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

Should you visit Destin 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 Destin and Ocean City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Destin and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its museums and attractions and nightlife, while Destin is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Destin and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ocean City is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Destin 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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Ocean City.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Ocean City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Destin or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Ocean City.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

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.

Is Destin or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Destin and Ocean City are great choices for a beach vacation.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Ocean City?

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

Many visitors go to Destin to go shopping. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

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 Destin or Ocean City More Beautiful?

Destin is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

Is Destin or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

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

Ocean City is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

Is Destin or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

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.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Destin?

How long in Destin or Ocean City?

Both Destin 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 Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Destin. 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 Destin. 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 Destin 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 Destin or Ocean City?

With shopping and food around the relaxing beach town of Destin, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Ocean City?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, 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.

Ocean City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Ocean City?

Destin, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Ocean City?

Destin 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Ocean City?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

Destin is a little warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Ocean City. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Ocean City. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, 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, Destin is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Ocean City. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ocean City. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 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 Destin