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

Should you visit Ocean City or Charlotte?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Charlotte? 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 energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing 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 and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Charlotte?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte. Although Ocean City and Charlotte are popular destinations, Charlotte has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Ocean City different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlotte 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 Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Charlotte both to be nice 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 Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Ocean City or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Ocean City or Charlotte Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is great for the beach. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Charlotte?

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

Many visitors go to Charlotte to go shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Ocean City or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Ocean City is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Ocean City or Charlotte Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Charlotte?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Charlotte?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Charlotte?

You'll find food and nightlife around the energetic 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic 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.

Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

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.

Charlotte 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 Charlotte, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

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 Ocean City or Charlotte in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Charlotte. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Charlotte. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Charlotte in the Winter?

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

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlotte. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Charlotte. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.

Ocean City is cooler than Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlotte. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Ocean City