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

Should you visit Ocean City or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Arlington? 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 laid back, active, and energetic city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arlington travel costs.

Ocean City and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Arlington are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Ocean City different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington 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 Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Ocean City or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Arlington are very good when it comes to partying.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Ocean City or Arlington Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Arlington?

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

Many visitors go to Arlington to go shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Arlington Better for Families?

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

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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 Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Ocean City or Arlington Better for Couples?

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

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

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

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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 Arlington Better for Students?

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

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Ocean City or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Ocean City or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ocean City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the educational city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Arlington?

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid back destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Ocean City or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Arlington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Arlington?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arlington 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.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Arlington?

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

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 Ocean City or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Arlington. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Arlington. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Arlington. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Arlington. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

Ocean City is cooler than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Arlington. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Ocean City