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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gatlinburg and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gatlinburg. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

With shopping and nightlife around the spirited coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The wild destination of Gatlinburg offers skiing and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

Fort Lauderdale, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?

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

Both Gatlinburg and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°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 Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 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 Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°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 Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°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 Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Fort Lauderdale