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

Should you visit Columbia or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbia and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Columbia and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Columbia is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Columbia and Gatlinburg.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Columbia and Gatlinburg.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbia. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Gatlinburg may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Gatlinburg?

Both Columbia and Gatlinburg are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Columbia is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Columbia offers lots of family activities. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

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 Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Columbia is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city 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 mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Columbia or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Gatlinburg?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Gatlinburg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In July, Columbia is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Columbia is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 171 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. Columbia usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Gatlinburg.

In April, Columbia is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Columbia