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

Should you visit Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Clearwater different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge.

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 Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

Both Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge are great 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, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Columbia River Gorge offer decent 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable coastal city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Clearwater. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, 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 region.

Five days in Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Clearwater for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Clearwater. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge, a popular region, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The adventure-filled destination of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Columbia River Gorge. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

Clearwater is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Clearwater