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

Should you visit Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Cruz? 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.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Ocean City and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Cruz is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is famous for Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Ocean City different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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 Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Santa Cruz are high quality 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.

Santa Cruz has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ocean City and Santa Cruz are high quality 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.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz is a good destination for hiking. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

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

Many visitors go to Santa Cruz to go shopping. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

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 Cruz Better for Families?

Ocean City is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Santa Cruz make for a high quality 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.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ocean City and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Ocean City or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Santa Cruz on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Cruz Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

With food and nightlife around the laid back city of Ocean City, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

Ocean City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City than you might in Santa Cruz.

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 Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?

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 Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz 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, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In the summer, Ocean City is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santa Cruz 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Ocean City