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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Zion 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 Zion National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Zion National Park

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

Gatlinburg and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Gatlinburg and Zion National Park are both popular with visitors, Zion National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zion National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Zion National Park is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also home to Angels Landing.

How is Gatlinburg different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Zion 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 Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion 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 Zion National Park specifically for its hiking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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 Zion National Park?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for 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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Zion National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park Better for Families?

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

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly destination. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Zion National Park are excellent 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.

Zion National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

Gatlinburg and Zion National Park both offer good 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.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Is Gatlinburg or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Gatlinburg or Zion National Park?

Both Gatlinburg and Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the wild destination of Gatlinburg. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the stunning park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Gatlinburg is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild city of Gatlinburg. Most people visit for the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.

With around the destination of Zion National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Gatlinburg. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Zion National Park, a popular 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 park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Zion National Park?

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Zion National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this 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 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 Zion National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park Expensive?.