A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Adirondack Mountains for Attractions, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Adirondack Mountains. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Clearwater travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests.

How is Clearwater different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adirondack Mountains and Clearwater. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Clearwater is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains.

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 Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.


Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Both Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains More Beautiful?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Both Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains 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, Adirondack Mountains is very family-friendly. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.


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

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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 Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Adirondack Mountains

Clearwater is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable coastal city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Adirondack Mountains. 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 Adirondack Mountains. 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.


  • How many days in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Clearwater. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the scenic region of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Clearwater for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Clearwater. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Adirondack Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

The beautiful destination of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
    Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Clearwater $343
    Adirondack Mountains $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $343, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $202. 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 Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Adirondack Mountains


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains 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 $79
    Adirondack Mountains $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Adirondack Mountains $17

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 Ultimate (ALL-IN-ONE) City Trolley Tour : $25
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $27
  • Happy Hour Cruise: $27
  • Dolphin Watching Intercoastal Cruise: $27
  • Clearwater Beach Tiki Getaway Cruise BYOB: $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Adirondack Mountains $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25


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

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



When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

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

Adirondack Mountains can be very cold during winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Adirondack Mountains. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Clearwater

Clearwater Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)