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

Should you visit Ocean City or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Palm Springs? 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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Ocean City and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its beaches. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Palm Springs is well known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

How is Ocean City different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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 Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is an experience not to be missed. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Palm Springs just to party. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Ocean City or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Palm Springs is a great choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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.

Is Ocean City or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city 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, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Ocean City or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Both Ocean City and Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Ocean City or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ocean City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid back city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Palm Springs?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this active destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs, a popular city, 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 Palm Springs?

Ocean City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Palm Springs in the Winter?

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

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. Ocean City is much colder than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Ocean City