' Banjo and Old Mountain Wine Company, as well as the combined location of Tennessee Homemade Wines and Tennessee Cider Company in Sevierville. Visit whenever is convenient for you during a 7-day period.

4. Conquer Ripley’s Mirror Maze

Ripley’s Mirror Maze is the perfect group activity! Your family will have a blast navigating through this mirrored labyrinth that is full of twists and turns. Don’t worry about getting too lost, because Ripley’s sends search parties into the maze every half hour! Located right on River Road, our Gatlinburg hotel is just steps away from all of the best things to do on the Gatlinburg Strip. Offering garage parking, private balconies with beautiful views, an outdoor swimming pool, a lazy river, and the comfiest beds in town, our hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms !

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