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

Should you visit Clearwater or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster. 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 adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Lancaster. Clearwater is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Clearwater is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lancaster is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Clearwater is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Clearwater different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Clearwater and Lancaster have great 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.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Clearwater has a few options to choose from. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Lancaster?

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

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Lancaster 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, Lancaster is very family-friendly. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Lancaster 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.

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Both Clearwater and Lancaster offer respectable 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Clearwater or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Lancaster?

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

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the traditional town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 town.

Five days in Clearwater or Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventure-filled coastal city of Clearwater. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Lancaster, a popular town, 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 Lancaster?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Lancaster?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Lancaster this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Lancaster. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Clearwater