Sometimes a destination is suited for a certain type of individual or family. But that’s not the case with Gatlinburg! There’s truly something for every visitor in the Smoky Mountains.
Choose the Gatlinburg itinerary that suits your travel style and jet off to Tennessee!
Families with Kids
There’s a reason why Gatlinburg is one of the top family-friendly destinations in the country. There’s so much to do and see for all ages. Kids will love exploring the state park or zooming around on Fire Chaser Express at Dollywood! Plus, the mountain town offers some of the best family resorts in the area.
What to Do
Your family-friendly Gatlinburg itinerary begins with deciding what to do during your vacation. Gatlinburg is home to an abundance of kid-focused attractions and activities, including:
- Dollywood
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Anakeesta
- Ober Gatlinburg
- WonderWorks
And that’s only a handful of places to go in Gatlinburg! Other activities for kids and adults alike in the area include:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Ziplining
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mini-Golfing
While you’re in Gatlinburg, why not see a family-friendly show, too? A few of the top favorites among kids are:
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
Where to Stay
Any parent knows the key to a successful trip is staying at a family-friendly hotel or resort. Fortunately, Gatlinburg has plenty to choose from. Consider staying at accommodations such as:
- Glenstone Lodge
- The Resort at Governor’s Crossing
- River Edge Inn
- The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton
- Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
Look for hotels and resorts with amenities such as a pool, WiFi, arcade room, free breakfast, and kids activities.
Thrill Seekers
Do you prefer to feel the wind in your hair? The unsettling, but exciting sensation of free falling? If so, we’ve got the perfect Gatlinburg itinerary for you.
What to Do
For the ultimate thrill, we recommend:
- Soaring on Wild Eagle or screaming at the top of your lungs on Mystery Mine at Dollywood.
- Getting soaked on a white water rapids excursion.
- Zooming through the treetops at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park.
- Seeing Gatlinburg from high in the sky on a helicopter tour.
- Experience the rush of Zorbing.
- Embark on an outdoor adventure to the top of Mt. LeConte.
Where to Stay
Since most of your Gatlinburg itinerary will keep you away from your hotel room, it’s best to book your stay at budget accommodations. A few great options include:
- Creekstone Inn
- Quality Inn & Suites at Dollywood Lane
- River Edge Inn
- Mountain House Inn Downtown
- Gatlinburg Town Square
Since you won’t be spending too much time in your hotel room, look for options with convenient amenities like a complimentary breakfast and WiFi access for a pleasant stay.
Traveling with Pets
Planning to bring Fluffy and Fido to the Smoky Mountains? There’s a Gatlinburg itinerary for you too! Pack your bones, squeaky toys, and treats, and get ready for a paw-some Smoky Mountains getaway.
What to Do
While your first instinct may be to hit the trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll have to think again. Dogs are not welcome in the park, for safety reasons. The national park is home to a thriving population of black bears and a dog’s presence could cause concern for humans, bears, and pets.
Instead, Gatlinburg makes two trails available for visitors with dogs: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Each of these trails is 1-2 miles long and offers a variety of wildlife and sights along the way.
Other places to visit include:
- The Village Shops
- Sugarlands Distillery Co.
- Apple Valley Mountain Village Mountain Store
- Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park
Where to Stay
Travelers adventuring with pets will love visiting Gatlinburg due to the assortment of pet-friendly hotels available. In addition to accommodations designed with pets in mind, these resorts also offer amenities just for your furry friends:
Honeymooners
Have you and your sweetheart decided to spend your honeymoon in Gatlinburg? Good choice!
There’s something so romantic about hiking through the mountains hand-in-hand or sharing a glass of wine (or moonshine, your choice!) from the porch of your cabin.
What to Do
Since no two couples are the same, neither are no two honeymoons!
Gatlinburg has something for every type of couple. From those who want an adrenaline rush to couples who prefer to kick back and relax, it’s easy to find things to do on your Gatlinburg honeymoon.
Consider adding these activities to your Gatlinburg itinerary:
- Driving around Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Experiencing the rush of a roller coaster at Dollywood.
- Reserve a couples massage and facial at the Serenity Spa.
- See the Gatlinburg sites like the Space Needle and Gatlinburg Bypass Scenic Overlook hand-in-hand.
- Get tickets to a dinner show.
- Tour the nearby Biltmore Estate.
And remember, no matter what you choose to do on your Gatlinburg honeymoon, you’ll share the experience with the one you love!
Where to Stay
When choosing where to stay during your Gatlinburg honeymoon, you’ll have to consider the type of accommodations you desire.
Would you rather have a lavish (yet highly affordable) cabin overlooking the Smoky Mountains? Or, if you don’t plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel, would you be fine with a no-nonsense, budget hotel room?
If a rustic meets luxury cabin sound like the perfect romantic retreat, book one! There are multiple cabin rental companies to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that meets your budget.
For couples who’d rather have a hotel room complete with convenient amenities, book a room at:
- The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Gatlinburg
- RiverStone Resort and Spa
- SpringHill Suites
- Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
- Gatlinburg Town Square
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg
When booking your hotel room, inquire about any possible honeymoon travel discounts! You never know what kind of savings you’ll be able to take advantage of.
Solo Traveler
Sure, Gatlinburg is great for groups of all sizes, from a honeymoon to a family reunion. But, it’s also a paradise for the solo traveler. Your Gatlinburg itinerary includes whatever your wanderlusting heart desires!
Want to go on a solo hike through the Smokies? Go yonder!
Interested in checking out Anakeesta? Go for it!
Ready to shred the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg alone? Have fun!
You have complete freedom over organizing your ideal Gatlinburg itinerary. Common solo traveler choices include:
- Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains
- Shopping in downtown Gatlinburg
- Riding the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway and Ski Lift
- Indulging at the best pancake houses.
So, what will you do in Gatlinburg? The choice is yours!
Where to Stay
The beauty of traveling alone is that you only have to accommodate your preferences—no one else’s!
If you prefer to spend most of your travel budget on experiences and food, choose to stay at one of Gatlinburg’s budget hotels such as the Norma Dam Motel. Or, if you don’t mind treating yourself while on vacation, reserve a room at the Sunrise Ridge Resort.
Which Gatlinburg Itinerary Will You Choose?
No matter if you’re traveling with kids, furry friends, or on your own, you’re in for the time of your life in Gatlinburg.
For the best rates, deals, and travel advice, remember to book your Smoky Mountains retreat with Tripster!