A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Clearwater for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Clearwater, 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Clearwater: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums & sights. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Clearwater?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Clearwater has a few options to choose from. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Clearwater is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Clearwater both offer plenty of notable spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is very family-friendly. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Clearwater are both great to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Clearwater is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Clearwater a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Clearwater Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Clearwater or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

In either Cape Canaveral or Clearwater, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than Cape Canaveral because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 3-5 days is enough time in Clearwater.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater than Cape Canaveral 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 Clearwater.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

With museums and food around the wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

In Clearwater, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Clearwater is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Clearwater. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Clearwater, 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 Cape Canaveral or Clearwater?

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 Cape Canaveral or Clearwater in the Summer?

Both Clearwater and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Clearwater. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Clearwater averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Clearwater. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Clearwater in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Clearwater. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Clearwater in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Clearwater. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Clearwater in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Clearwater fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Clearwater. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Clearwater in the Spring?

Both Clearwater and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Clearwater. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Clearwater averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Cape Canaveral