A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Clearwater different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea both to be very good 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

In Clearwater, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Clearwater is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Clearwater is known to be 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea both very good 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer respectable 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful coastal city of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 town.

Five days in Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and food around the relaxing destination of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Clearwater is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Clearwater