A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Death Valley National Park? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Ocean City and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Ocean City different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. 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.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

Ocean City is a moderate city for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Death Valley National Park make for a great 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.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ocean City is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Ocean City or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Ocean City or Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Ocean City than Death Valley National Park 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 Ocean City.

One day in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the vast national park of Death Valley National Park, 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the destination of Death Valley National Park, 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 national park.

Five days in Ocean City or Death Valley National Park?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park, a popular national park, 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.