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

Should you visit Ocean City or Houston?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Houston? 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 active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Ocean City and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Ocean City and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City is known for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Houston and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Ocean City different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Houston is an experience not to be missed. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Houston are superb when it comes to partying.

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.

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for the beach. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Houston?

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

Many visitors go to Houston to go shopping. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

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 Houston Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Couples?

Ocean City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Ocean City or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Houston 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Ocean City or Houston a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Houston both are decent when exploring on foot.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Houston?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Houston?

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.

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Houston?

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.

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston, 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 Houston?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Houston, 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 Houston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ocean City or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Houston. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocean City is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Houston. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Houston. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Ocean City is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Ocean City usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In the winter, Ocean City is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Ocean City is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Houston. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Ocean City