A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Ocean City for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Ocean City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Ocean City know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Ocean City have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. 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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Ocean City are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Ocean City.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Both Saint Augustine and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The laid back 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.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Saint Augustine 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.

The active 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Ocean City, 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Ocean City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Ocean City, 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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City?

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 Saint Augustine or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Ocean City. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Ocean City. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than Ocean City. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Saint Augustine