A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Atlantic City or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Gatlinburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Atlantic City and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, and hiking, while Atlantic City is known for its food and beaches. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip.

How is Atlantic City different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Gatlinburg.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

There are high quality resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Gatlinburg.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Is Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Gatlinburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gatlinburg and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Atlantic City is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Atlantic City is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City and Gatlinburg.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Atlantic City and Gatlinburg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Gatlinburg?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

Atlantic City is cooler than Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 273 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 Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is cooler than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches.

Atlantic City is much colder than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Atlantic City