A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Gatlinburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ocean City and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its food and beaches. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Gatlinburg is well known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip.

How is Ocean City different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Ocean City 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 Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Gatlinburg offer a relatively similar set of great luxury resort options.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

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.

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

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

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg to go shopping. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Gatlinburg make for a great place to visit.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Ocean City or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Gatlinburg?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Gatlinburg. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. Ocean City is much colder than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Ocean City