If you are looking to plan the ultimate summer vacation, one of the most important steps is choosing your destination! With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to try to find a getaway spot that offers a blend of fun, convenience, and relaxation. However, the Smoky Mountains have emerged as one of the nation’s best summer vacation destinations, as they have all of these features for visitors! If you are interested in finding out more about some of the reasons why the Smokies are among the top summer vacation destinations, simply read on:
1. Drivable for More than Half of Americans
One of the top reasons why the Smoky Mountains are considered among the top summer vacation destinations is that they are within a single day’s drive for more than half of the country. This means that the area is highly accessible, with no airline tickets or overnight stays along the drive required for a large number of people. However, if you do live far enough out west that a drive to the Smokies does not make sense for you, Knoxville McGee Tyson Airport is less than an hour and a half’s drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Smoky Mountains National Park.
2. Pleasant Temperatures
When planning a summer vacation, some destinations might seem appealing until you check the weather forecast and see the temperatures! While the Smokies do get warm during the summer, especially at lower elevations during July and August, average temperatures are lower than much of the rest of the country. Evenings throughout the area are usually nice, with temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and higher elevations even remain relatively cool during the daytime!
3. Tons of Fun Summer Events
Another of the reasons why the Smokies are among the best summer vacation destinations is that the area hosts lots of fun events that you can check out when you visit! For instance, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Dollywood features colorful decorations, exciting entertainment, and a fireworks finale every evening. This is just one of many summer events that take place here in the Smokies, making it easy to find things to do during your trip. You can learn more about summer events in the Smoky Mountains right here!
4. Budget-Friendly Activities
If you are trying to plan a summer vacation that doesn’t break the bank, the Smokies are ideal for you. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee, and only a small parking fee (either $5 daily or $15 weekly), so you can explore the 800+ miles of trails throughout the park at an affordable price. Or, you can take a scenic drive in the park without spending anything! You can also check out some of the fun things to do on the Gatlinburg strip that don’t cost a penny, including riding the charming town trolley, and more.
Now that you know a bit more about some of the top reasons why the Smoky Mountains are among the best summer vacation destinations, you can probably see why the area welcomes lots of visitors during the summertime! If you are ready to plan your very own summer vacation to the Smoky Mountains, you should be aware that accommodations can fill up fast during this popular time of the year. That is why we suggest reserving a place to stay as soon as you know your trip dates. Check out our featured lodging in the Smoky Mountains right here to find the perfect spot for your stay!
