A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Families, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Ocean City or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Atlantic City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ocean City and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its beaches. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Atlantic City is well known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk.

How is Ocean City different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Atlantic City.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Atlantic City both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Atlantic City. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Ocean City or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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.

Is Ocean City or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Atlantic City offer a relatively similar set of superb luxury resort options.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Ocean City or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

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

Many visitors go to Atlantic City to go shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Ocean City or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Ocean City or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

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

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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Ocean City or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Atlantic City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and nightlife around the colorful city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Ocean City. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Atlantic 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 Ocean City Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Atlantic City?

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

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

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Atlantic City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlantic City. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Atlantic City. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In October, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Atlantic City. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Atlantic City in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. Ocean City is much warmer than Atlantic City in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlantic City. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Atlantic City in the Spring?

Both Atlantic City and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atlantic City. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Ocean City