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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Arlington?

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 Gatlinburg and Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

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

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Arlington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Arlington 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. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Gatlinburg different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Gatlinburg or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington 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 Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Arlington?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Arlington offers some nice shopping areas. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Families?

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

Arlington offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

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 Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Arlington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Arlington a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Arlington are excellent when it comes to 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.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Arlington, we can see that Arlington 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Arlington, 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 Gatlinburg or Arlington?

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 Gatlinburg or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Arlington. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Gatlinburg