Gatlinburg is the ultimate summer vacation destination! Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming town offers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country. To help you make the most of your next getaway, here are some of the best things to do with your family during your Gatlinburg summer vacation.
1. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No summer vacation in Gatlinburg Tennessee is complete without spending some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Home to over 800 miles of beautiful trails, the Smokies offer hikes for every ability. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the park by taking a scenic drive through the mountains, having a picnic beside a stream, or going bicycling in Cades Cove or along the dog-friendly Gatlinburg Trail.
2. Spend a Day at Anakeesta
One of the most popular Gatlinburg summer attractions and activities is Anakeesta, and our hotel is within easy walking distance! This mountaintop adventure park features an incredible chairlift ride, a zip line adventure, two mountain coasters, a treehouse playground, shopping, dining, and so much more. You won’t want to miss their summer festival, United Tastes of America! Enjoy the views all day long and then stick around to watch the sunset; then, experience Astra Lumina, an incredible night walk amongst the stars.
3. Go Out for Ice Cream
Eating ice cream is a summer tradition, especially during a family vacation in Gatlinburg Tennessee! You’ll find several wonderful ice cream shops in Gatlinburg where you can enjoy a scoop (or two). Located right on the Parkway, Kilwin’s is one of our favorite places to get ice cream because they offer over 40 flavors; plus, they bake their own waffle cones each day! If you’re staying at our pet-friendly hotel with your dog, go to Mad Dog’s Creamery, and they’ll have a sweet treat for your pet too!
4. Enjoy Live Music on The Strip
Much like the rest of Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a very musical place! In June and July, visitors to the downtown Gatlinburg Strip can hear live country and bluegrass as part of the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales festival. Each evening, the area’s best musicians take to the strip to perform free concerts for everyone to enjoy. Read more about places to listen to live music in Gatlinburg!
5. Swim & Relax at Our Hotel
One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN in the summer is to go for a swim– it’s the perfect way to cool down during those hot summer days! Sidney James Mountain Lodge has two awesome outdoor pools that are ideal for soaking up the sun and splashing around. If it’s raining outside, we also have a great indoor pool that your kids are sure to love. Afterwards, head over to our Gatlinburg picnic area for a snack or enjoy a full meal at our Poolside Cafe!
How to Get Around During Your Vacation in Gatlinburg TN
The best way to get around the downtown area during your Gatlinburg summer vacation is the FREE trolley system! Simply hop on one of the city trolleys and take a relaxing ride to wherever you want to go. This is a great way to avoid parking fees in downtown Gatlinburg, and our hotel is located on one of the convenient Gatlinburg trolley routes!
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