A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Ocean City for Resorts, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Orlando or Ocean City?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Ocean 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Orlando and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches. Orlando is well known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports.

How is Orlando different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ocean City and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Ocean City?

Ocean City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando is an experience not to be missed. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Ocean City for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Ocean City?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Ocean City Better for Christmas?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Ocean City does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Ocean City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Ocean City.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Ocean City Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Ocean City both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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.

Is Orlando or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Ocean City is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Ocean City?

Both Orlando and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ocean City than Orlando 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 Orlando or Ocean City?

With theater and nightlife around the family-friendly city of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Orlando or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Orlando, 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.

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.

Five days in Orlando or Ocean City?

Orlando, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Orlando or Ocean City?

Orlando 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Ocean City?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Ocean 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.

When is the best time to visit Orlando or Ocean City?

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 Orlando or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Ocean City. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene.

Orlando is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Ocean City. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Orlando