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

Should you visit Ocean City or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Fairbanks? 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Ocean City and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ocean City is more touristy than Fairbanks 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. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Ocean City different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

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

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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 Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ocean City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

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

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Fairbanks?

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

Many visitors go to Fairbanks to go shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

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 Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks as well. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

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

Fairbanks is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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 Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ocean City is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Ocean City or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Fairbanks?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Fairbanks?

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 shopping around the Arctic city of Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic 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.

Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Fairbanks. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the autumn, Ocean City is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Fairbanks in the Winter?

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

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks 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. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Ocean City is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Ocean City