A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Clearwater and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

You'll generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Portland, Maine. Clearwater is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Clearwater is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Clearwater is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Clearwater different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Clearwater is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Portland, Maine.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

Both Clearwater and Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Clearwater does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Clearwater is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Clearwater is known to be 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Clearwater is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine 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, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Clearwater or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

The relaxing destination of Clearwater offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Portland, Maine?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Portland, Maine. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 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 Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Clearwater