A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Saint Simons for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Clearwater or Saint Simons?

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

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Clearwater and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Saint Simons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Saint Simons are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Saint Simons is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Clearwater different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Saint Simons both to be superb 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 Simons has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

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

Clearwater is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Saint Simons?

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

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Saint Simons Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Saint Simons are superb 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 Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons 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, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Clearwater or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Saint Simons both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Saint Simons?

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

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

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saint Simons?

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.

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 island.

Five days in Clearwater or Saint Simons?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy 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.

Saint Simons, a popular island, 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 Simons?

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.

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

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 Simons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Saint Simons?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Saint Simons, 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 Simons?

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Saint Simons. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Saint Simons. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Simons in the Spring?

Both Saint Simons and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Saint Simons. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Clearwater