A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Kennebunkport for Nightlife, Food, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Kennebunkport is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking, while Kennebunkport is known for its food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Kennebunkport 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. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Gatlinburg different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport.

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.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

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

Kennebunkport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

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

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport are great 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.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport 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, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the wild destination of Gatlinburg. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Kennebunkport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport 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 comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport?

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

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Kennebunkport during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Kennebunkport. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Kennebunkport. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Gatlinburg