Road Tripping The Smokies: Budget Tips For A Dreamy Scenic Getaway

When the warm weather hits, there’s nothing like packing up the car and heading somewhere new. For a scenic escape, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a top pick for families craving a four-wheel getaway. Below, we’ll share money-saving tips to help you hit the road without overspending, plus a few alternative destinations to add to your itinerary.

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Your Scenic Journey Begins Here

Nestled on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States. Drawing over 12 million annual visitors, the park boasts a variety of wildlife and ecosystems, including roughly 1,900 American Black Bears and 34 hiking trails of varying difficulties.

Getting There

Visitors can enter the park for free anytime using one of the three main entrances, located in Gatlinburg, TN, Townsend, TN and Cherokee, NC. If you plan to hike, pick up a parking pass before your excursions — however, it’s not required if you’re just passing through to view the sites and snap some photos. Just be sure to fill up on gas and pack some water, as amenities may be sparse.

For those looking to sightsee from the comfort of their vehicles, drive scenic routes like the Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441), which offers 33 miles of beauty and reaches an elevation of 5,056 feet as you travel between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Along the way, you’ll find numerous overlooks, historical markers highlighting sites from President Roosevelt’s era and access to multiple hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail.

Camping options are available throughout the park, offering an immersive experience for visitors who want to connect with nature. Alternatively, those willing to hike five to eight miles to the LeConte Lodge — only accessible by foot — can enjoy scenic views from the top of Mount LeConte at 6,593 feet.

Beyond The Park: Gatlinburg and Surroundings

For more conventional lodging, the surrounding area of Gatlinburg is a preferred destination for tourists. The city has plenty of food and resort options, along with ample shopping and family-friendly attractions, including:

• The Aerial Tramway — This 2.1-mile ride offers breathtaking views as you make your way to Ober Mountain. At the top, visitors can test their bravery aboard the mountain coaster, go summer tubing or take a leap on the Cloud Catcher Zipline — featuring the highest zipline starting point in all of the Smokies.
• Dollywood — Next door in Pigeon Forge, TN, thrill-seeking families can explore the Dollywood amusement park, which touts the title of “Friendliest Theme Park.” Visitors can enjoy 50+ rides across the 160-acre property, tour the Dolly Parton Experience featuring some of her most iconic looks and feast on a steaming loaf of world-famous, fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon bread.
• Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum — This one-of-a-kind museum houses over 20,000 unique salt and pepper shaker sets from around the world, collected over 35+ years. Admission is free for kids 12 and under and just $3 for all other visitors (which can be put toward the purchase of your own set). When you’re there, leave your mark on the visitor's map by placing a pushpin indicating where you’re visiting from!

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Alternative Southern Destinations

Looking for more adventure this year? Consider these alternative road trip destinations across the south — or extend your trip to explore even more of the region in one go!Charleston, SC

From beautiful beaches and parks, like the Waterfront Park, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities in Charleston. Visit landmarks like Rainbow Row or tour Fort Sumter National Monument, which hosts events throughout the year. Along the way, stop by the Angel Oak, a massive Live Oak estimated to be 300-400 years old and the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi.

St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine offers plenty of adventures for the whole family. Explore the historic Saint George Street, or spend time at the area’s many museums, including the St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum or the Oldest Wooden School House, which dates back to the 1700s. For shoreline seekers, enjoy the white sands of Anastasia State Park or tour the waterfront Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Savannah, GA

Named the “South’s Best Small Town,” Savannah is perfect for visitors looking for a change of pace. Visitors can embrace the city’s history by walking through the Historic District, which features 22 squares of greenery, or jumping aboard a trolley tour for guided exploration. At night, join the other brave souls who choose to explore America’s most haunted city with a ghost tour.

Birmingham, AL

Birmingham is a city brimming with history. Embrace it by exploring some of its attractions like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home to the world’s most extensive motorcycle collection. For outdoor adventurers, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, along with the many city parks, are free and open to the public.

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio has many free offerings throughout the city, including sites like the iconic San Antonio River Walk. This 15-mile urban waterway encompasses numerous historic landmarks, including the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions. For more free adventures, stop by the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, which hosts events year-round.

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Budget Travel Tips: Save Without Sacrificing Fun

Vacations are notoriously expensive — but with the right planning, they don’t have to break the bank! Follow these tips to keep your vacation under budget without missing out on the fun.

Cook Your Own Meals

Eat like a local by shopping at the local grocery store rather than waiting for a table in tourist-filled restaurants for each meal. Be strategic about your purchases by planning your meals based on your available accommodations. No kitchen? No problem! Grocery stores often sell pre-made meals, too (and don’t forget to grab some road trip snacks while you’re there).

Take Advantage Of Deals

Book through discount travel websites to save money during your road trip. Travelers can often find deals on car rentals, hotel accommodations and excursions — saving you money that can be spent on experiences, not expenses.

Take advantage of travel apps throughout your trip to help save money along the way. Some apps offer discounts for essentials like filling up, grocery shopping and more. Others can help you find amenities, avoid tolls and locate the cheapest gas stations along your route.

Know Before You Go

Before your trip, research your preferred destinations and plan an itinerary to optimize your route. Consider when each attraction is open and look for deals like free admission days and savings on advanced ticket purchases. Check your route as well — without the proper planning, detours and road closures can make your travels longer and more expensive, from potential tolls to more gas usage.

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Whether you're exploring the Smokies or another Southern gem, these tips will help you travel smarter — without overspending!