Did you know that Gatlinburg has been ranked as the most trending travel destination in the United States?
Gatlinburg is one of the most beautiful towns in Tennessee. Millions of tourists pour in yearly to explore this mountain town’s wonders.
It has many historical, cultural, and natural attractions to make your vacation memorable.
The city is the main entry point to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It has activities for everyone; you’ll see people enjoying and having a good time.
It is a perfect escape from a fast-paced urban life, whether you are a group of friends who want to experience the country charm, a couple on a dreamy vacation, a big family on their annual holiday, or a solo traveler.
Here are the six best places in Gatlinburg that should be at the top of your travel itinerary:
1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you visit Tennessee, you need to see the Smokys in all their glory. It is an essential constituent of your visit to Southern America.
Visiting it should be among your priorities. It is the most visited national park in the United States.
It has miles upon miles of hiking trails, gorgeous meadows, bustling wildlife, and a sense of peace and tranquility.
We recommend that you look for nearby lodging options with a clear view of the Smokys to make the most of your stay.
If you are traveling with your family, ensure that you look for large cabins in Gatlinburg to avoid cramped spaces and tantrums from your children.
You’ll see that a spacious rental with a breathtaking view will make your vacation more worthwhile.
The Sugarlands Visitor Center of the park is near Gatlinburg and is an active place that helps you make the most of your visit to the Smokys.
They have trained and attentive rangers who guide you regarding all the activities you can do in the park.
You can use the maps and guidelines from the rangers and guide to select a course that entertains what you are looking for. If you want a long drive, choose a scenic auto route.
If you want to experience hiking and mountain climbing, go for the 900 miles of trails specially allocated for this purpose. You can also camp at any site and enjoy nature in all its glory.
You’ll see canopies of conifer, deciduous trees, and spring-fed creeks waiting for you.
If you are a horticulturist, you can enjoy the 1400 species of flowering plants in the park. You will find mountain magnolias, orchids, and even azaleas there.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokys
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys has been rated as the second-best aquarium by the readers of the famous publication – USA Today.
If you are visiting Gatlinburg, be sure to spend some time here with your families.
This aquarium has more than 10,000 exotic creatures from 350 different species that will make you question your limitation of knowledge about marine life.
It has interactive exhibits, which means you can interact with many different sea creatures here!
You can climb through the tubes in the Penguin Playhouse and take a glass-bottom tour of the Shark lagoon, among other activities.
3. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a Cherokee word that means high ground. Anakeesta is a theme park in Gatlinburg that has many different activities for thrill seekers.
Its top attractions are the 880 feet high sky bridge and the treetop skywalk. It also has a zipline tour for everyone who likes aerial views. It is a 1600-feet drop and has a stunning view.
You can ride the Chondola to the 600-foot summit, where you can enjoy various other activities.
The memorial for the people who survived the firestorm of 2016 is also a great place to see and understand the damage it did to every survivor’s life.
Moreover, if you are someone who admires flowers and plants, then the Vista Gardens is a great place to stop by.
4. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
This is the highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can take a one-hour drive from downtown Gatlinburg up the auto trail to the 6643 feet high tower.
You’ll see that sunrise and sunset will be all the more magical and pronounced at this height.
The tower can view the Smoky Mountains, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Once you’ve arrived at the Dome, take a half-mile walk to the tower’s base and see that you follow the ramp to the top.
5. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
If you enjoy cars, you must visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
It is a fascinating museum located along the Gatlinburg Strip. You can see 45 cars that were used in renowned movies like The Fast and Furious, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Days of Thunder.
The famous Batmobile from the 1960s TV show and 1992’s Batman Returns can also be seen.
Most of the vehicles exhibited there belong to Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and James Dean.
6. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is one of its kind ski resort and amusement park in Gatlinburg. It offers year-round tourist activities, like the 20-minute chairlift, ski runs, indoor-skating rink, and an alpine slide.
It also has a Kiddie Land and a mini golf course for children.
You can take the Ski Mountain Coaster to see around the resort. The resort also has seven restaurants and a multi-level concourse with 15 stores for all its visitors.
You’ll also see a wildlife encounter area in the resort where bobcats, black bears, and river otters live in their natural habitats.
The alpine meadows, wildflowers, and lookouts from Mount Harrison are up just a short trail from the resort.
Bottom Line
Gatlinburg is a breathtaking Tennessee town with a peaceful, warm, and welcoming ambiance.
You’ll be able to experience the authentic country charm here.
You can engage in many activities, from visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to ice-skiing in Ober Gatlinburg. Keep these places in mind for your next vacation if you want to have a memorable time.