A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg. 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Clearwater different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg.

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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Clearwater. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and Saint Petersburg both offer first-rate 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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

Both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg are good 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 Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg 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, Saint Petersburg is very family-friendly. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Clearwater or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Clearwater is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg, 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.

A weekend in Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxing coastal city of Clearwater. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area 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 Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Petersburg 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Saint Petersburg. The spring months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Petersburg. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Clearwater