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

Should you visit Ocean City or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Mystic? 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mystic travel costs.

Ocean City and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Mystic and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum.

How is Ocean City different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Mystic both to be notable destinations.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Ocean City or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Ocean City or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Mystic Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ocean City and Mystic are superb choices.

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.

Mystic is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly city. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Ocean City or Mystic Better for Couples?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Ocean City or Mystic 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, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Ocean City or Mystic a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Mystic both are respectable 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.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Mystic?

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

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Mystic?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Mystic?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Mystic in the Autumn?

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

In October, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mystic. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Mystic in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. Ocean City is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mystic. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic 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 Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Mystic. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Ocean City