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

Should you visit Ocean City or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Berkeley? 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 fun-filled, laid back, and active city. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Both Berkeley and Ocean City have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Berkeley and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Ocean City different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

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

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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

Berkeley 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 Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Ocean City or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Berkeley are very good when it comes to partying.

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.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Ocean City or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is notable for the beach. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Ocean City or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Ocean City is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Berkeley on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Berkeley. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

One day in Ocean City or Berkeley?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Berkeley, 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.

A weekend in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Berkeley, 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.

Five days in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley, 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.

A week in Ocean City or Berkeley?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Berkeley 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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocean City and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Ocean City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ocean City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocean City 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 Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley than you might in Ocean City.

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 Berkeley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berkeley. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Berkeley. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Ocean City is cooler than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Ocean City