Florida is a paradise for active and healthy recreation.
Also, this state is known throughout the world for oranges, sunny beaches, and famous parks for children of all ages – Disney World and Universal Studios.
Don’t you know where to go in Florida? Sarasota or Clearwater ? What about attractions, entertainment and prices, what is cheaper and what is more expensive, find the answers in this article!
What is the Difference Between Sarasota and Clearwater?
The main difference is:
Sarasota is an American town with cultural life with millions of activities while Clearwater is a calm local resort, popular beach town .
Once you will start comparing the travel costs of real travelers between Clearwater and Sarasota, you will see that Sarasota City is more expensive. And Clearwater is not only much cheaper, but
significantly
cheaper.
Thus, a trip to Clearwater will allow you to spend less money overall.
Look closer at the table and you will get a better idea of differences:
| Sarasota | Clearwater |
What is this? | It is a city with beautiful houses on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, south of the city of Tampa, with a population of about 60 thousand people. This is one of the most favorite places to live among the American rich, like Naples, Santa Barbara or Delray Beach. | It is the most popular beach town on the west coast of Florida in the USA. It fully justifies its name, because the water here is really very clean, and the weather is warm and sunny all year round. |
Location | Sarasota is a coastal city on the mainland with adjacent barrier islands (Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Otter Key, Casey Key, Coon Key, Bird Key and part of Siesta Key . ) located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern Florida. | Clearwater is located on the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida near the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. It is well known to tourists for its near-perfect beaches and for its abundance of relatively inexpensive vacation options. |
Is Clearwater or Sarasota Nicer?
Both cities have their charms.
Sarasota is for active people who can not sit at the beach all day long and need some cultural, musical activities, historical architecture all the time while Clearwater is for lazy travelers who prefer beach vacation and delicious food.
By the way, I forgot to add that Sarasota has more luxury stores and restaurants.
Sarasota has a wide variety of venues for the performing arts – music, dance, theater and circus venues. Among them are opera and ballet, an orchestra, a jazz club, a conservatory and a school of circus art. Movies are also filmed here.
All cultural life is concentrated here, it is pleasant to walk along the streets in the morning and in the evening, and even during the day you can admire the beautiful architecture.
Or you can splurge, choose an expensive beach resort on one of the barrier islands and enjoy the sun and the sea.
As for Clearwater,it is interesting for lovers of delicious food in restaurants.
The city was completely rebuilt in accordance with modern ideas about the urban environment, and there is practically nothing left of the historical buildings.
As a result, downtown Clearwater has become more convenient for locals and tourists.
Is Sarasota More Expensive Than Clearwater?
Yes. Sarasota has more luxury stores and restaurants.
Clearwater is not only much cheaper, but as I mentioned before it is also significantly cheaper. Thus, a trip to Clearwater will allow you to spend less money overall.
Exploring Sarasota’s Coastal Charms
I really liked the city itself for its quiet atmosphere and safe environment.
Many beautiful squares with sculptures create high spirits. Very atmospheric place!
Sarasota’s nearer beach is Lido Beach, about 2. 4 feet long, is closest to the center of Sarasota. It is located on the island of Lido Key. When I arrived at Lido Beach, I immediately fell in love with it! As soon as we got to the beach itself, the first thing I wanted to do was take off my shoes and walk barefoot on the beautiful sand and splash in the water. And most importantly, there were not so many people.
The northern part of Lido Beach is the most secluded and wild, there are no amenities on it. But I liked it the most. It is interesting to walk barefoot on the soft white sand and shallows, watch the birds and boats passing by.
Somewhat secluded, with limited parking and no amenities. The middle of Lido Beach is a popular place for a beach holiday in a relaxed environment, but with amenities – showers, toilets and a public pool. The beach at the southern end of Lido Key, with shady trees and picnic areas, is great for a family getaway.
South Lido Park has a trail for walking and sports.
Beach holidays, gatherings in restaurants and participation in cultural life (as an artist or spectator) – that’s why it’s worth going to Sarasota.
My attention was drawn to the Botanical Garden, but we never got there, as I decided to repeat the trip to Lido Beach.
I advise you to visit cafes and shops in the historic district of St. Armand Circle.
It was a pleasure to walk along the beautiful streets through historic downtown Sarasota to my favorite Lido Key beach, and it was also interesting to observe the unhurried life of the locals – mostly the richest and most successful retirees…
Sarasota vs Clearwater Beach
Is the Water Clear in Sarasota Florida?
Yes.
Sarasota’s beach water is clear and the beach has soft white quartz sand and calm waves.
It has been named the best beach of the year in the United States many times due to its facilities, natural beauty and large size.
It has everything you need for a beach holiday, including a park and playgrounds for children. On the west coast of Florida, in popularity among tourists, only the beaches of Clearwater can compete with Sarasota Beaches.
Discovering Clearwater Beach Beauty
Clearwater Beach is a real beauty.
It is one of the best beaches in Florida, with beautiful white sand, clear water and a gently sloping shore, located on a barrier island, where scenic Route 60 leads from the coast, resting on the pier.
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In addition to a wonderful beach holiday on clean white sand beaches, in Clearwater I was interested in watching the sunset from the historic Pier 60 (you can buy a sunset cruise and spend the evening on board a sailboat), as well as just walking along beaches, notice different details and look at street performers.
Along the beaches of Clearwater Beach runs the picturesque promenade Beach Walk Promenade, along which it is pleasant to leisurely stroll between restaurants and shops.
Here, unlike the more expensive and pretentious Naples, a very democratic atmosphere reigns, and everyone will find something to their liking and within their means.
Sarasota vs Clearwater Beach
For children, next to Clearwater Beach, the park has one of the largest playgrounds on the Gulf Coast.
The city of Clearwater itself, like Miami, consists of the mainland and the resort island with the beaches of Clearwater Beach.
Between them is the Pope Strait, in which there are numerous marinas and boats, making Clearwater very attractive for yachtsmen. Nearby are two more barrier islands – Sand Key and Honeymoon Island. Clearwater is almost always sunny (averaging 361 days a year) due to its subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and relatively dry, warm winters. The rainy season is from June to September, and the dry season is from October to May.
The best time to relax on the beaches of Clearwater is November-December and April-May, when the air temperature is most comfortable and there is practically no rain.
But in winter it can be cool here, so at this time it is better to go to rest on the beaches of Cancun or the Maldives, where it is warm all year round, and in summer – to Hawaii or the Seychelles.
Sarasota vs Clearwater Beach
Is Clearwater Florida Actually Clear Water?
Yes!
It fully justifies its name, because the water here is really very clean and clear, and the weather is warm and sunny all year round.
Clean white sand beaches, developed tourist infrastructure and a large selection of hotels make Clearwater Beach one of the main resort destinations in the United States for those who like to relax on the sea and bask in the sun.
Does Clearwater Beach Have Blue Water?
Actually the color of Clearwater Beaches is turquoise.
When it is foggy, the water is often a stunning blue color and is normally rather clear.