A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit La Paz or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Gatlinburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

La Paz and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach.

How is La Paz different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Gatlinburg?

La Paz 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 La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

La Paz is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Gatlinburg?

La Paz 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 La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

La Paz is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

La Paz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

Both La Paz and Gatlinburg offer nice public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Gatlinburg has some public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is La Paz or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

La Paz and Gatlinburg both are superb when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Gatlinburg?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Gatlinburg, 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 La Paz or Gatlinburg?

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 La Paz or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

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

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

La Paz is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Gatlinburg. The beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In April, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and La Paz