With summer just around the corner, all eyes are turning to Florida.
But as travelers grow more and more tired of the same ol’ overcrowded hubs, smaller, quieter cities are growing in popularity right along with all-time favorites like Orlando and Miami.
That’s why two quieter cities nestled in the Tampa Bay Area are seeing record visitor numbers right now, but since they’ve long been overshadowed by their more popular neighbors, we’ve yet to discuss – what makes them so great, how different are they really, and, more importantly, which one should you choose for your next summer getaway?
You’ll get the answers to all of that and more below.
Travelers Are Flocking To St. Petersburg And Clearwater
St. Petersburg and Clearwater are just coming out of a record-breaking tourism season.
These past months, both cities have seen a surge in visitors that puts even last year’s all-time high to shame, and as the weather gets warmer, the numbers are only bound to get even higher.
In fact, local officials expect this wave of growth to extend well through the rest of the year and into 2025, so with that in mind, let’s see why St. Petersburg and Clearwater both make such excellent summer hotspots.
Starting with the obvious first – the white-sanded beaches are gorgeous and the water is warm and inviting, not to mention the balmy weather lets you soak in that famous Floridian sunshine almost year-round.
Not only are the beaches here consistently ranked among the best in America, but the cities also boast two lively downtown areas complete with theaters, museums, restaurants, bars, and anything else you can think of.
But you’re planning to stay put this summer, so let’s see which one you’d like better, starting with what to see in each.
What’s There To See In Each?
Both places promise to keep you busy, though St. Petersburg is a bit more diverse in its offerings, so let’s start with it first.
Some of the top St. Pete attractions (either in the city or very near it) you won’t want to miss out on include:
- Salvador Dali Museum
- James Museum (focused on Native American art)
- Imagine Museum (modern art)
- A Mural Tour
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Tropicana Field
- The Sunken Gardens
- Farmers Market (Opens every Saturday morning)
- Fort De Soto
Clearwater, on the other hand, offers the following gems:
- Clearwater Beach
- Sand Key Park
- Moccasin Lake Nature Park
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Florida Botanical Gardens (18 min drive)
- Pier 60
Now that you’ve gotten a feel of what you can expect from each city let’s move on to costs.
Which Is Cheaper?
This is a tricky question since there really isn’t a big price disparity between St. Pete and Clearwater – it all depends on who you ask and what you consider to be your biggest travel expense.
As far as hotels go, St. Petersburg is generally cheaper – even comparable hotels under the same brand (take Hilton, for example), are priced roughly 30% less here than they are in Clearwater.
When it comes to attractions, though, in Clearwater, you’ll find more free/budget-friendly places to spend your days, so if you’re big on sightseeing, that’s something to consider (plus Clearwater Beach is famously more walkable).
Eating out is pretty much a toss-up.
In both cities you can expect to pay anywhere between $16 and $28 per person on a meal out, it all depends on the specific restaurant you’re going to.
Both are good-value destinations where you’ll get your money’s worth, but generally speaking, St. Pete might be a bit cheaper.
Where Should You Go?
While very important, attractions and prices are far from the only factors to take into account when choosing a destination, so let’s break down how the two cities compare in terms of atmosphere, nightlife, family-friendliness, and so on.
When it comes to that last one, St. Pete takes the cake.
It has consistently been named one of the best cities for families in all of North America, and its relaxed old-Florida-beach vibe makes it easy to see why.
The beaches are a bit less crowded and the nightlife, while lively enough, isn’t anything too crazy.
The abundance of attractions, parks, and museums also makes it easier for parents to keep their little ones entertained, not to mention it’s a pretty safe place where you’ll feel at ease walking late at night, so no worries there.
Clearwater, on the other hand, is more touristy but in a more grown-up kind of way.
It still has a relaxed atmosphere overall – the beaches can get pretty crowded but at night, the city gets calmer and perfect for a relaxing stroll along the shore.
There’s also no shortage of great hotels and resorts scattered throughout the city where you’ll get to just sit back and get pampered, so this is the perfect place to leave the stresses of day-to-day life behind and relax.
So, there you have it.
Think about what you’re looking for in your next vacation, and the choice should be crystal clear.
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