A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Gatlinburg different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always the best place to visit. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea 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, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable city. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and skiing around the wild city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the flashy destination of Gatlinburg. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

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

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

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

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Gatlinburg