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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix 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 skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Phoenix travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Phoenix, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Phoenix is more popular for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Phoenix 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. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Gatlinburg different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Phoenix is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Phoenix 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.

Phoenix offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix Better for Families?

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

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

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 Phoenix Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

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

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

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

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.

With museums and nightlife around the sprawling city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Gatlinburg is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 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 Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Phoenix.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Gatlinburg