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

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Gatlinburg and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is popular 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. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Gatlinburg different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood 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 Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

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 Redwood National Park?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg to go shopping. 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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

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

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Redwood National Park are high quality 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.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do 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 Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Redwood 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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Additionally, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Redwood National Park. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Gatlinburg