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

Should you visit Ocean City or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Monterey? 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Monterey travel costs.

Ocean City and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Ocean City and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Monterey and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Ocean City different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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 Monterey is an experience not to be missed. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Monterey 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.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Ocean City or Monterey Better for Resorts?

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

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Monterey?

Monterey is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Monterey.

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.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Is Ocean City or Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Monterey make for a superb 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.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Both Ocean City and Monterey offer reasonable 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Ocean City or Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Monterey?

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

Families should spend more time in Monterey than Ocean City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Monterey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Monterey?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Monterey?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Monterey?

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

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Monterey. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In the autumn, Ocean City is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Monterey. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Monterey. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Monterey. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Ocean City