A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Berkeley for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

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

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Berkeley travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Berkeley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Berkeley is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Berkeley and is popular 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. Berkeley is well known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Gatlinburg different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

Berkeley is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Berkeley specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced 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 Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Berkeley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley More Beautiful?

Berkeley is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley Better for Families?

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

Berkeley offers lots of family activities. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Berkeley Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is renowned for its walkability. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable 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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Berkeley. 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 Berkeley than Gatlinburg 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 Berkeley.

One day in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the quirky city of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. 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 Berkeley?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Berkeley, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley, a popular 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.

A week in Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Berkeley 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 Berkeley, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Berkeley?

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

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Berkeley. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Berkeley. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Berkeley. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Gatlinburg