A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

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

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Gatlinburg different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

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

Bar Harbor offers lots of family activities. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for 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 Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor are superb 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.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town 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 mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor are superb 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.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable city. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

With museums and skiing around the wild city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Gatlinburg, a popular city, 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.

Bar Harbor, a popular coastal town, 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.

A week in Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Gatlinburg 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.

Bar Harbor 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 comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor, 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Bar Harbor. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Gatlinburg