A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Acapulco de Juarez and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Both Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Acapulco de Juarez and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gatlinburg. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg has a better nightlife scene.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Acapulco de Juarez has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Acapulco de Juarez and Gatlinburg.

You'll find some public transit in Acapulco de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Gatlinburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Acapulco de Juarez