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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Ocean City?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Ocean City? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons 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 Simons and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Ocean City is more touristy than Saint Simons and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach.

How is Saint Simons 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 Simons. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Both Saint Simons and Ocean City have respectable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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 Simons or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons 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 Simons is an experience not to be missed. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons 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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Saint Simons or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Saint Simons and Ocean City are high quality choices.

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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 Simons or Ocean City Better for Hiking?

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

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Saint Simons 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 Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Simons or Ocean City More Beautiful?

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

Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Saint Simons or Ocean City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Ocean City make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Ocean City is a great island 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 Simons or Ocean City 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, Saint Simons is a island 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Ocean City a more walkable city?

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

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable island. 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 Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Both Saint Simons 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 Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this active city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 island.

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Saint Simons, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Saint Simons 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.

Ocean City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Ocean City, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Simons Expensive? and Is Ocean City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Ocean City?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Simons 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 Simons or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Ocean City. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons 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 Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Ocean City. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene.

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

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in October than Ocean City. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

In January, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

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

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Saint Simons