A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Columbia River Gorge for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge 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 museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge 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, and resorts, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its food and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge 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. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Gatlinburg different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Columbia River Gorge offers some nice shopping areas. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge are excellent 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Columbia River Gorge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Columbia River Gorge. 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.

One day in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

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 shopping and nightlife around the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, 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 region.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

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.

Columbia River Gorge, a popular region, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The flashy 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

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

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

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

Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

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

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Gatlinburg