A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Acadia National Park for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

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 Acadia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

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

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Acadia National Park 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. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Gatlinburg different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its 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.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Acadia National Park.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Acadia National Park. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Acadia National Park to enjoy the beach. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Gatlinburg and Acadia National Park.

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.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Acadia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

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 Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

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 Acadia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Acadia National Park 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 Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Gatlinburg. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the scenic national park of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Gatlinburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With around the destination of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Gatlinburg for five days. You'll find museums and skiing around the city of Gatlinburg. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Acadia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

The wild destination of Gatlinburg offers skiing and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park?

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 Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Acadia National Park. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Acadia National Park. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Acadia National Park. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Gatlinburg