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

Should you visit Clearwater or New Bern?

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 New Bern. 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 outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and New Bern 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, and beaches, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Clearwater is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Clearwater different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

Clearwater is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Clearwater has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Clearwater. 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or New Bern?

Both Clearwater and New Bern are good 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 New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Families?

Clearwater is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Clearwater or New Bern Better for Couples?

Clearwater is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Clearwater frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Clearwater is a coastal city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Clearwater or New Bern a more walkable city?

Clearwater and New Bern both are good when exploring on foot.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or New Bern?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Clearwater, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern, 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 New Bern?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or New Bern?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and New Bern. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than New Bern. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as New Bern. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than New Bern. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than New Bern. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm.

Clearwater is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than New Bern. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Clearwater