A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Gatlinburg for Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Destin or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Gatlinburg

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

Destin and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Destin and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Destin 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. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for snow skiing. However, Destin 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.

Destin is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin 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 Destin. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

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 Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a must-see party destination. 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.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Gatlinburg.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

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.

Is Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin 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.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Gatlinburg?

Both Destin and Gatlinburg are good shopping destinations.

Destin is a great destination for shopping. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

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 Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Destin is a very family-friendly destination. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

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 Destin or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach 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 Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

Is Destin or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. 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.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

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

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Gatlinburg, we can see that Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Gatlinburg?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Gatlinburg. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Gatlinburg. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Destin is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Destin