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

Should you visit Clearwater or Mystic?

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 Mystic. 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 beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Clearwater travel costs.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Mystic travel costs.

Clearwater and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Mystic is known for its shopping. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character.

How is Clearwater different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Clearwater and Mystic 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.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Clearwater or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Clearwater and Mystic.

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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Clearwater or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Mystic Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Mystic?

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

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Mystic are excellent 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, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Clearwater or Mystic Better for Couples?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Clearwater is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Clearwater or Mystic a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Mystic?

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

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Clearwater or Mystic?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Mystic?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Mystic. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Mystic. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Mystic. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Clearwater or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Mystic. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months.

Clearwater is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Mystic. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Clearwater