A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. Many visitors also come to Bryce Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Bryce Canyon National Park travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Bryce Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is famous for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters.

How is Gatlinburg different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon National Park. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Gatlinburg is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Bryce Canyon National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Gatlinburg is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park More Beautiful?

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bryce Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park is one of the most uniquely beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors glow and the hoodoos have a magical quality.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very family-friendly destination. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Bryce Canyon National Park are very good 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bryce Canyon National Park. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Is Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Gatlinburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Gatlinburg, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this wild destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the breathtaking park of Bryce Canyon National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Gatlinburg, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the destination of Bryce Canyon 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Gatlinburg. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Gatlinburg. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Bryce Canyon National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Bryce Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bryce Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon 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 Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive?.