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

Should you visit Clearwater or Detroit?

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

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Clearwater and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Clearwater. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Detroit is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Clearwater attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Clearwater is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Clearwater different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Clearwater is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for live music. However, Clearwater is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Clearwater is not a live music destination.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Detroit?

Both Clearwater and Detroit are nice 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Families?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Clearwater or Detroit Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Both Clearwater and Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Clearwater or Detroit a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Detroit both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Detroit?

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

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

In Clearwater, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the hardworking city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Detroit?

In Clearwater, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Detroit?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Clearwater has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit, 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Clearwater. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Detroit, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Detroit?

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

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Detroit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Detroit. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Detroit. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Detroit. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Clearwater