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

Should you visit Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem. 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 relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Clearwater and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Clearwater than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Clearwater is better known for its museums & sights, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Clearwater is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Clearwater different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Clearwater is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Winston-Salem.

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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

Both Clearwater and Winston-Salem are notable 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 Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Clearwater is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Clearwater is known to be 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly coastal city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Clearwater is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

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

Both Clearwater and Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Clearwater or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Clearwater. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Winston-Salem?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural 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 Winston-Salem, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Winston-Salem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Winston-Salem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

Both Winston-Salem and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Winston-Salem. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Winston-Salem. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Winston-Salem. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Clearwater