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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Fairbanks is more popular for its impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known 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. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Gatlinburg different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

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.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Fairbanks.

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.

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Fairbanks.

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 Fairbanks. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Gatlinburg and Fairbanks.

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.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Fairbanks both offer plenty of notable 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.

Fairbanks offers some nice shopping areas. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Families?

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

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer 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 Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Gatlinburg or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. 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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Gatlinburg or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Gatlinburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Gatlinburg than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the unique city of Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, 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 city.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the flashy city of Gatlinburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks, a popular city, 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 Fairbanks?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Gatlinburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the autumn. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Gatlinburg