A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Gatlinburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Gatlinburg

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

Beaufort and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Beaufort and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Beaufort is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Beaufort and 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. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaufort or Gatlinburg?

Both Beaufort and Gatlinburg have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Beaufort is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Beaufort to enjoy the beach. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Gatlinburg?

Both Beaufort and Gatlinburg are good shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

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 Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

For families, Beaufort is not always the best place to visit. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to 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 Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Beaufort and Gatlinburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Beaufort is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Beaufort or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Gatlinburg both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable town. 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 Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Gatlinburg?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

Beaufort is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the summer, Beaufort often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Beaufort is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaufort or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Beaufort during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beaufort usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Beaufort