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

Should you visit Ocean City or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Detroit? 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 laid back, active, and energetic city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Ocean City and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Ocean City and Detroit are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City is known for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Ocean City different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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 Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Detroit both to be good 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 Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Ocean City or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Detroit 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.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Ocean City or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for the beache. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Detroit?

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

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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 Detroit Better for Families?

Ocean City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Ocean City or Detroit Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Both Ocean City and Detroit offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Ocean City or Detroit a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Detroit?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Detroit?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the overlooked city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Detroit?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Detroit?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit, 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Detroit, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Detroit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Detroit. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Detroit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Ocean City