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

Should you visit Islamorada or Ocean City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ocean City

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

Islamorada and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea.

How is Islamorada different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Islamorada. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

Islamorada 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 Islamorada is an experience not to be missed. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great city for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Ocean City has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few good snorkeling spots. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Ocean City have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Ocean City?

Islamorada is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Islamorada to go shopping. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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 Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Families?

Islamorada and Ocean City are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Ocean City is an extremely popular village to visit for families. 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.

Is Islamorada or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Ocean City is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Ocean City is adequate for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Ocean City?

Both Islamorada and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Islamorada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Islamorada than Ocean City. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

One day in Islamorada or Ocean City?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing village of Islamorada, 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.

With food and nightlife around the laid back 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 Islamorada or Ocean City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Islamorada or Ocean City?

Islamorada, a popular village, 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 village. 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 Islamorada or Ocean City?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Ocean City?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Ocean City in the Summer?

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

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Ocean City. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene.

Islamorada is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Ocean City. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada 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 the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ocean City in the Spring?

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

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Islamorada