A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. The Hamptons for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons 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 skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while The Hamptons is known for its food, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than The Hamptons 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. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Gatlinburg different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or The Hamptons Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for winter skiing. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or The Hamptons?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

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 The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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 The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Gatlinburg or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and The Hamptons.

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.

The Hamptons is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Is Gatlinburg or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to The Hamptons to enjoy the beach. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons Better for Families?

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

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

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 The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and The Hamptons are superb 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.

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination 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 quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Gatlinburg or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or The Hamptons?

Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 The Hamptons because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hamptons can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and The Hamptons. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Gatlinburg