Myrtle Beach Comparison: Where It Stacks Up Against Other Beach Destinations

When you think of a beach vacation, Myrtle Beach, a long-standing family-friendly coastal destination on the South Carolina coast known for its wide sands, affordable lodging, and amusement parks. Also known as the Grand Strand, it’s one of the most visited beach towns in the U.S.—but is it the best fit for you? Many people compare it to places like Orlando beaches, Panama City, or even the Outer Banks. The truth? Myrtle Beach doesn’t try to be luxury. It’s built for value: cheap hotels, free boardwalks, and a vibe that’s more sunscreen and taffy than champagne and cabanas.

What makes Myrtle Beach, a long-standing family-friendly coastal destination on the South Carolina coast known for its wide sands, affordable lodging, and amusement parks. Also known as the Grand Strand, it’s one of the most visited beach towns in the U.S.—but is it the right pick for you? stand out isn’t just the sand. It’s the family-friendly infrastructure, the network of mini-golf courses, arcades, water parks, and boardwalks designed to keep kids entertained without breaking the bank. Compare that to a place like Hilton Head, where the vibe leans quiet and upscale—or Destin, where hotel prices spike faster than the tide. Myrtle Beach lets you stretch your dollar further. You can rent a three-bedroom condo for under $150 a night in shoulder season, eat seafood platters for under $20, and still have cash left for ice cream and beach toys.

But it’s not all perfect. If you want crystal-clear water and zero crowds, Myrtle Beach might feel too busy, especially in July. The water’s warm and great for wading, but it’s not the turquoise you’ll see in the Caribbean. And while the beach itself is clean and wide, the downtown strip gets loud. Think bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekends and lines at the shrimp shacks. That’s the trade-off: you get more activity, more options, and more people—but you also get more noise. For couples looking for romance? Maybe skip it. For families with kids under 12? It’s a solid pick.

When you look at beach vacation destinations, a broad category of coastal getaways ranging from tropical islands to mid-Atlantic shores, each offering different experiences based on price, crowd levels, and amenities, Myrtle Beach sits in a sweet spot: not the cheapest, not the fanciest, but one of the most reliable for predictable fun. You won’t find hidden coves or wild snorkeling here, but you will find a hundred ways to spend a day without spending a fortune.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons—how Myrtle Beach fares against other top spots on price, safety, kid-friendliness, and value. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re trying to decide where to put your toes in the sand this summer.