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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known 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. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Gatlinburg different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Virginia Beach to enjoy the beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Virginia Beach is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly destination. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Virginia Beach. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Gatlinburg