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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Mystic?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Mystic is known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Mystic and is known 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. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character.

How is Gatlinburg different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a skiing destination.

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

Mystic 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 Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic 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 Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, 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 Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic Better for Beaches?

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

Mystic is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

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

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic 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, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Gatlinburg or Mystic a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Mystic 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 comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Mystic?

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Mystic. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic 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 Mystic during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 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 Mystic. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Mystic. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Mystic. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Mystic and Gatlinburg