A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park?

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 Joshua Tree National Park 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 skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Gatlinburg and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park 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. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Gatlinburg different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gatlinburg is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly destination. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Joshua Tree National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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