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

Should you visit Ocean City or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Nashville? 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Ocean City and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Nashville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Ocean City different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville 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 Nashville. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash 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 Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville 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 Nashville is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Nashville are excellent 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.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Ocean City or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Ocean City or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Nashville?

Both Ocean City and Nashville are respectable shopping destinations.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Nashville is a good destination for shopping. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Ocean City or Nashville Better for Families?

Ocean City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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 Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Ocean City or Nashville Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville 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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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 Nashville 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, Nashville 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 Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Ocean City or Nashville a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of 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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Nashville?

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Nashville?

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 nightlife around the eclectic city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Nashville?

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 nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active 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.

Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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.

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Nashville, we can see that Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Nashville. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Nashville. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Ocean City can be very cold. Ocean City is much colder than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nashville. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Nashville. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Ocean City