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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sacramento travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Sacramento are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Gatlinburg different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Sacramento Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sacramento is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Sacramento is not a skiing destination.

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

Sacramento 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 Sacramento specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

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 Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Gatlinburg or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

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

Sacramento offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Gatlinburg or Sacramento Better for Families?

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

Sacramento offers lots of family activities. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

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 Sacramento Better for Couples?

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

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Sacramento a more walkable city?

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gatlinburg or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Gatlinburg than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

With museums and skiing around the wild city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

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

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Gatlinburg, 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.

Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Sacramento. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gatlinburg is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Gatlinburg