A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Ocean City for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Ocean City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Blue Ridge and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Both Ocean City and Blue Ridge have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the respectable sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Ocean City.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Blue Ridge or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ocean City is very family-friendly. 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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Ocean City both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Ocean City is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Ocean City a more walkable city?

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Both Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Blue Ridge. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and nightlife around the active city of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Blue Ridge 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Ocean City, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City than you might in Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Ocean City?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Ocean City. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Ocean City. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 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 Blue Ridge