A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Martha's Vineyard for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard 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 nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Gatlinburg and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Martha's Vineyard, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard 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. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Gatlinburg different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Martha's Vineyard is a perfect choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Martha's Vineyard has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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.

Is Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Martha's Vineyard. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Martha's Vineyard. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Martha's Vineyard. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Gatlinburg