A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Redwood National Park for Families, Backpackers, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park? 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 active, energetic, and fun-filled city. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Ocean City and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Redwood National Park 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. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Ocean City different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Ocean City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ocean City is very family-friendly. 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Redwood National Park make for a superb 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.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Ocean City or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park. 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 Ocean City than Redwood National Park 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 Ocean City.

One day in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the monumental park of Redwood National Park, 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, 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 park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Redwood National Park 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocean City and Redwood National Park, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City than you might in Redwood National Park.

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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Redwood National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocean City is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Redwood National Park. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Ocean City