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

Should you visit Miami or Gatlinburg?

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 Miami and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

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

Miami and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, museums, and hiking. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How is Miami different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for winter skiing. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Gatlinburg.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Gatlinburg is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Music?

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Gatlinburg?

Miami 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 Miami. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Miami is a very family-friendly destination. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Both Miami and Gatlinburg are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Gatlinburg is a great beach 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.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the 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 Miami or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Gatlinburg.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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.

Is Miami or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Miami and Gatlinburg both are very good when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable beach 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Gatlinburg, we can see that Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Miami or Gatlinburg?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

Miami is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Gatlinburg. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Miami is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Miami