Are you ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and partake in a relaxing adventure filled with comfort and tranquility? If so, we have the perfect vacation destination for you: Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Gatlinburg is where the great outdoors meets modern entertainment. Whether you’re looking to find the ideal ski area, relish endless shopping, or watch playful penguins at the famous Ripley’s Aquarium, plenty of fun awaits you! So, if you’re ready for an adventure-filled vacation, read on to get the full scoop on things to do in Gatlinburg.
Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg
There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg; the possibilities are endless. Continue reading to learn about some of the top attractions in Gatlinburg that are great for the whole family!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Embrace your inner outdoor enthusiast with a trip to the one-and-only Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike scenic trails, enjoy fishing, head out for a ski adventure, or enjoy the natural surroundings of the lush greenery and wildlife. Moreover, all guests are encouraged to visit Sugarlands Visitor Center as their first stop in the Smoky Mountains. It features ample natural history exhibits and a free twenty-minute educational film about the park.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Next on the list of top things to do in Gatlinburg is the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, a car lovers’ dream. This unique museum allows visitors to take a walking tour to view history’s most famous movies and TV cars. You can walk through iconic scenes to witness the masterpiece vehicles in Ghost Busters, The Fast and Furious collection, and more! Additionally, the museum hosts celebrity cars that belonged to Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Dennis Wilson, and many more.
Anakeesta Amusement Park
If you’ve brought the little ones along, Anakeesta Amusement Park is the perfect outdoor exploration spot. This extensive outdoor adventure hub allows adults and kids to enjoy zip-lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area, and a fun mountain coaster. Depending on the season or celebration, folks can ride down themed mountain coasters, such as the moonshine mountain coaster available during Halloween. Moreover, the theme park also offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
An exciting aquatic adventure awaits you at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Perfect for families, guests can explore various exhibits like the Ocean Realm, Shark Lagoon, Touch-a-Ray Bay, and the Tropical Rainforest. Also, guests can explore the Coral Reef, Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay, and the Discovery Center, or they can head to the Penguin Playhouse.
Explore Downtown Gatlinburg
Visit Downtown Gatlinburg to explore unique shops and restaurants, visit the large arcade in the Gatlinburg Space Needle and more! Most attractions in Downtown Gatlinburg are within walking distance. Moreover, to get a more detailed overview of Gatlinburg, you can visit the Gatlinburg Convention Visitors Bureau to learn more about Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge
So, if you want to explore beyond Gatlinburg, the neighboring city, Pigeon Forge, is an excellent spot for fun and excitement. Visit the Island of Pigeon Forge for endless shops, restaurants, cider-tasting, and more! If you’re seeking a thrill, you can catch a ride on the lit-up Ferris wheel or head to the escape room for a survival game.
Where to Stay Near Things to Do in Gatlinburg
There are numerous resort options around Gatlinburg, but we have narrowed it down to two unique accommodations! Continue reading to find out which resort you should stay at near Gatlinburg.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
As one of the best Westgate resorts in the country, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park offers plenty of things to do and comfortable accommodations. This Westgate resort features Wild Bear Falls, which is a mountain-themed indoor waterpark that’s great for all ages and in all weather. Spend an afternoon floating down the lazy river, then grab a bite to eat from one of the on-site restaurants.
Smoky Mountain Resort by Holiday Inn Club
Another great option to stay in Gatlinburg is the Smoky Mountain Resort by Holiday Inn Club. This timeshare resort also has an indoor waterpark for the kids to splash and play in, complete with waterslides and a lounge for parents. Accommodations here range from one- to four-bedroom units, and they even have fully-equipped kitchens. You can find Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts across the U.S., but one of the best is in Gatlinburg.
Start Planning Your Gatlinburg Vacation with Timeshares Only!
Whether you’re visiting in the fall or summer, Gatlinburg is the perfect vacation destination for any occasion. Just a few miles away from Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, the possibilities for adventures are limitless.
Vacationing at Gatlinburg resorts guarantees a comfortable and memorable stay and grants you access to some of nature’s most beautiful spots, including the Great Smoky Mountains. So, if you’re ready to begin your nature retreat near the top things to do in Gatlinburg, start planning with Timeshares Only today!
This post originally appeared on Savoteur.
