A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Tallahassee and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Tallahassee and is 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. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.

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

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and Gatlinburg can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

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.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for 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.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Tallahassee is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

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 Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tallahassee is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Tallahassee is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is very popular with students. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee 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 generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Tallahassee or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Gatlinburg?

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

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 Tallahassee or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.

In the summer, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Gatlinburg. The winter months attract visitors to Tallahassee 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. Tallahassee is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Gatlinburg.

In the spring, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Gatlinburg. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Tallahassee