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

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

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Washington 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.

Washington and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington. Although Washington and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Washington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Washington is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Washington and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Washington is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House.

How is Washington different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Washington 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.

Washington is not a skiing destination.

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

Washington is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Theater?

Washington is great for theatre. However, Gatlinburg is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Gatlinburg is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Music?

Washington is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Gatlinburg?

Washington is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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 Washington or Gatlinburg More Beautiful?

Washington is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

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

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Washington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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

Is Washington or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its walkability. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Washington?

How long in Washington or Gatlinburg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Gatlinburg 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Gatlinburg?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

With museums and skiing around the wild city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Gatlinburg?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 city.

Five days in Washington or Gatlinburg?

Washington, 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Gatlinburg?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

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 Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Gatlinburg?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

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

Washington is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°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 Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Washington gets 278 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. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Washington is cooler than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gatlinburg. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during winter. Washington gets 139 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, Washington usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Washington is cooler than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°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 Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Washington