A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Ocean City for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atlanta or Ocean City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Ocean City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Ocean City are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums & sights, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ocean City and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Atlanta and Ocean City.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great city for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Ocean City both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Atlanta or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Both Atlanta and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ocean City than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ocean City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Ocean City 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Ocean City?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Ocean City?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Atlanta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Ocean City?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Ocean City, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Ocean City?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Ocean City, 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 Atlanta or Ocean City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Ocean City in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Ocean City averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Ocean City. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Ocean City. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

Atlanta is much warmer than Ocean City in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Atlanta