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

Should you visit Clearwater or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Clearwater or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Williamsburg is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Clearwater different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Both Clearwater and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.


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

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Williamsburg both to be excellent 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.

Williamsburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Williamsburg?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater and Williamsburg both excellent 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.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.


Is Clearwater or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

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

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Both Clearwater and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Clearwater or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Williamsburg

Clearwater is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Williamsburg?

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

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Clearwater. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Williamsburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Clearwater than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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.


  • How many days in Clearwater or Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Clearwater or Williamsburg?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventure-filled 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.

With museums and food around the historic town of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Williamsburg?

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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Williamsburg?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventure-filled 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.

Williamsburg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg 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.


Which place is cheaper, Williamsburg or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Williamsburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Williamsburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Williamsburg $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg and Clearwater change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Clearwater $46
    Williamsburg $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Williamsburg $34

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $21
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphins and Donuts Morning Cruise: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin and Sandbar Boat Cruise: $28
  • Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Williamsburg West Tour: $15
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Williamsburg?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Williamsburg. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Williamsburg. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Clearwater

Clearwater Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)