A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Clearwater and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater than West Palm Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Clearwater is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Clearwater different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Clearwater. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and West Palm Beach both offer amazing 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 West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Clearwater is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Clearwater and West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Clearwater or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Clearwater and West Palm Beach both are good when exploring on foot.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Both Clearwater and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Clearwater. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Clearwater. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The adventure-filled destination of Clearwater offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of West Palm Beach, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach, a popular beach area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer. 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 comparing the travel costs between Clearwater and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or West Palm Beach?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Clearwater is generally cooler than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Clearwater