A Travel Price Comparison for Maryland Baltimore vs. Ocean City for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Baltimore or Ocean City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Ocean City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Ocean City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Ocean City are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City is known for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium.

How is Baltimore different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore is an experience not to be missed. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Ocean City.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Ocean City for the nightlife scene. 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 Baltimore or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Ocean City?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Baltimore or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly 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 Baltimore or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Ocean City?

Both Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Ocean City?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Ocean City?

Baltimore, 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Baltimore or Ocean City?

Baltimore 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.

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Ocean City, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Ocean City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Ocean City?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Ocean City?

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 Baltimore or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Ocean City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Ocean City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ocean City. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Ocean City. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In October, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Ocean City. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Baltimore 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 Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Ocean City in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Ocean City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Ocean City averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ocean City. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Baltimore