Daycation dreaming
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Staycations are fun, but it’s hard to beat a jaunt out of town. If you’re lucky enough to live in easy driving distance to Gatlinburg, you’re in ideal day trip territory. We have more than a few favorite ways to spend a day.
Are you…
Craving ski lodge vibes?
Gatlinburg’s classic Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area fits the bill with year-round activities. An Ober Mountain wristband will get you unlimited use of the Aerial Tramway and most Ober activities for the day. Whether you’re ready to lace up your skis, hit the ice-skating rink, barrel down the mountain coaster or get some speed on a mountain bike, thrills abound here.
Looking for a hideaway in the heart of town?
Anakeesta delights morning to night. Anakeesta merges Smoky Mountain spirit with master-planned-park polish. Kids of all ages love exploring BirdVenture, larger-than-life birdhouses guests can play inside, and the Treehouse Adventure Play Area. Fill your day with thrill-seeking and sightseeing, from mountain coasters to lookout towers. Astra Lumina, an enthralling light and sound show, casts a spell after dark. With multiple shopping and dining options onsite like Clifftop and Great Outdoors Trading Company, you can have it all at Anakeesta.
Seeking simplicity – and epic mountain views?
Gatlinburg SkyPark is calling your name. Seventy years of visitors have enjoyed the park’s breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy North America’s longest SkyBridge and the SkyLift hoisting riders up 1,800 to the summit of Crockett Mountain. Eat and drink your fill at Clayton’s Landing, a 10,000 square foot SkyPark destination for dining, drinks and breathtaking views. Don’t miss Smoky Mountain Smash, serving up fresh and filling smash burgers in the mountaintop oasis.
Dreaming of Sea Exploration?
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to spend the day, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a great pick. Located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, it’s packed with incredible sea life, hands-on exhibits, and a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel where sharks and stingrays glide right over your head. It’s an unforgettable experience for families, couples, or solo explorers—and a perfect add-on to your daycation without breaking the bank.
Yearning for creative exploration?
Spend the day among the makers at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The largest independent organization of artists and artisans in the United States, the community has a fascinating history as a neighborhood where local creatives live and work. Peruse the shops and galleries – or take a class to make your own masterpiece! Best of all? There’s zero admission fee for the community, and browsing is always free.
Midweek getaways
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There’s something particularly refreshing about being on vacay while the world is still doing the 9 to 5. Traveling between Monday and Friday also keeps you out of prime Gatlinburg weekend traffic, nixing the need to navigate crowds. Weekday trips are a solid choice whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends or family.
With most Gatlinburg attractions near the heart of town, getting around here is a breeze. If you’d prefer not to walk, the Gatlinburg Free Trolley is always fun. Take one of the self-guided tours available on the Visit Gatlinburg app – a great resource for finding cool things to do and see.
Affordability reigns
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Enjoying a freewheeling getaway should feel lighthearted – not bogged down by budgeting. In Gatlinburg, there are so many wallet-friendly ways to have fun. Check out these resources we’ve compiled, full of free things to do while you’re here and deals you won’t want to miss.
Some of the finest experiences in Gatlinburg come at no admission charge. The Great Smoky Mountains are America’s most-visited national park for good reason. Along with being stunning, they’re free to explore. Our robust city park system features trails for strolling, playgrounds for the kids and doggie parks for Fido to roam – all at no cost. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but photo ops in front of our top selfie spots and murals won’t cost you a penny.
