A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Beaufort for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort. 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 relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming, historic, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Beaufort is known for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Clearwater is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Clearwater different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Clearwater can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Beaufort both to be great destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is notable for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

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 Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is notable for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Beaufort?

Both Clearwater and Beaufort are good shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Families?

Clearwater is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Beaufort both great 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.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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

Clearwater is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Clearwater or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater than Beaufort 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 Clearwater or Beaufort?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Beaufort?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 town.

Five days in Clearwater or Beaufort?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Clearwater, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Beaufort?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Beaufort 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Beaufort?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Beaufort, 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 Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Beaufort. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Beaufort. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Beaufort. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Beaufort. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Clearwater