Should I Visit Gatlinburg or Santa Monica? Which is Better for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Attractions? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

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

Gatlinburg

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

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Gatlinburg and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is famous for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Gatlinburg different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusem*nt park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Families?

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

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusem*nt park.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusem*nt 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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Santa Monica are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and 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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Gatlinburg or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Santa Monica are great when it comes to walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. 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.

Santa Monica is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Santa Monica, 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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica?

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 Gatlinburg or Santa Monica in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Santa Monica. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Gatlinburg