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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Gatlinburg

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

Cape Canaveral and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg?

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Cape Canaveral from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

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.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Cape Canaveral to enjoy the beach. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for shopping. 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 Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Gatlinburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Gatlinburg, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg?

Cape Canaveral has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Gatlinburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Furthermore, 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. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Cape Canaveral