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

Should you visit Clearwater or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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 adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Clearwater and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Roanoke?

You'll generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Roanoke. Clearwater is bigger than Roanoke, 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 Roanoke is more popular for its hiking. Clearwater is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Clearwater different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Roanoke.

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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Roanoke?

Both Clearwater and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Families?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Clearwater. 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Roanoke 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.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Clearwater or Roanoke a more walkable city?

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

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Roanoke. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. 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.

One day in Clearwater or Roanoke?

In Clearwater, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic town of Roanoke, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roanoke, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Roanoke?

In Clearwater, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Roanoke, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Roanoke?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Clearwater has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke, a popular town, 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Clearwater. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Roanoke?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Roanoke. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Clearwater is much warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Roanoke. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Roanoke. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Clearwater