With summer in full swing now, it’s a great time to plan a vacation to your preferred holiday destination. If you’re seeking a summer holiday package that combines natural beauty, a tranquil atmosphere, and a variety of entertaining activities, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, makes for a splendid getaway.
Known for its scenic views and bundles of fun activities, this small town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain offers everything you and your family may be looking for.
If this is your first visit to Gatlinburg, you may be wondering what makes this place a favorite getaway spot for millions. This is why we have compiled a list of the best tourist attractions Gatlinburg has to offer and what makes Gatlinburg an ultimate summer destination. Let’s dive in!
- Experience the Exuberant Cabin Life
For decades, the Great Smoky Mountain area and Gatlinburg, in particular, have been famous for their traditional cabin hospitality. From historic wooden cabins to contemporary-style cabins with high-end living, cabin rentals offer a unique vacation experience for visitors worldwide. These cabins offer some stunning views of the valley along with modern amenities like attached kitchens, hot saunas, home theatres, game rooms, and more.
Gatlinburg gets hot and humid during summers, making perfect conditions for a daytime refreshing break in a swimming pool. If you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains in the summer, renting Gatlinburg cabins with a pool is a good idea.
The best part about these cabins is that they cater to all sizes of groups, from honeymoon cabins to family-sized and even bigger cabins accommodating more than 20 people at a time.
- Witness the Fascinating Summer Foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and submit yourself to Mother Nature, Gatlinburg is the heaven of the earth for you! The breathtaking foliage of these enchanted mountains is one of the main natural attractions of this area.
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna. During late spring and early summer, the mountains boast a vibrant array of colors, and nature’s splendor reaches its peak. The trees in the mountains turn into shades of red, orange, and yellow, while the bushes put up a stunning show of beautiful flowers with a backdrop of picturesque cascades. The radiating beauty of nature creates the feeling of your most fascinating fairytale coming to life.
- Go on a Scenic Trail Hike
If you want to immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, checking the hiking trails is an absolute must. The park has several hiking trails that offer stunning natural landscapes and vary in difficulty.
When you hike some of the most famous trails, you get to witness scenic vistas and a great variety of wildlife that dwells in the mountains and forests, including elks, white-tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes, wild turkeys, black bears, bobcats, and a wide variety of fish.
- Enjoy the Cool, Calm, and Serene Natural Atmosphere
Gatlinburg is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to escape the city’s heat and humidity. The mountain town offers a pleasant environment during the summer, with cozy afternoons and cool nights. The cold and fresh mountain air enhances outdoor activities and gives a pleasant relief from the summer heat.
In addition to its pleasant temperature, Gatlinburg features a relaxed and serene ambiance. The small town offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere perfect for anyone looking for leisure. You may spend your days hiking, fishing, or relaxing by a mountain stream and your evenings gazing up at the stars in the clear night sky or treating your taste buds with delicious local food and soothing and creamy hot soups.
- Visit Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg is more than just natural beauty. If you’re looking for adventure and a heart-pounding thrill, there are many places to visit. One of the must-visit attractions is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The park offers a range of exciting rides and an opportunity to treat your eyes with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains.
You can challenge yourself to cross SkyBridge – the longest suspension bridge in all of North America, spanning almost 700 feet. If that’s not enough to make your heart skip a beat, feel the thrill of crossing SkyDeck, the 30-foot glass flooring, and see the ground nearly 500 feet beneath your feet.
But that’s not all; you can take other sensational rides like ziplines, aerial tramways, and rope courses. You can take a trip down to Gatlinburg town and back up to the top of Crockett Mountain with Gatlinburg SkyLift and then satisfy your shopping cravings and eat delectable food at SkyCenter.
- Marvel at the Exotic Sealife in Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If you’re fond of aquatic life, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a place in Gatlinburg you must visit with your friends and family. The aquarium hosts more than 10,000 aquatic creatures belonging to over 350 different species, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and hundreds of fish species. You can plan a “sleepover with sharks” as you spend the night at the aquarium and check out what sharks hunt at night. The best part about Ripley’s Aquarium is the stimulated natural habitat recreated for sea animals.
Don’t forget to pass through the Shark Lagoon, a 340-foot-long tunnel that virtually takes you underwater, where you can see various sea animals up close. Walking through the tunnel is a memorable experience that takes you to the middle of the ocean reef. Best of all, the aquarium hosts various events throughout the year. If you’re visiting with your family, don’t forget to check out activities like penguin paintings & encounters, glass bottom boats, and turtle time.
- Enjoy Panoramic Views of Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg Space Needle
Gatlinburg Space Needle is another landmark famous for its breathtaking views from a 407-foot-tall tower. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountain Area and Gatlinburg town. You can ride an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy the views from the observation deck. And if you’re in for an unforgettable experience, try visiting the place near sunrise and sunset.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Gatlinburg Space Needle on a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant at the base of the tower, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or buy a souvenir to bring back home.
Wrapping Up
Summer is the perfect time to visit Gatlinburg with your friends and family. With abundant entertainment and relaxation opportunities, you’re sure to spend a great time with your loved ones and make memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.
However, summer is a busy season for Gatlinburg as tourists worldwide head to this place. If you’re planning to visit Gatlinburg any time soon, we recommend booking your cabin and buying tickets to famous tourist spots well before time to avoid any last-minute surprises. Happy Vacations!
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