A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Ocean City for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Clearwater or Ocean City?

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 Ocean City. 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 relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Clearwater and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife. Ocean City is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach.

How is Clearwater different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Clearwater is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Clearwater or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

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

Ocean City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City Better for Resorts?

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Ocean City.

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.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Is Clearwater or Ocean City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Ocean City?

Clearwater is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Clearwater to go 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Clearwater or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City 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, Ocean City is very family-friendly. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Ocean City both superb 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.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Both Clearwater and Ocean City 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 Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Clearwater or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable coastal city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Ocean City?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the outdoorsy coastal city of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

With food and nightlife around the laid back city of Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

Clearwater, a popular coastal city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Ocean City?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Ocean City?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

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 Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Clearwater is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Ocean City. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Ocean City. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Ocean City. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Clearwater