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

Should you visit Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Salt Lake City? 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ocean City and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Ocean City and Salt Lake City are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Salt Lake City is famous for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square.

How is Ocean City different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

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

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options 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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

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

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City is a good destination for hiking. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

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

Many visitors go to Salt Lake City to go shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Ocean City or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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

Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

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

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

One day in Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the religious city of Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Salt Lake City, 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.