The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the 1542 landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, marking the first European expedition to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. The monument offers stunning views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and visitors can explore tide pools, trails, and historical exhibits.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is the area’s top haunted house. Live actors and world-class frights are all in store. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to experience state-of-the-art fun and scares, so bring family, friends, and yourself to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure! Children under six are not permitted.