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

Should you visit Ocean City or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Columbus? 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Ocean City and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Columbus?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Ocean City different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus 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 Columbus?

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Ocean City or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Ocean City or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Columbus?

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

Many visitors go to Columbus to go shopping. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Ocean City or Columbus Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Both Ocean City and Columbus offer respectable 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Ocean City or Columbus a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

One day in Ocean City or Columbus?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Columbus, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Columbus?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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 comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Columbus, we can see that Ocean City 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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Columbus. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Columbus. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Columbus. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Columbus. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Columbus. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. Ocean City is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Ocean City