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

Should you visit Clearwater or Durango?

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 Durango. 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Clearwater and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Durango are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Durango is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Clearwater is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Clearwater different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Durango and Clearwater. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Durango?

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

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.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

Clearwater is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Clearwater. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Resorts?

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

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Durango?

Clearwater is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Durango are excellent 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, Durango is very family-friendly. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Couples?

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

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Clearwater or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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 Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Clearwater is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Clearwater or Durango a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Durango?

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

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

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.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Durango?

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.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 small town.

Five days in Clearwater or Durango?

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.

Durango, a popular small town, 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 Durango?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Durango?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Durango, 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.