A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Yosemite National Park for Nightlife, Hiking, Backpackers, and Resorts

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

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 Yosemite National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and popular national park. Many visitors also come to Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is well 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. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome.

How is Gatlinburg different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gatlinburg. 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Yosemite National Park. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Yosemite National Park.

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.

Yosemite National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg to go shopping. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

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

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg and Yosemite National Park both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Is Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

Both Gatlinburg and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than in Gatlinburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The city of Gatlinburg offers museums and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the breathtaking national park of Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The high energy destination of Gatlinburg offers skiing and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Yosemite National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Yosemite National Park?

Gatlinburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Gatlinburg. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Yosemite National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. 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 Yosemite National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Yosemite National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yosemite National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park.

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