A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nags Head or Gatlinburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Nags Head and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Nags Head and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Nags Head is known for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nags Head 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 Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

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 Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Nags Head is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination 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 limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Nags Head or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination 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.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the high energy city of Gatlinburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Gatlinburg?

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 Nags Head or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nags Head or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Gatlinburg.

Nags Head is cooler than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Nags Head