A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Barbara? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Ocean City and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Ocean City and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its nightlife. Ocean City is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Ocean City different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Santa Barbara offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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.

Is Ocean City or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the opulent coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Barbara, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Ocean City. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara, a popular coastal town, 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 Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Ocean City is cooler than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Ocean City