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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Sonoma?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Sonoma?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sonoma than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sonoma is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, and nightlife. Gatlinburg is well known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sonoma is well known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Also, Sonoma is famous for Buena Vista Winery.

How is Gatlinburg different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Sonoma Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing. However, Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

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

Sonoma has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for nightlife.

Gatlinburg is a must-see 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.

Sonoma offers plenty to do in the evening. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

Is Gatlinburg or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Sonoma.

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.

Sonoma is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Is Gatlinburg or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

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

Sonoma is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Gatlinburg and Sonoma.

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.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma Better for Families?

Sonoma is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Sonoma offers lots of family activities. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

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 Sonoma Better for Couples?

Sonoma 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, Sonoma has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Gatlinburg or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Sonoma 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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Sonoma?

Sonoma has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Sonoma. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Sonoma. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Gatlinburg