Gatlinburg is a small mountain town in Tennessee and is popularly known as the gateway to the Smokies. Despite its small population, Gatlinburg welcomes around 12 million [L1] visitors each year. And there are many reasons why this town is such a popular vacation destination.
Whether you want a relaxing weekend getaway or a thrilling, fun-filled trip, Gatlinburg has everything. Here, you can enjoy adventurous hiking and view of various beautiful natural spots. Apart from that, you can attend dinner shows, live theatre, or spend a day wine tasting at some of the best moonshine distilleries and breweries. Moreover, Gatlinburg has numerous kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect spot for memorable family trips. Aquariums, amusement parks, and mini-golf courses are some of the many activities you can enjoy with your family.
Book One of the Best Accommodations
The place you stay at can make or break your vacation experience. You might want to stay at a comfortable place that offers basic necessities and is located close to all the top attractions. While you may be considering staying in a hotel, it might not be a good option if you are on a group or family trip.
Luckily, Gatlinburg has numerous accommodation options to choose from. For instance, you can easily find 3 bedroom condos in Gatlinburg TN, which are excellent for family vacations or big groups. These condos feel like home and are close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can also enjoy amenities such as jacuzzies, pools, balconies with amazing views, fully functional kitchens, and more.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Overall, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. So, if you are planning a vacation to this fantastic town, you might be searching for exciting activities in Gatlinburg. This list of things to do in Gatlinburg will help you plan the perfect vacation itinerary.
Visit Anakeesta
If you want to enjoy fun outdoor activities, visiting Anakeesta should be at the top of your list. Anakeesta is a mountaintop park 600 feet above Gatlinburg, and you can get here by a chairlift.
Apart from the chairlift ride to the park, you can go ziplining or walk on bridges suspended more than 50 feet above the ground. You can also visit the AnaVista tower and get a bird’s eye view of the majestic Smokies. You can also explore the botanical garden with 3000 unique plants.
Learn More About Marine Life at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is the perfect place for adults and children. The aquarium was voted one of the best in North America and is home to some of the most unique marine life exhibits.
The aquarium also offers several fun, interactive, and informative activities, which can be an excellent learning experience for children. Here, you can see sharks and stingrays and interact with penguins. Not only this, but you can also go for a ride in the Shark Lagoon in glass bottom boats and enjoy a thrilling experience.
Play Mini-Golf
Apart from the numerous adventurous activities, Gatlinburg also offers some fun yet relaxing activities. So, if you’re looking for such an activity, you can play golf. Gatlinburg has some of the best indoor mini-golf courses. These golf courses also have unique themes, which adds to the fun.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As mentioned, Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. So, no trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without visiting this national park. You can also go for hiking in the park. Some hiking trails in the park are easy and even stroller and wheelchair friendly. And you can also plan a picnic here with family or friends.
However, if you want something more adventurous, you can hike to Laurel Falls. This is an 80-foot waterfall and is a popular spot in the national park. You can expect to cover around 2.6 miles while hiking to and back from the falls. However, it is necessary to remember that this trail is quite challenging, with steep sections and wet rocks. So, it is recommended to be prepared before going for hiking.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark is another popular tourist attraction you can add to your itinerary. The park covers the summit of Crockett Mountain, and you can get there by chairlift. Once you reach the top, you can take in the magnificent view or enjoy refreshments. You can also walk on the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, the SkyBridge. The SkyBridge is 680 feet long and suspended around 140 feet above the town. Walking across this bridge is an adventure you’ll never forget.
Go Wine Sampling
There is probably nothing more relaxing than spending a day sampling wine while being surrounded by nature. And Gatlinburg is home to many wineries and moonshine distilleries that offer tastings and tours. You can attend a sampling session or book a tour and enjoy the local flavors of the town. And you can also take a bottle home to remember your amazing trip to Gatlinburg.
Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley
The Gatlinburg Trolley is an easy and fun way to get around town and operates daily. It has multiple stops, so you can get anywhere without stucking in traffic.
Visit Hollywood’s Star Car Museum
If you are a fan of movies and cool cars, then this museum is a must-visit. The museum has a collection of recreated cars that appeared in popular Hollywood movies. Here, you can find vehicles from the TV show Batmobile as well. You can see these cars and take pictures with them. Although the museum is open all week, it’s better to confirm the operating hours beforehand, especially if you are visiting around the holiday season.
Concluding Thoughts
Gatlinburg is the ultimate vacation destination. The town welcomes millions of tourists annually and offers many fun and engaging activities. As there is so much to do here, it is necessary to research and make a list of things you want to do beforehand so you don’t miss anything during your trip. You can explore popular landmarks, tourist attractions, visit mountaintop parks, and enjoy thrilling activities. So, take out your planner and plan the perfect vacation to Gatlinburg.