A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Adirondack Mountains for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains? 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its nightlife and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Adirondack Mountains and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain.

How is Ocean City different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.


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

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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 Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City is notable for the beach. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

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

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains to go shopping. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls 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 Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains More Beautiful?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. 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 family-friendly things to do in Adirondack Mountains. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.


Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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 Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Ocean City
Adirondack Mountains

Ocean City is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Adirondack Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Adirondack Mountains than Ocean 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 Adirondack Mountains. 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 Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ocean City 3-7 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the serene region of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Adirondack Mountains, 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.


Five days in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Ocean City for five days. Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the city of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Adirondack Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, one week is sufficent for most.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Ocean City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ocean City Prices
    USA Prices
    Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocean City $196
    Adirondack Mountains $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocean City is $196, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $202. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocean City $83
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocean City $166
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ocean City


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ocean City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocean City $47
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Ocean City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ocean City $85
    Adirondack Mountains $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocean City $18
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocean City $14
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocean City Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

In July, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ocean City is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Adirondack Mountains. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Adirondack Mountains. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adirondack Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Adirondack Mountains. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Ocean City

Ocean City Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)