A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ocean City or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Los Angeles? 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling, energetic, and dynamic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Los Angeles travel costs.

Ocean City and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles. Although Ocean City and Los Angeles are popular destinations, Los Angeles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is famous for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Los Angeles is famous for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood.

How is Ocean City different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Los Angeles on the map. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive 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 Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Los Angeles is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Los Angeles just to party. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Music?

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

In Los Angeles you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Los Angeles offer a relatively similar set of superb luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Los Angeles. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Los Angeles has a few good snorkeling spots. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Los Angeles. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

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.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Los Angeles is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Los Angeles.

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.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Is Ocean City or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

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

Los Angeles makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Los Angeles is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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 Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles has a few public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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 Los Angeles a more walkable city?

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

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Both Ocean City and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Los Angeles than Ocean City. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Ocean City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Ocean City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Los Angeles, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

When visiting Los Angeles, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Ocean City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Los Angeles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocean City and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Los Angeles. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Los Angeles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Los Angeles. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Los Angeles in the Spring?

Both Los Angeles and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Ocean City is cooler than Los Angeles in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Ocean City