A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Clearwater or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Clearwater and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Palm Springs is known for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Palm Springs is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach.

How is Clearwater different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Palm Springs both to be high quality destinations.

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.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Palm Springs just to party. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Palm Springs for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

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

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Palm Springs?

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

Palm Springs is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Palm Springs are high quality 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, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Palm Springs both high quality 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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Both Clearwater and Palm Springs offer decent 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Clearwater or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Palm Springs both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Clearwater due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs than Clearwater. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Palm Springs that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Clearwater or Palm Springs?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the chic city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Palm Springs?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs, a popular city, 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 Palm Springs?

Clearwater is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Palm Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palm Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Palm Springs?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Palm Springs. The spring months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Clearwater