A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Asheville?

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 Clearwater and Asheville. 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and relaxing coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Clearwater and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Asheville?

Both Asheville and Clearwater have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Asheville attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Clearwater is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Clearwater different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Asheville?

Clearwater is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Clearwater is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Clearwater. 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.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Asheville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for live music. However, Clearwater is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Clearwater is not a live music destination.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. 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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Clearwater. 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Asheville?

Asheville is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Clearwater. 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 Clearwater or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Clearwater does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Clearwater does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Asheville are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Asheville is very family-friendly. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Asheville both excellent destinations for a couple.

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.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

Is Clearwater or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

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

Both Clearwater and Asheville offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Clearwater or Asheville a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Asheville both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Asheville. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the eclectic mountain town of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Clearwater or Asheville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

Five days in Clearwater or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventure-filled coastal city of Clearwater. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Asheville, a popular mountain town, 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 Clearwater or Asheville?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Asheville 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Asheville, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Asheville.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Asheville?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Asheville, 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 Clearwater or Asheville?

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 Clearwater or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Asheville. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Asheville. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Asheville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Asheville. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Asheville. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Clearwater is much warmer than Asheville in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Asheville. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Asheville in the Spring?

Both Asheville and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Clearwater is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Clearwater