Quirky and colorful, Gatlinburg puts you at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The characterful mountain town has plenty to offer, from kitschy museums and flashy magic shows to scenic viewpoints and outdoor adventures to boot. The food is also phenomenal, with a big focus on American classics, such as sticky ribs, cotton candy and maple bacon pancakes. Whatever your intentions, Gatlinburg vacation rentals unlock access to a host of family-friendly properties in this charismatic slice of Tennessee.
For most visitors, Gatlinburg vacation rentals are a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The name alone is enough to conjure up visions of lush spruce forests, rumbling rivers, flower-strewn meadows and, of course, the legendary Appalachian Trail. In town, you'll find attractions such as the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Jump aboard for a quick ascent up Crockett Mountain and sweeping views over the Smokies. For a taste of Tennessee's most famous beverage, don't miss Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, the state's first licensed moonshine distillery. Visit on a weekend and you could catch live bluegrass music.
If you want to stretch your legs you've come to the right place. Gatlinburg serves up a smorgasbord of adventure, from mountain biking and whitewater rafting to downhill skiing and horseback riding. Even golfers will be in their element, with the Gatlinburg Golf Course boasting a knockout position in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Throw in over 800 miles of hiking trails and Gatlinburg warrants status as one of the USA's top outdoor destinations. Spend your evenings sipping on moonshine, enjoying live music and devouring all-American comfort food.
With an annual count of over 10 million visitors, Great Smoky Mountains is the USA's most visited national park. Planning a summer tour? Why not swap crowded campsites for spacious Gatlinburg vacation rentals located in the heart of the town center? Intrepid travelers will love spring and fall. Crowds taper off, it's easier to snag a table at your favorite restaurant and, most importantly, you'll enjoy shorter queues at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it can be difficult to tour the park in the winter, local ski resorts like Ober Gatlinburg attract a constant stream of snow sports enthusiasts.
There's no doubt about it – Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the jewel in Tennessee's crown. Depending on your energy levels, you can hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, scale your way up Clingmans Dome or drive the scenic Cades Cove loop. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes and other local wildlife. If nature is a top priority, don't miss the chance to stay local with Gatlinburg vacation rentals. Whether you're dreaming of secluded forest settings or sweeping mountain views, they provide an ideal setting for enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains.
The nearest airport is in McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located 27.3 mi (44 km) from the city center.
Gatlinburg is an all-season destination that’s ideal for family vacations. Kid-friendly vacation homes can be found near exciting places like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a sea life park with penguins, jellyfish, seahorses, and other aquatic life, and Ober Gatlinburg, a mountainside amusement park with skiing, miniature golf, wildlife encounters, and a mall. Kids will also enjoy the Gatlinburg Space Needle, an iconic observation tower with an outdoor viewing deck and arcade, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, a museum with famous film and TV cars like the Batmobile.
The alpine beauty of Gatlinburg is perfect for a couple’s getaway. Vacation rentals are available near romantic locations like Roaring Fork, a stream that leads to a serene waterfall in the woods, and Cataract Falls, a set of roaring waterfalls in a mountainous area with hiking trails. You may also enjoy the Place of a Thousand Drips, a picturesque wooded area with lush greenery and tranquil waterfalls and rock pools.
Whatever your vacation needs, you'll find a rental property in or around Gatlinburg that's a match made in heaven. Here are some of our favorites:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Gatlinburg vacation rental for you.
You need only step foot inside one of Vrbo's tiny house vacation rentals in Gatlinburg to figure out that great things really do come in small packages. Ingeniously designed to maximize every spare inch of space, these pint-sized pads deliver a big vacation experience:
There's something undeniably cozy about curling up in a log cabin with a cup of coffee and a novel. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and spend a couple of nights or longer at one of these log cabins in Gatlinburg:
We all deserve an escape from the daily grind now and then. If you're longing for a couple of uninterrupted mornings lounging around in bed with a good book, there's no shortage of excellent weekend getaways in and near Gatlinburg. Check out two of our favorites:
Studio apartments may be small in size, but they pack a mighty punch when it comes to location and convenience. Spend your getaway at one of these cozy studio apartments in or near Gatlinburg:
Whether you're looking for a cabin for you and a few friends or a vacation home with enough room for the family, short-term rentals are easy to find in and around Gatlinburg. These properties make a comfortable base for a quick trip:
Forget flowers and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to take off for a weekend, just you and your sweetie. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Gatlinburg that would make Cupid green with envy. Here are some to tempt you:
Vacation with others and have more fun. Whether you're organizing an adventurous escape with your best friends or a big family get-together, you'll have your choice of large group vacation rentals in and near Gatlinburg:
Sometimes you just have to get away from it all … with, you know, 30 or more of your close friends. Whether you're searching for somewhere to stay with the extended fam or you're organizing a shindig, we have large vacation rentals in and around Gatlinburg that'll fit your entire party:
A pool is often a must-have when choosing where to stay on vacation, especially if you've got kids in tow. Browse these houses with a pool in or near Gatlinburg and spend your days splashing about:
Gatlinburg has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging between 55 ºF and 85 ºF. But there's no need to wait until summer to visit! Take a look at the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the ideal Gatlinburg vacation rental and plan your escape for whatever season you like.