Cost Effective Vacations in Gatlinburg, TN
Published Aug 25, 2022
A cost-effective vacation saves money on basics–lodging, food, and transportation. Those savings leave more money for adventures! Use these tips for a trip that saves money while still giving you all the fun this mountain town has to offer.
USE LESS GAS
Jaw-dropping gas prices are a big incentive to drive less. Luckily, Gatlinburg’s compact downtown is walkable–you can take in attractions, eat and shop without leaving “The Strip”! Park in a free “park and ride” lot near downtown. Then hop on a free Trolley to ride all over downtown without paying for parking.
SAVE MONEY ON FOOD
We do not mean you should let your stomach rumble while you gaze longingly at tempting restaurants! Splurge on a few great meals by saving money on others. If you stay in a cabin, you can cook for yourself. Eat breakfast there, pack a picnic lunch, then explore local eateries for dinner.
FIND FREE FUN
Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can access hundreds of hiking trails, nearly 70 picnic areas, historic sites, and breathtaking views for free.
Free activities abound in town, too. Visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community to watch artisans at work. Hear free concerts at Ole Smoky Distillery. Enjoy the storytelling and music at Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, a summer festival on the streets of Gatlinburg.
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE
It is fun to wander and see where your feet take you. However, the cost-conscious visitor must plan a little to save a lot. Some attractions offer discounts for buying tickets online instead of at the door, and many offer combination tickets for several attractions at a lower price, like these:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies partners with up to seven other Ripley attractions. Save from $25 to $70!
- Amazing Mirror Maze and Circus Golf combines tickets for the maze, mini golf, and “Shoot ‘Em Up Cinema,” an interactive cowboy adventure.
- Anakeesta theme park and Titanic Museum Attraction bundle tickets, so you save $12 if you visit both.
RENT A CABIN
Share the cost with a group of friends. Save on attractions by choosing a cabin with amenities like a hot tub, pool table, or access to a community pool. Vacation days “at home” are packed with fun for zero extra cost!
Find your Gatlinburg vacation rental cabin and start planning your affordable Smokies getaway today!
