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

Should you visit Panama City or Ocean City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Ocean City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Panama City and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Ocean City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Ocean City are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its museums and resorts. Panama City is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Ocean City is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports.

How is Panama City different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Ocean City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Ocean City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Panama City or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Ocean City has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

The nightlife in Ocean City has something for everybody. 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.

Is Panama City or Ocean City Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Panama City or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Ocean City have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Ocean City?

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

Many visitors go to Panama City to go shopping. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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 Panama City or Ocean City Better for Families?

Panama City and Ocean City are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Ocean City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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 Panama City or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Panama City and Ocean City are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Ocean City is a great beach town 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.

Is Panama City or Ocean City Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Ocean City.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Ocean City?

Both Panama City and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Ocean City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ocean City than Panama City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Panama City or Ocean City?

With shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Panama 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Ocean City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Ocean City?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Panama City, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Ocean City?

Panama City, a popular beach town, 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 beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Ocean City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Ocean City?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Ocean City?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City 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 Panama City or Ocean City?

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 Panama City or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Ocean City. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Panama City is a little warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ocean City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Ocean City. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ocean City. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. Panama City is much warmer than Ocean City in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In January, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ocean City. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Ocean City averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Panama City