Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach are both great vacation spots, but they offer different experiences. Carolina Beach is relaxed and less crowded, while Myrtle Beach is bustling and more popular among tourists. Myrtle Beach has more seafood restaurants, while Carolina Beach has local eateries. Myrtle Beach offers lots of entertainment and a lively nightlife, while Carolina Beach is quieter in the evenings. Both beaches have their unique appeal, so your choice depends on your preferences.
However, if you want to choose between Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach based on this quick answer, that won’t be justified. So stick with the article to learn more about the deciding factors.
Carolina Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Quick Comparison
Both Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach are wonderful places to spend your vacation. Before discussing them in detail, let’s have a quick glance at this table.
| Comparing Factors | Carolina Beach | Myrtle Beach |
| Location | North Carolina, USA | South Carolina, USA |
| Environment | Relaxed, Quaint | Bustling, Touristy |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer (June to August) | Summer (June to August) |
| Accessibility and Transportation | 30-minute drive to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) | 5-10 minute drive from Myrtle Beach (MYR) Airport |
| Where to Stay | Smaller Selection | Wide Range of Options |
| Dining & Restaurants | Local Eateries, Seafood | Diverse Cuisine, Chains |
| Local Attractions | Carolina Beach State Park, Beach Boardwalk, Freeman Park, Carolina Beach Arcade, The Veggie Wagon | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk,
Ripley’s Aquarium, Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage, The SkyWheel, Myrtle Waves Water Park |
| Recreational Activities and Entertainment | Water Sports, Fishing, Kayaking, camping | Golfing, swimming, sunbathing, and water sports |
| Nightlife | Limited options but relaxed | Vibrant clubs & bars |
Need a brief guide on where to visit? Follow this detailed section to have all the answers you’re looking for.
Carolina Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Detailed Comparison
Carolina Beach is in North Carolina, while Myrtle Beach is in South Carolina. They’re both on the East Coast of the United States, near the ocean. In this section, we discuss all the comparing factors in detail for your easy decision-making.
Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to plan a trip to Carolina and Myrtle Beach is during the summer season. However, both beaches are comparatively less crowded in spring and fall.
Carolina and Myrtle Beach beaches are busiest in the summer, especially from June to August. July and August tend to be the most crowded months.
Carolina Beach is a bit more relaxed and less crowded, with a small-town vibe. Myrtle Beach is livelier, with lots of attractions and people.
However, Carolina and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations year-round, so you can visit anytime and have a great time.
Bonus: For other soothing beach options, take a look at Ocean City vs Myrtle Beach
Accessibility & Transportation
Both Carolina Beach and Myrtle are easily accessible by car or plane. Carolina Beach is just a 30-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Myrtle Beach is accessible through the Myrtle Beach International Airport.Carolina Beach offers easy access to the vintage boardwalk with fun food stands like pizza and doughnuts. Carolina Beach is easy to get around on foot or by bike. Myrtle Beach has more transportation options, like buses and shuttles.
Where to Stay
Carolina and Myrtle Beach offer diverse accommodations but Myrtle has a wide range of options to suit all budgets.
When it comes to places to stay in Carolina Beach, you may have limited options. The Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront and the Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront are some popular choices.
In Myrtle Beach, the Holiday Inn at the Pavilion provides a comfortable stay right on the bustling boardwalk. The Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers spacious accommodations and family-friendly amenities.
Meanwhile, the Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach offers a tranquil escape with its oceanfront location. For both destinations, these hotels provide great options for a memorable vacation.
Dining and Restaurants
For dining in Carolina Beach, try the Cape Fear Boil Company for delicious American, Cajun, and Creole dishes. Don’t miss Britt’s Donut Shop for some tasty treats.
Besides seafood restaurants, Carolina has great pizza places, and ice cream shops.
In contrast, Myrtle Beach boasts dining gems like Captain George’s Seafood, RipTydz Oceanfront Grille, Sea Captain’s House, and Hook & Barrel.
Other than seafood buffets, Myrtle also has Italian restaurants and places for burgers and fries.
To get more exquisite dining options with a beach view, check out Clearwater Beach or Miami Beach.
Local Attractions
Myrtle Beach has better theme parks and beaches whereas Carolina Beach has proximity to the state park and recreational area.
Carolina is famous for its Beach State Park with white sand trails, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and Freeman Park for outdoor exploration.
For some shopping experience, you can check out the Riverfront Shops. And for those who love art and science, there’s the Museum of Arts & Sciences to explore.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a top tourist attraction with a long walkway near the beach with shops, and arcades.
You can visit the Ripley’s Aquarium, for some oceanside experience. To experience a thrilling pirate adventure, visit Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. Also, take in breathtaking views from the SkyWheel, and stroll through the enchanting Brookgreen Gardens.
These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, ensuring that both Carolina and Myrtle Beach have something for everyone to enjoy.
Recreational Activities and Entertainment
Both Carolina and Myrtle Beach provide recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and enjoying the beach. Myrtle Beach has more entertainment options with theatres and water parks.
Myrtle Beach boasts a 1.2-mile boardwalk housing various shops. The city also caters to adventure seekers with water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
For more exciting recreational activities and entertainment options, take a look at Myrtle Beach or Gulf Shores Beach.
Nightlife
Myrtle Beach has a lively nightlife with clubs and bars. Carolina Beach is quieter in the evenings, perfect for a peaceful night.
Carolina Beach offers a relaxed and charming nightlife. You won’t find big-city clubs, but there are some enjoyable places to spend your evenings. You can visit The Fat Pelican, a cozy bar with a laid-back atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks.
Soulflavor is another option, offering good food and drinks, and sometimes they have live music. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar is a spot where you can sip cocktails and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. Myrtle Beach is renowned for its lively nightlife, offering a diverse range of options to cater to various tastes. Whether you’re seeking bars, nightclubs, live music like the House of Blues, or beachfront bars, Myrtle Beach has it all.
While there aren’t full-scale casinos in Myrtle Beach, nearby cruise boats provide casino gaming.
Carolina Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Final Verdict
Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach each have their own unique appeal. For families, both Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach have a lot to offer, with fun activities, great beaches, and family-friendly attractions.
Myrtle Beach might have a slight edge with more amusement parks and lively boardwalks, perfect for keeping kids entertained. Couples might prefer the quieter atmosphere of Carolina Beach, with its beautiful state park and relaxed vibe.
Budget-conscious travelers can find affordable options in both places, but Carolina Beach often has a more cost-effective feel overall. This makes it a good choice for those looking to save some money on their vacation.
So, it depends on what you’re looking for – family fun or budget options – both destinations have their own unique charm.
Closing Words
That’s all about the comparison between Carolina Beach and Myrtle Beach.
Hope this article clears your confusion and helps you to choose your preferred beach destination in Carolina. Best of luck!
