A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its museums & sights, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Gatlinburg?

Boca Raton is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Boca Raton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Boca Raton has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

There are high quality resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Gatlinburg.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Boca Raton is a very popular vacation destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. 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.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Gatlinburg?

Boca Raton is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Boca Raton is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly destination. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Gatlinburg both high quality destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton and Gatlinburg both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Gatlinburg, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Gatlinburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Gatlinburg?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Gatlinburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Boca Raton 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. Boca Raton is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Gatlinburg. The spring months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches.

In the spring, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gatlinburg. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Boca Raton