A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Food, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pensacola travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Pensacola and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

Both Gatlinburg and Pensacola have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Pensacola is very popular for its food and beaches, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Pensacola is famous for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Gatlinburg is famous for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How is Pensacola different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for snow skiing. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Gatlinburg.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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.

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

Pensacola is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Pensacola and Gatlinburg.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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.

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

Both Pensacola and Gatlinburg are nice shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Pensacola is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Both Pensacola and Gatlinburg are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Pensacola. 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Pensacola, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pensacola, 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 beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the flashy 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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

Pensacola, a popular beach town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild 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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

Pensacola is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Gatlinburg?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Gatlinburg. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Pensacola is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Pensacola or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Gatlinburg. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Pensacola