Spending One Day in Gatlinburg

If you find yourself with just one day to spend in Gatlinburg, TN, here are 9 different things to do that will make that one day feel like a whole vacation.

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The crown jewel of the area. If you’re in the Smoky Mountains, then you definitely want to see all they have to offer. Wildlife, hiking trails, waterfalls and ghostly relics of settlements past--you’ll need to start your one day pretty early in the morning if you want to get your fill of the Smokies.

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Are you a fan of Bumblebee? What about the Batmobile? Name a famous movie car and it’s here! Hollywood Star Cars Museum has so many great photo opportunities in one place. And it’s not just cars. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Harley motorcycle has rolled straight out of Hollywood and onto the Stars Car Museum floor, as well!

3. Gatlinburg Space Needle

Like Seattle but Southern! This 407-foot observation tower overlooks Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. The air doesn’t get much fresher than that! Ride to the top in an elevator made of glass and enjoy free viewfinders at the top. Guaranteed to be a beautiful sightseeing adventure for your one day in Gatlinburg, year-round!

4. Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Just like the books but somehow better (perhaps because you can get up close to all the weird stuff). The Ripley’s Museum has over 500 exhibits and artifacts to amaze, inspire and entertain.

5. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

A whole little world up in the sky at the Gatlinburg Skylift Park. Ride the lift to the top and enjoy a walk across the longest pedestrian skybridge around. There’s an observation deck and a relaxing shopping area at the top, as well.

6. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Ride day or night! The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is all the thrill of an amusement park roller coaster but placed in the mountains. Swap out the view of popcorn and pedestrians for wildlife, trees and fresh mountain air.

7. Anakeesta

Go ziplining, ride a coaster, experience gem mining and more! Anakeesta is Gatlinburg’s mountaintop theme park. When you’re tuckered out from all the fun, there’s some pretty delicious burgers to eat here, as well.

8. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s fun doesn’t stop at the museum. The Ripley’s Aquarium is where you can see the creepiest fish and the cuddliest penguins.

9. Cabins in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When you're planning a visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you will want to stay in the best accommodations so that you can truly experience this beautiful mountain town. Our cabin rentals in Gatlinburg are the perfect lodging choice for your upcoming Gatlinburg vacation. Browse our entire collection of Gatlinburg cabins and find the perfect vacation rental for you and your family today!

Can’t decide which attraction to visit? You may just have to mark Gatlinburg down on your map and come back again soon!