A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Hilton Head Island for Beaches, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Clearwater different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Clearwater specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

There are high quality resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Hilton Head Island.

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.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Both Clearwater and Hilton Head Island are notable 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 Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Clearwater or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Clearwater is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Both Clearwater and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Clearwater. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Clearwater. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 shopping and food around the resort-filled coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Clearwater is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy coastal city of Clearwater. Most people visit for the beaches. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Clearwater. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the beaches. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Clearwater has to offer.

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. 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 Hilton Head Island, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Hilton Head Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilton Head Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Hilton Head Island?

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

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Hilton Head Island. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Hilton Head Island. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°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 Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In April, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Clearwater