Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach are both great vacation spots, but they offer different experiences. Daytona Beach is a quieter getaway, ideal for couples. Myrtle Beach offers more kid attractions, making it perfect for families. Both destinations provide beautiful beaches and recreational activities, but Myrtle Beach stands out with more attractions to keep kids entertained. Whether you’re into racing, or on a budget, both have something special to offer.
Picking between Daytona and Myrtle Beach just from this short answer might not satisfy you. So, let’s compare these two possible options for your next beach trip.
Daytona Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Quick Comparison
Both Daytona 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 | Daytona Beach | Myrtle Beach |
| Location | East Coast of Florida | South Carolina |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August) | Summer (June to August) |
| Accessibility and Transportation | 10-15 minutes drive from Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) | 5-10 minute drive from Myrtle Beach (MYR) Airport |
| Where to Stay | Hard Rock Hotel, Quality Inn, Bahama House, The Shores Resort etc. | Sheraton Broadway Resort Villas, Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort, Dunes Village Resort etc |
| Dining & Restaurants | Different options available | Diverse Cuisine, Chains |
| Local Attractions | Daytona International Speedway, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Beach Boardwalk | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk,
Ripley’s Aquarium, Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage, The SkyWheel, Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Waves Water Park |
| Recreational Activities and Entertainment | Auto Racing, Motorsports, Boating, Water Sports | Golfing, swimming, sunbathing, and water sports |
| Nightlife | Beach bars with live music | Vibrant and diverse clubs & bars |
Need a brief guide on where to visit? Follow this detailed section to have all the answers you’re looking for.
Daytona Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Detailed Comparison
Myrtle Beach is in South Carolina, and Daytona Beach is in Florida, both near the Atlantic Ocean. Daytona Beach is known for its lively music and car racing. Myrtle Beach is famous for its beaches and parties.
Let’s go through the following comparison factors to understand what fits your needs better.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Daytona is both spring and summer but Myrtle is great in summer. In fall, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller on both beaches.
They are both in the northern hemisphere, where summer is in July, and winter is in January.
Daytona Beach is great in March and May. But you can go in September and October for milder temperatures and more affordable accommodations.
For Myrtle Beach, the same applies to enjoying warm beach days and avoiding the peak summer months.
Bonus: For other soothing beach options, take a look at Ocean City vs Myrtle Beach
Accessibility & Transportation
Both Daytona Beach and Myrtle are easily accessible by car or plane. Daytona Beach is just an 8-minute drive from Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Myrtle Beach is accessible through the Myrtle Beach International Airport by 5-10 minutes drive.
Public transportation like buses are available within the cities, but it’s more convenient to have a car to get around. Additionally, taxis, rideshares, and bike rentals are accessible in both places, making it relatively easy to move around.
Where to Stay
Daytona has a variety of places to stay, like the Hard Rock Hotel, The Shores Resort, Quality Inn Daytona, and the Bahama House.
Myrtle Beach offers budget options like Sheraton Broadway Resort Villas and luxury at Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort.
It also offers a wide range of options, including Dunes Village Resort, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and more.
Dining and Restaurants
Both Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach have a variety of dining options with a focus on seafood. But, Myrtle Beach may offer a wider range of cuisines.
Daytona Beach has great places to eat, including Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant, and Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q. Also, The Cellar for tasty Italian, barbecue, and seafood dishes.
Myrtle Beach boasts an extensive dining scene, featuring over 2,000 restaurants. Some noteworthy options include The Melting Pot, and Big Mike’s Soul Food for a taste of soulful comfort. Also, Cafe Old Vienna for European-inspired cuisine, and Thoroughbreds Chophouse, for a premium steakhouse experience.
In both places, you can relish fresh seafood, American cuisine, and themed dining experiences, including beachfront options.
To get more exquisite dining options with a beach view, check out Clearwater Beach or Miami Beach.
Local Attractions
In Daytona Beach, you can see car racing and enjoy the beach. Myrtle Beach has more family-friendly attractions.
You can explore exciting attractions like the Daytona International Speedway, where NASCAR races happen, and the beautiful Beach at Daytona Beach. There’s also the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue and the Museum of Arts for cultural taste.
Myrtle Beach is a bustling destination with a wide array of activities, from amusement parks and arcades. Myrtle Beach is also renowned for its vibrant theater shows and holds the title of the “Golf Capital of the World,” making it a top pick for golf enthusiasts.
Myrtle is known for its family-friendly environment, offering attractions like- Broadway at the Beach, the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach State Park, etc.
Recreational Activities and Entertainment
In Daytona, you can enjoy adventures like sailing tours and stand-up paddleboarding. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or try water sports like surfing and jet skiing.
The city provides numerous kid-oriented activities, including amusement parks, mini-golf courses, and live entertainment shows tailored to children. You can also walk the entertainment areas on Broadway at the beach or Barefoot Landing there as well.
Myrtle Beach offers a blend of indoor and family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks and theaters. However, Gulf Shores focuses on outdoor activities, such as hiking, golfing, and live music, etc.
Myrtle Beach offers a variety of activities including amusement parks, arcades, shopping, interactive museums, theater shows, and golf. They include- Ripley’s Aquarium, Broadway at the Beach, SkyWheel, Duplin Winery, etc.
For more exciting recreational activities and entertainment options, take a look at Myrtle Beach or Gulf Shores Beach.
Nightlife
Both beaches have an active nightlife. Daytona is known for its parties during spring break, and Myrtle Beach is famous for its beachfront parties.
Daytona Beach comes alive at night with a lively nightlife scene. You can unwind at places like the Blue Flame or Houligan’s Speedway for a casual and friendly atmosphere.
For those who love drinks and music, there’s the Daytona Taproom, and for seafood lovers, Crabby’s Oceanside offers delicious seafood dishes.
Myrtle Beach boasts diverse entertainment and family-friendly activities, while Gulf Shores is renowned for its live music and laid-back beachfront scene.
Myrtle Beach provides a lively nightlife scene with theaters, beachfront bars, nightclubs, and casino cruises.
The nightlife in Myrtle Beach extends into entertainment options such as game nights at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark. These events feature fireworks, playgrounds, and special activities, making them enjoyable for families.
Daytona Beach Vs Myrtle Beach: Final Verdict
Daytona Beach is great for car racing fans with the famous Speedway. It’s got a more relaxed vibe for those who want a quieter getaway. In Contrast, Myrtle Beach is great for families and party lovers with its livelier atmosphere with more attractions.
For families, both Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach offer a fun escape with plenty of activities and beautiful beaches. However, Myrtle Beach has more amusement parks and attractions to keep kids entertained.
Couples might prefer the quieter atmosphere of Daytona Beach, especially with its scenic sailing tours and cozy restaurants. For budget traveler, Daytona Beach feels more affordable, making it a great option for those looking to save money on their trip.
Whether you’re traveling with family, or on a budget, both destinations have something special to offer, with their own unique charm.
Closing Words
That’s all about the comparison between Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach.
Racing and relaxation in Daytona or lively family fun in Myrtle, Hope this article clears your confusion. Consider all the aspects, and choose your preferred destination for the Atlantic. Best of luck!
