A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Sarasota for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Clearwater or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Clearwater and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Sarasota?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater than Sarasota. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Clearwater is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Clearwater different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Clearwater and Sarasota have excellent 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.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Clearwater is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Clearwater has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Sarasota.

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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Sarasota?

Both Clearwater and Sarasota are nice 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 Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Clearwater is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Clearwater is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Sarasota is a good coastal city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Both Clearwater and Sarasota offer reasonable 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Clearwater or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Sarasota?

In either Clearwater or Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing city of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Sarasota?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Sarasota?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Clearwater, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarasota, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Sarasota?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Sarasota 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Sarasota, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Sarasota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarasota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Sarasota?

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

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Sarasota. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Sarasota averages at about 82°F (28°C).

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

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

Should I visit Clearwater or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.

In October, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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

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

Should I visit Clearwater or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Clearwater or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Sarasota. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Sarasota averages at about 73°F (23°C).

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

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

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Clearwater