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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or San Antonio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and San Antonio 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 San Antonio is known for its museums, food, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular 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. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Gatlinburg different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or San Antonio?

San Antonio 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 San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

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 San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is very good for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or San Antonio?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and San Antonio both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. 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.

San Antonio offers some nice shopping areas. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Students?

San Antonio is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options 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 mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Gatlinburg or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal 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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is San Antonio Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as San Antonio. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to San Antonio for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gatlinburg is cooler than San Antonio in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio 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 San Antonio because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and San Antonio averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or San Antonio in the Winter?

Both San Antonio 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. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much colder than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and San Antonio. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the natural beauty.

Gatlinburg is cooler than San Antonio in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Gatlinburg