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

Should you visit Clearwater or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville. 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 adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Clearwater and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Clearwater is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Clearwater different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Clearwater has a huge number of terrific 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Charlottesville.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is terrific for the beache. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Charlottesville to see the historical old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

Clearwater is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

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

Charlottesville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Clearwater is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Charlottesville is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a world-class destination for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

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

Both Clearwater and Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Clearwater or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

The adventure-filled destination of Clearwater offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

Five days in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville, a popular university 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.

A week in Clearwater or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Charlottesville?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Clearwater or Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Charlottesville. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Charlottesville. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Clearwater