A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Olympic 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 Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Gatlinburg and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Gatlinburg different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.

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.

Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park.

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.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Olympic National Park.

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.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Is Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic 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 Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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 Olympic National Park?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

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

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Olympic National Park are great 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.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Olympic National Park. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Olympic National Park. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

Both Olympic National Park and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Gatlinburg