A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Ocean City for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Ocean City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ocean City

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

Saint Petersburg and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Saint Petersburg or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is an experience not to be missed. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

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

Many visitors go to Saint Petersburg to go shopping. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Saint Petersburg or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Ocean City are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Saint Petersburg or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Ocean City are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

Both Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid back destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back city of Ocean City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Ocean City is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Ocean City?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Ocean City. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Ocean City. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Saint Petersburg