A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Monterey for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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 nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Monterey and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Gatlinburg different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a skiing destination.

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

Monterey is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monterey to enjoy the beach. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Monterey are high quality 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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey 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, Monterey 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 generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Gatlinburg or Monterey a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Monterey are high quality 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.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Monterey?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Gatlinburg 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 Monterey.

One day in Gatlinburg or Monterey?

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Monterey?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, there's plenty to do. 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 Monterey?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Monterey, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Monterey?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Monterey?

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

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Monterey. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Monterey. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

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

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Monterey. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

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

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Gatlinburg