Have you been living a chaotic and stressful life – working long hours, struggling to fulfill family commitments, and much more? No doubt, you must be feeling burnt. And that’s why you need to take a break from your busy life and plan a vacation.
Also, the news of travel bans being lifted all over the world must have made you excited. You must be itching to travel the world again. Not sure which place to explore? Plan a vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The beautiful, mountainous city in East Tennessee welcomes all kinds of tourists by offering exciting and adventurous places at every turn. Visiting Gatlinburg will ensure a memorable trip as it offers exciting rides, mind-blowing sightseeing, historical museums, delicious food places, and more.
However, deciding which destinations to visit can be challenging, given the abundance of intriguing places to explore. After all, it may be impossible to see all the tourist spots in Gatlinburg in one visit. Therefore, a better idea is to make a list of destinations you want to see. Wondering where to start? We’ve listed the top five top destinations in Gatlinburg that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The country’s most visited and beautiful park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a must-see. The best part is that the park does not charge the general public. Visitors to this park have many options of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, etc.
Undoubtedly, you may want to fully explore the magnificent park but do not forget to allow your body some downtime. Look for accommodations with many amenities such as swimming pools. Reserve Gatlinburg cabins with pool it will make your trip more relaxing and comfortable. In addition, these cabins allow you to enjoy several other amenities such as a game room, home theater, spacious decks, hot tubs, etc.
Also, visit Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, and Abrams Falls if you want to see the waterfall. While you’re in the park, don’t forget to visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which features a 20-minute documentary about the park. You can also find a bookstore, gift shop, and other valuable resources like trail maps.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Want to see the 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and all of Gatlinburg? In that case, I head to the 407ft observation tower – Gatlinburg Space Needle. Two glass elevators help visitors reach the top of this iconic tower and enjoy the breathtaking views. You can enjoy the views with your own eyes or use one of the few viewfinders on deck, free of charge. The site also features a Higher Learning exhibit where visitors can learn various fascinating facts about the city.
The Space Needle features a 30,000 square foot entertainment center that offers a massive collection of video and arcade games. After you’ve had your fun, visit the redemption area so you can earn points and get rewards.
Feeling hungry for an exciting afternoon at the arcade? Then, fill your belly with a delicious New York style pizza. For this, I head to the Slice Pizza Bakery.
If you are into magic shows, don’t forget to stop by the Iris Theater to be surprised by Erik Dobell’s magical performance.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Do you enjoy marine life? Your trip to Gatlinburg is incomplete if you haven’t been to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. According to TripAdvisor, this unique aquarium is the number one aquarium in America. The beautiful site allows you to fulfill your dream of spending time with marine life.
You can even try Ripley’s Glass Boat Bottom Adventure. During this adventure, more than 8,500 sea creatures, including sharks and turtles, swim under the boat. The only thing separating these creatures from you is 3 inches of glass.
Next, head to Penguin Playhouse, where these super adorable and playful creatures walk around and even greet you through crawling tunnels. And if you have kids with you, take them to Ripley’s summer camp. These camps allow your kids to feed stingrays, engage in story time, scavenger hunts, and much more. Finally, don’t miss the underwater gallery, a real-life exhibit of sea creatures.
Gatlinburg Skylift Park
In the mood for some adventure and scenery? Why not take a trip to Skylift Park? Be sure to reserve a full day to spend in this iconic park.
Start your adventure in the phenomenal park by riding Skylift. The ride is the most convenient way to climb the Smoky Mountains. Don’t worry about taking pictures when you reach the top as the park photographers at the top of the mountain will be taking pictures.
Once you exit the Skylift, you will enjoy the magnificent SkyDeck, located at the top of the Crockett Mountains. Be sure to grab a refreshing drink drinks or eat while you unwind and explore the stunning views.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to enjoy the big Skylift attraction, SkyBridge. This longest pedestrian bridge in America is 680 feet, with a height of 140 feet. You can wander around here and take in the whole city from above. Finally, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on the first floor of SkyDeck and pick up a souvenir.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a Cherokee term that translates to a place of high ground. The position of this popular tourist destination, which is only a few years old, is about 600 feet above Gatlinburg and on a 70-acre forest.
You can reach the top of the mountain by riding Chondola or Ridge Rambler. Upon reaching the top, you will experience mesmerizing mountain views, but don’t forget to enjoy exciting activities.
If you’re looking for a thrill, grab your partner to ride the Dueling Ziplines through the treetops. However, be aware that these zips go fast, so make sure you’re ready for some high-speed action.
Would you like to feel the natural beauty of the area? Then, explore the Treetop Skywalk. The longest tree-based bridge in North America is approximately 880 feet long. Finally, finish your trip to Anakeesta by walking to the top of AnaVista Tower – the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg.
Key takeaway
With endless beautiful destinations, a trip to Gatlinburg will undoubtedly leave you speechless. So, whether you are up for an adventurous trip or want to enjoy a relaxing getaway, Gatlinburg has everything you could want on your vacation. The best thing about Gatlinburg is that it is a year-round destination just waiting to be explored.
And while you’ll want to explore many popular Gatlinburg attractions, don’t forget to visit lesser-known destinations. Visiting local and lesser known places can help you skip the crowds and still have the time of your life.