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

Should you visit Ocean City or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Lancaster? 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Lancaster?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Lancaster are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Ocean City different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Lancaster 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Ocean City or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ocean City has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Ocean City or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great city for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Lancaster?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Ocean City or Lancaster Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Lancaster make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Both Ocean City and Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Ocean City or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable city. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Lancaster?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Lancaster?

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 food around the picturesque town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 town.

Five days in Ocean City or Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled 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.

Lancaster, a popular town, 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Lancaster. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Lancaster. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Ocean City