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

Should you visit Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Gatlinburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wilmington travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Wilmington and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Wilmington 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 Wilmington is known for its food, beaches, and historical sights. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Wilmington 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. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Gatlinburg.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Gatlinburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

With museums and skiing around the flashy 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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

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

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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

Wilmington, a popular city, 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 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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

Wilmington 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 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Gatlinburg?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Wilmington gets 283 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 Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°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 Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Wilmington or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Gatlinburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Wilmington gets 180 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, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Wilmington