A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocean City vs. Vernon for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Vernon? 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.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Ocean City and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Vernon are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Vernon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Ocean City different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Vernon both to be nice 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 Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Ocean City or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Ocean City or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Vernon Better for Hiking?

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

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Vernon?

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

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Ocean City or Vernon Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Both Ocean City and Vernon offer reasonable 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Ocean City or Vernon a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Vernon both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Vernon?

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

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Vernon. 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 Vernon. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vernon 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 Vernon.

One day in Ocean City or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Vernon, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Vernon?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon, a popular 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Ocean City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocean City and Vernon, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Vernon. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ocean City is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Vernon. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Vernon. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Ocean City