A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Clearwater for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Clearwater? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and relaxing coastal city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Clearwater travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Clearwater: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Clearwater. While Clearwater is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Clearwater is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Clearwater?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Clearwater and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Clearwater is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen just to party. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Clearwater are amazing choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

With world-famous beaches, Clearwater is a very popular vacation 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Clearwater and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Playa del Carmen or Clearwater More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Clearwater Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

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

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

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Clearwater a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Clearwater Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Clearwater or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

In either Playa del Carmen or Clearwater, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Clearwater because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Clearwater.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Clearwater. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Clearwater. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

With shopping and nightlife around the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen, 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the beautiful coastal city of Clearwater. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Clearwater is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Clearwater, 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 Playa del Carmen or Clearwater?

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 Playa del Carmen or Clearwater in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Clearwater. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Clearwater. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Clearwater averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Clearwater during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Clearwater in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Clearwater. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 234 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Clearwater in the Winter?

Both Clearwater and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Clearwater in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Clearwater fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Clearwater during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Clearwater in the Spring?

Both Clearwater and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Clearwater. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Clearwater averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 299 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Clearwater. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Playa del Carmen