A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Saint Petersburg and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and attractions, food, and beaches. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Saint Petersburg 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. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg 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 generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg. In our opinion, Gatlinburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gatlinburg than Saint Petersburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, 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 nightlife and shopping around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, 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 beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the high energy city of Gatlinburg. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°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 Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 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 Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°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 Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg 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 January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°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 Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Saint Petersburg