A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Gatlinburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Sarasota and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Sarasota and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and beaches. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Sarasota and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

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

Sarasota 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 Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

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 Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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.

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Sarasota is a good city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Sarasota or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarasota or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sarasota due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing city of Sarasota, 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.

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

Sarasota, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

Sarasota is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Gatlinburg, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Gatlinburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Gatlinburg?

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

Both Gatlinburg and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

In July, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Sarasota 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 Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Sarasota or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Sarasota 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, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Gatlinburg. The spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches.

In April, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), 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 Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Sarasota