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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Ocean City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Ocean City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Jacksonville and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Ocean City are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Ocean City have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

The people in Ocean City know how to have a good time. 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 Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Ocean City both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ocean City is very family-friendly. 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 Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Jacksonville or Ocean City Better for Students?

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

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

With museums and nightlife around the youthful city of Jacksonville, 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.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid back city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

Jacksonville, a popular 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.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this energetic destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Ocean City?

Jacksonville 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.

Ocean City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Ocean City?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Ocean City. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Ocean City in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Ocean City averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Ocean City in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Jacksonville