There's plenty to do in Gatlinburg, which makes vacation time come at a premium. However, with our short vacation ideas for Gatlinburg, you'll only need 48 hours for maximum fun and entertainment, making the Gatlinburg area a better option as a short vacation destination than people think.

Time to Play

It's no secret that Gatlinburg is a rare destination that offers something for everyone. Whether going solo, enjoying a romantic trip for two, or bringing all your friends, the options are nearly limitless. For convenience, we've broken down the list of possibilities into significant categories, letting you focus on how to enjoy your 48-hour trip in Gatlinburg, TN.

Outside Fun in Gatlinburg

Thanks to the many options available, it's practically impossible to visit the Smoky Mountains and not spend time outdoors even during short vacations.

Anakeesta

First on your list should be Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure park packed with activities ranging from zip lines to mountain coasters. You'll be outside while getting your adrenaline pumping.

SkyLift Park

Are you a fan of incredible views that are unmatched? Don't miss your chance to visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. You'll go 500 feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain to see the most incredible sights on this side of the mountains.

In addition, the SkyBridge is nearby, allowing you to walk on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain is an excellent option for a quick trip to Gatlinburg. During your visit, you and your guests will enjoy access to a wide selection of outdoor and indoor activities, such as:

• Coaster
• Alpine Slide
• Aerial Tramway
• Ice Bumper Cars
• Summer Tubing
• Wildlife Encounter
• Downhill Mountain Biking
• and More!

Whatever you choose to try, you'll satisfy your need for adventure and trying new things while on vacation in Gatlinburg.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is arguably the best place for outdoor fun. With dozens of trails that let you discover waterfalls, forests, local wildlife, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Remember to stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to grab additional information to maximize your time in the park.

Indoor Fun Time in Gatlinburg, TN

While you can play all day outside, you may not want to, or the weather may not be on your side. When those situations occur, the best solution is to double down on indoor fun time in Gatlinburg. Some options to consider to start with include but aren't limited to:

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Visiting this incredible attraction gives you and the others a chance to see thousands of aquatic animals. Even better, you'll also get to interact with them for an experience you'll never forget. This is one indoor favorite you don't want to miss.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Are you a car lover? You can't go wrong with visiting this car museum. With more than 40 authentic cars from top Hollywood shows and movies, you'll feel like you're in car heaven. Some notable examples of the vehicles you'll see include but aren't limited to the General Lee, cars from the Fast and Furious, and even some Batmobiles!

Fannie Farkle's

For a combination of food and fun, you'd be hard-pressed to find better solutions than this fun attraction. Try one of their Ogle Dogs while enjoying classic arcade games, ranging from Pac-man to driving games.

Gatlin's Escape Games

Growing in popularity are escape rooms, and Gatlin's Escape Games is a top contender for those who see fun on their short vacation trip. There are multiple 60-minute adventures, and the escape rooms are fun for couples, families, or a group of friends, making this a universal option for fun things to do in Gatlinburg during your visit.

Gatlinburg Shopping Options

Whether you want a souvenir to take home or want to browse for something new altogether, you can't go wrong with making shopping one of your major activities. The first place to check out is the Village Shoppes.

With over 20 unique shops in an Old World atmosphere, you'll find something appealing. Some of our favorite shops include but aren't limited to:

• Toy Crazy
• The Hayloft
• Pop Culture
• The Day Hiker
• The Silver Tree
• Celtic Heritage
• Master's Editions Gallery
• and More!

When you're in the mood for more traditional shopping, the Mountain Mall or Reagan Terrace Mall offers the perfect solution. In addition, the arts and crafts community in the Glades lets you meet local artists and artisans while potentially finding the ideal piece to buy and bring home.

Make Your Gatlinburg Vacation Perfect

A Gatlinburg vacation isn't an authentic experience without staying in one of our Gatlinburg cabins. By staying with us, you and the others will enjoy access to a wide selection of amenities, from hot tubs to game rooms and more.

In addition, we offer several cabin sizes, like our 1 bedroom cabins and 4 bedroom vacation rentals, so you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams without exception while trying our short vacation ideas for Gatlinburg.