A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Durango for Hiking, Couples, Skiing, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Durango?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Durango are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Durango is known for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Durango and is known 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. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Gatlinburg different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Durango.

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.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Durango.

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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is very good for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Durango is a good destination for visiting its old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Gatlinburg and Durango.

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.

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Durango?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango More Beautiful?

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

Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Families?

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

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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 Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Gatlinburg or Durango a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Durango?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Durango. 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 Durango?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Durango?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 small town.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Durango?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango, a popular small town, 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Durango, 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.