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

Should you visit Ocean City or Boulder?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Boulder? 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 energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Boulder travel costs.

Ocean City and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Boulder?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boulder. Although Ocean City and Boulder are both popular with visitors, Boulder has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boulder is more popular for its skiing, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Boulder is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also home to The Flatirons.

How is Ocean City different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Boulder 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 Boulder. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Ocean City has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a popular place for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great city for the beach. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Hiking?

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

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Boulder?

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

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

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 Boulder More Beautiful?

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

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Families?

Ocean City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Ocean City or Boulder Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder Better for Students?

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

Boulder is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Boulder offer decent public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Ocean City or Boulder a more walkable city?

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

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Boulder. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

One day in Ocean City or Boulder?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Boulder, 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 Boulder?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Boulder, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Boulder?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Boulder, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Boulder, 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.