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

Should you visit Ocean City or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Sacramento? 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ocean City or Sacramento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Sacramento are both popular with visitors, Ocean City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Sacramento is known for its museums and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also home to the Ocean City boardwalk. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Ocean City different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ocean City
Sacramento

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

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile 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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Sacramento both to be good 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 Sacramento. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Ocean City or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City
Sacramento

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

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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Ocean City or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Ocean City
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Ocean City or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Ocean City is a very popular place for the beache. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Sacramento?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Sacramento is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Families?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Ocean City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.


Is Ocean City or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Ocean City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Ocean City
Sacramento

Both Ocean City and Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Ocean City or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Ocean City
Sacramento

Ocean City and Sacramento both are decent 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.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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


  • How many days in Ocean City or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ocean City 3-7 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Ocean City or Sacramento?

With food and nightlife around the laid back city of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed city of Sacramento, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sacramento, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sacramento, 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 city.

Five days in Ocean City or Sacramento?

Ocean City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento, a popular city, 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 Sacramento?

Ocean City 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.

Sacramento 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.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Ocean City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocean City is $160, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $281. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ocean City and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocean City $83
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocean City $166
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Ocean City and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Ocean City or Sacramento? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ocean City


Hotels in Sacramento


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ocean City Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocean City $47
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $220
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocean City or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Ocean City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ocean City $49
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocean City $18
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Ocean City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ocean City are as follows:

  • Assateague Island Morning Cruise: $79
  • Atlantic Coastline Parasailing Adventure: $132
  • Atlantic Ocean Catamaran Cruise with Crew: $125
  • Banana Boat Fun Adventure: $33
  • Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour with Tastings: $179
  • Downtown and Boardwalk Foodie Walking Tour: $110
  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Hopping Tour: $50
  • High-Speed Sunrise Cruise and Dolphin Watching: $25
  • High-Speed Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watch: $36
  • Midtown District Walking Foodie Tour: $110
  • Speedboat Coastal Tour with Dolphin Spotting: $25

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Sacramento Urban Murals: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $8.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocean City $14
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Sacramento. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

Ocean City is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Sacramento. 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 Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ocean City is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sacramento. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

In April, Ocean City is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Ocean City

Ocean City Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)