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

Should you visit Ocean City or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Santa Monica? 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Ocean City and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Ocean City and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and shopping, while Ocean City is known for its resorts. Ocean City is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Santa Monica is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Ocean City different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History 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 Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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 Monica is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Santa Monica 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 Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Ocean City or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica 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 Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for 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 Monica Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Santa Monica.

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 Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Ocean City or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Santa Monica 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 Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ocean City or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Santa Monica?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this active 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 energetic town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Ocean City or Santa Monica?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid back 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.

Santa Monica, 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 Monica?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica?

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 Monica in the Summer?

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

In July, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

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

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica for the shopping scene.

Ocean City is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Ocean City is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Ocean City is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Ocean City