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

Should you visit Ocean City or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Ketchikan? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Ocean City and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Ocean City different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage 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 Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

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

Many visitors go to Ketchikan to go shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

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 Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Both Ocean City and Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Ocean City or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Ketchikan. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan than Ocean City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ketchikan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

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 food around the quaint town of Ketchikan, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid back 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 food and shopping around the destination of Ketchikan, 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 town.

Five days in Ocean City or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back 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.

Ketchikan, a popular town, 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 Ketchikan?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. Ocean City is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ocean City is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Ocean City usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Ocean City