A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Bar Harbor for Beaches, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

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

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Clearwater and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Clearwater different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Bar Harbor both to be very good 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.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Clearwater, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beach.

Clearwater is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

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

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal city. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Bar Harbor both very good 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.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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

Both Clearwater and Bar Harbor offer decent 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Clearwater or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing coastal city of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

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

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

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

Bar Harbor, a popular coastal town, 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 Bar Harbor?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Bar Harbor 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 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 Bar Harbor, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Bar Harbor?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Bar Harbor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Clearwater is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Clearwater