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

Should you visit Ocean City or Juneau?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Juneau? 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Ocean City and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Ocean City and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Juneau and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier.

How is Ocean City different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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 Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Juneau 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 Juneau is an experience not to be missed. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Ocean City or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a well-known place for the beache. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Ocean City is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Juneau?

Juneau 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. 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 family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Ocean City or Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

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

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

Juneau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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 Juneau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ocean City and Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Ocean City or Juneau a more walkable city?

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

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Juneau?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.

One day in Ocean City or Juneau?

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 food around the historic city of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Juneau?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Juneau?

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.

Juneau, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back 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.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Juneau, 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 Juneau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

In July, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Juneau. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ocean City is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Juneau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Juneau. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Juneau. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during spring. In April, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Juneau. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Ocean City