A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Clearwater travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Clearwater and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. Clearwater is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Clearwater different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Clearwater can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Clearwater is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Hiking?

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

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Vernon?

Both Clearwater and Vernon are notable 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 Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Families?

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

Clearwater is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly coastal city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Clearwater or Vernon Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Both Clearwater and Vernon offer respectable 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Clearwater or Vernon a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable coastal city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Vernon?

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

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

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 food around the relaxing town of Vernon, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Vernon?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing 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.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Vernon?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Vernon. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Clearwater is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Vernon. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Vernon. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Vernon. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Clearwater