A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Avon for Nightlife, Skiing, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Avon?

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 Avon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

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

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Avon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Avon are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Avon is known for its skiing and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Avon 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. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Gatlinburg different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is great for skiing. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for snow skiing.

Avon offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

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.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Avon 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 Avon. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

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 Avon Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Gatlinburg or Avon Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Gatlinburg or Avon Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Avon?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Gatlinburg or Avon Better for Families?

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

Avon offers lots of family activities. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

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 Avon Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Gatlinburg and Avon both offer good public transit to get you around.

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.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Is Gatlinburg or Avon a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Avon 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 Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Avon?

Avon has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Avon, 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.