A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

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

Saint Augustine and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Gatlinburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city 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 mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Gatlinburg both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°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 Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Gatlinburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°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 Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Gatlinburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Saint Augustine