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

Should you visit Clearwater or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Clearwater and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Clearwater. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Clearwater attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Clearwater is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Clearwater different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Clearwater and Dallas have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Dallas both to be high quality 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.

Dallas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Clearwater or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Clearwater. 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Dallas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Clearwater is a very popular vacation 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Dallas?

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

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Dallas are high quality 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, Dallas is very family-friendly. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Clearwater or Dallas Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Dallas both high quality 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.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Dallas is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Clearwater or Dallas a more walkable city?

Clearwater is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Clearwater due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Dallas. 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 Dallas. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas.

One day in Clearwater or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the chic city of Dallas, there's plenty to do. 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 Dallas?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas, a popular city, 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Clearwater. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Dallas. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In Dallas, 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 Dallas. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Dallas. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Clearwater is much warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Dallas. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Dallas. The spring months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the spring, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Clearwater