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

Should you visit Ocean City or Newport?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Newport? 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.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ocean City and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Ocean City and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street.

How is Ocean City different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport 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 Newport is an experience not to be missed. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Ocean City or Newport Better for Resorts?

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

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Newport Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ocean City and Newport are great choices.

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.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Ocean City or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Newport?

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Ocean City or Newport Better for Couples?

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

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

Newport 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.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley 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 Newport a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Newport?

In either Ocean City or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Newport?

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 museums and nightlife around the coastal town of Newport, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're 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 Newport?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Newport, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Newport?

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.

Newport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Newport?

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.

Newport 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 Newport, 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 Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Newport?

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

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Newport. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ocean City is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Newport. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Newport. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Newport. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and Ocean City