Clearwater, FL (vs) Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Fort Lauderdale: hotel, restaurants, bars)

[Tiger Beer]

Which do you prefer and why?

[Nolefan34]

This is a tough one because its like asking "Which do you prefer? Ford or Chevy?". You will get so many differing answers. My personal opinion is that Fort Lauderdale is better, primarily because of entertainment and restaurants. Besides that, there really aren't too many differences. You might find that Clearwater is more laid back than Fort Lauderdale.

[JSnFla]

parking and just generally navigating clearwater beach is a nightmare. ft lauderdale beach is much more user friendly....just for a visit i'd say lauderdale hands down, much more going on

[Lost in Translation]

It depends. Do you prefer apples, or do you prefer oranges? Clearwater is obviously more laid back, but I really like the area. There are outside bars where you can watch the Bucs play and drink buckets of beer. There are also some nice beaches, and a hotel with a great Sunday brunch (forgot the name, sorry). Even though the pace of life is slower, it does have its fair share of crime, low-lifes and traffic. Ft Lauderdale is a real city. It has all the ameneties of a real city and a much better night life. I like them both, but Clearwater is cheaper if COL is an issue.

[Tiger Beer]

Can you drink on the beach at Clearwater? I mean, these outside bars watching the Bucs and drinking buckets of beer. Is that on the beach? Or is that inland a bit?

I visited both areas (among many other areas of Florida), and Clearwater and Ft. Lauderdale were the most intriguing...but for different reasons. I didn't have a lot of time to spend there, so I couldn't really evaluate them that well.

Clearwater seemed to have better sand and a much better beach. However, Ft. Lauderdale's beaches seemed more accessable to more things. Clearwater feels a bit 'stuck' out there, and not easy to get to other places....is that a good assumption of Clearwater?