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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket 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 shopping, museums, and skiing.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Gatlinburg and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing and nightlife. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Nantucket and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Gatlinburg different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Nantucket.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Nantucket.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

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

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Gatlinburg and Nantucket.

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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Nantucket?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

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

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket 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, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg and Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Gatlinburg or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Nantucket are very good 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.

Nantucket is a very walkable city. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Nantucket. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Gatlinburg