A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

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 Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is well known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Gatlinburg is well known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg both to be respectable destinations.

Myrtle Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

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.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Myrtle Beach just to party. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

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.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

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 Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gatlinburg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife around the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Gatlinburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this flashy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 beach city.

Gatlinburg is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Myrtle Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and skiing around the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gatlinburg is a popular place to 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Myrtle Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Myrtle Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg, 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 Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach