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

Should you visit Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz. 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.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Clearwater and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Santa Cruz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Clearwater is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Santa Cruz is known for its nightlife and hiking. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.

How is Clearwater different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

Clearwater is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Santa Cruz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is very popular for its beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

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.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

Both Clearwater and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Santa Cruz 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, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Clearwater or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Santa Cruz on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

One day in Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled 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.

With museums and nightlife around the coastal town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Santa Cruz?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

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

In January, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

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

Clearwater is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Clearwater