A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Redwood National Park for Beaches, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park. 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.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Clearwater and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Clearwater different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

Clearwater is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

Clearwater is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Redwood National Park are excellent 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, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Redwood National Park both excellent 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.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park 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, Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Clearwater or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

In either Clearwater or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Clearwater has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Clearwater than Redwood National Park. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

In Clearwater, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the impressive park of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Clearwater. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Redwood National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In July, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 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 Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Redwood National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°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 Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 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 Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Clearwater