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

Should you visit Ocean City or Durham?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Durham? 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.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Durham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Durham are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Durham and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Ocean City different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Durham 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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Ocean City or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Ocean City or Durham Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Durham Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Durham?

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

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham Better for Families?

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

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Ocean City or Durham Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Ocean City or Durham Better for Students?

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

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Durham offer reasonable 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Ocean City or Durham a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Durham both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. 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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Durham or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Durham?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Ocean City or Durham?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham, 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 Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Durham, 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 Durham?

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 Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Durham. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Durham in the Autumn?

Both Durham and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Durham. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Durham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Durham. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can be very cold during winter. Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Durham. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Durham. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Durham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Durham. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

Ocean City is cooler than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Durham. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and Ocean City