The 5 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg When it Rains

A rainy day shouldn’t spoil your family vacation! It could even be a nice change of pace after spending so much time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other outdoor attractions. Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Gatlinburg when it rains!

1. Enjoy a Slow Morning at Your Cabin/Condo

Take the rain as a sign to sleep in and enjoy a nice breakfast and coffee in your cabin or condo. Slow mornings spent together as a family are a great way to start your day! Plus, you can take your time getting ready instead of a mad dash to your next destination. 

2. Explore Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Once you’re ready to head into town, your first stop should be Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Be prepared for the most unbelievable family fun! From interactive games and pop-culture memorabilia to unusual artifacts and incredible art, your whole family will be shocked, amazed, and delighted at the exhibits found in the odditorium. Just down the road is Ripley’s Amazing Mirror Maze, a labyrinth of mirrors and illusions meant to enchant and distract. You’ll have to defy your sense of direction in order to find your way out! 

3. Solve Puzzles at Gatlin’s Escape Games

Gatlin’s Escape Games is a tourist favorite for a reason! Their games are fun and addicting! Choose from exciting mysteries such as the pirate-themed Curse of the Kraken’s Eye or the Legend of Atlantis. Each game is 60 minutes of solving puzzles, finding clues, and conquering challenges. Will you be able to escape before the time runs out?

4. Spend the Afternoon at Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies

There’s no better time to spend the afternoon at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies than a rainy day! Their famous for their underwater tunnel in the Shark Lagoon and Ray Bay, where you can reach out and touch a ray in the shallow lagoon. You can explore the Ocean Realm, Coral Reef, and Tropical Rainforest, plus many more educational and interactive areas like the Penguin Playhouse. Hours will pass before you even realize it! For an even more exciting experience, go on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in the Shark Lagoon, where only 3 inches of glass separates you from the massive sharks and other sea creatures. And be sure to say hello to the resident green sea turtle, Sally, during the tour! They also have a variety of live shows where you can observe the staff feeding and interacting with the animals. You’ll be learning and being entertained at the same time!

5. Eat Dinner at No Way Jose’s Cantina

After a full day exploring the indoor attractions in Gatlinburg, it’s time to eat at No Way Jose’s Cantina! Our friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere will brighten up any rainy day. We use fresh ingredients and make our sauces and salsas daily to ensure we’re providing the best menu of Tex-Mex classics. Shareable starters include favorites like the Loaded Border Bean Dip and our special Chile Con Queso. We have lighter but equally delicious taco and fajita salads, and our selection of main entrees will have something for everyone, from tamales and enchiladas to burritos and fajitas. And don’t forget dessert! Our Churro Grande Sundae, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate mousse, raspberry sauce, and whipped cream drizzled with chocolate and caramel, and served with fresh churro sticks is the cherry on top of a satisfying meal.

Now that you know the best things to do in Gatlinburg when it rains, you don’t have to fret if you wake up one morning on your Smoky Mountain vacation to all clouds and no sun! And make sure to visit No Way Jose’s Cantina! Check out our most popular dishes for more information about our yummy menu. We hope you come by soon!