A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells? 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 active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Ocean City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its hiking. Ocean City is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also home to the Ocean City boardwalk. Wisconsin Dells is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere.

How is Ocean City different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells both to be good 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 Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

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

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

Both Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells are decent shopping destinations.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

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

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells both are decent 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.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ocean City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells. 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 Ocean City than Wisconsin Dells 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 Ocean City.

One day in Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

The active destination of Ocean City offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and nightlife around the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The laid back city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Wisconsin Dells 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 comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Wisconsin Dells. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Ocean City