A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocean City vs. Whistler for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Ocean City or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Whistler? 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.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Ocean City and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, 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. Whistler is well known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge.

How is Ocean City different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Whistler and Ocean City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Whistler?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Whistler.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler 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 Whistler is an experience not to be missed. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Whistler are very good 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.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Whistler offer a relatively similar set of very good 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 Whistler. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Whistler?

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

Many visitors go to Whistler to go shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

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 Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Whistler.

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.

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Whistler make for a very good 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.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Is Ocean City or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Both Ocean City and Whistler 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Ocean City or Whistler a more walkable city?

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

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy to explore 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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Whistler?

In either Ocean City or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Whistler?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and skiing around the charming village of Whistler, 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 Whistler?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, 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.

Five days in Ocean City or Whistler?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Whistler?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Whistler 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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 Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Whistler?

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Whistler, 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Whistler. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Whistler. 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 Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Whistler. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Whistler. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the spring, Ocean City is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Ocean City usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Ocean City