A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Beaches, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Clearwater or Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Clearwater travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Clearwater and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife. Atlantic City is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach.

How is Clearwater different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Clearwater is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

There are excellent resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Atlantic City.

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.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Both Clearwater and Atlantic City are good 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 Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Clearwater is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Clearwater is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Clearwater frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Clearwater or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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 Atlantic City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Atlantic City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City than Clearwater 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing 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 shopping and nightlife around the flashy city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful 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.

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Atlantic City?

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.

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Atlantic City?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Atlantic City, 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 Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City in the Summer?

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

Clearwater is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Atlantic City. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Atlantic City in the Spring?

Both Atlantic City and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

Clearwater is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Atlantic City. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Clearwater