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

Should you visit Ocean City or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Wilmington? 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 energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Ocean City and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Wilmington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wilmington is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Ocean City different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom 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 Wilmington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Ocean City for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ocean City and Wilmington are very good 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

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

Wilmington offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Wilmington?

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

Many visitors go to Wilmington to go shopping. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington Better for Families?

Ocean City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Wilmington 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.

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Ocean City or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Wilmington?

In either Ocean City or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than Wilmington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

One day in Ocean City or Wilmington?

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 welcoming city of Wilmington, 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.

A weekend in Ocean City or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington, 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 city.

Five days in Ocean City or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington, 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.

A week in Ocean City or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington 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 Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Wilmington?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Wilmington. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets less rain in July than Wilmington. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much colder than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Wilmington. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Wilmington. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Ocean City