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

Should you visit Ocean City or Avon?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Avon? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Avon travel costs.

Ocean City and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avon than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avon is better known for its skiing and hiking, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Avon and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Also, Avon is famous for Avon Recreation Center.

How is Ocean City different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Avon is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Avon.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Avon both to be notable 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 Avon. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful 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.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Hiking?

Avon is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Avon?

Both Ocean City and Avon are respectable shopping destinations.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Families?

Ocean City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Avon is a family-friendly city. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Ocean City or Avon Better for Couples?

Ocean City is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Avon 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.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Avon a more walkable city?

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Ocean City or Avon. 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 Avon.

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

One day in Ocean City or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and skiing around the outdoorsy town of Avon, 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 Avon?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Avon, 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 town.

Five days in Ocean City or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Ocean City. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Avon, a popular town, 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 Avon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Ocean City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Avon 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 Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Avon?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Avon, 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.