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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Daytona Beach and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its music, beaches, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Gatlinburg is well known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How is Daytona Beach different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Daytona Beach and Gatlinburg offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

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 Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Both Daytona Beach and Gatlinburg are world-class when it comes to partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Gatlinburg is a must-see party destination. 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 Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

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.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Daytona Beach is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Daytona Beach is not always the best place to visit. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

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 Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach 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, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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 quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

Families should spend more time in Daytona Beach than Gatlinburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Daytona Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Daytona Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gatlinburg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Daytona Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gatlinburg.

One day in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

With live music and nightlife around the energetic beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Daytona Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Gatlinburg. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

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

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for 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. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Daytona Beach