A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. New Bern for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or New Bern?

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

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

New Bern

New Bern is a charming, laid back, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See New Bern travel costs.

Ocean City and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or New Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while New Bern is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm. Ocean City is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Ocean City different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

New Bern 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 New Bern. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy 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 New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and New Bern 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 New Bern. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Ocean City or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Ocean City or New Bern Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or New Bern?

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

Many visitors go to New Bern to go shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern Better for Families?

Ocean City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Ocean City or New Bern Better for Couples?

Ocean City is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Ocean City or New Bern a more walkable city?

New Bern is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore 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 New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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.

One day in Ocean City or New Bern?

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.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or New Bern?

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.

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern, a popular town, 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern 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 New Bern, we can see that Ocean City 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 New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and New Bern. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and New Bern averages at about 80°F (27°C).

New Bern 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 New Bern. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as New Bern. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Bern. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. Ocean City is much colder than New Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than New Bern. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

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

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than New Bern. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Ocean City