Myrtle Beach offers a bustling tourist scene, beachfront nightlife, and lively boardwalk while Charleston is famous for its tranquil and refined ambiance with fewer tourists.
Myrtle Beach is a fantastic option for family-friendly attraction, with miniature golf, and beachfront entertainment. On the other hand, charleston is better for its rich historical and cultural attractions, arts and culture scene.
If you are a budget traveler, Myrtle Beach is the ideal choice as it is more affordable than Charleston.
However, there are more factors you need to consider while choosing between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Continue reading the article to find all the details!
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston: A Brief Comparison
Before going into details about each city, let’s have a quick glimpse of the differentiating factors. These are also crucial when deciding between Long Beach vs Santa Monica or Brickell Beach vs Miami Beach.
| Factor | Myrtle Beach | Charleston |
| Location | Two hours north of Charleston and is known for its boardwalk, SkyWheel | Midway along the South Carolina coast |
| Environment | -More touristy
-Party-hard atmosphere |
-Less touristy
-More relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere |
| Best time to visit | Summer(June to August) | Spring and fall |
| Where to Stay | Downtown or North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet | Downtown or Upper King Street District, Folly Beach |
| Dining & Restaurants | Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, Mellow Mushroom, Medieval Times, etc | Husk and FIG, Charleston Grill, 82 Queen, and Poogan’s Porch, etc |
| Activities | -Hit the beach & beach boardwalk
-Entertainment galore -Miniature golf, go-karts, and amusement parks |
-Visit the historic museum, plantations, and iconic sights
-Explore local markets -Engage in the boat tour |
| Beach life | Quintessential beach town with a 60-mile stretch of continuous beaches | Not available in the city but beautiful beaches in the short drive |
| Nightlife | -Nightclubs
-Dance clubs -Sportsbar |
-Dance party
-Jazz club -Live music -Comedy show |
| Cost | Cost-effective & Affordable | More expensive |
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston: A Detailed Comparison
Now, it’s time to discuss the important factors in a comprehensive manner. Let’s dive into that.
Location
Myrtle Beach is located approximately two hours to the north of Charleston, just south of the North Carolina state line. In contrast, Charleston, situated approximately halfway down the South Carolina coastline, enjoys convenient access via Interstate 26.
Charleston, a vibrant city adjacent to Charleston Harbor, is bordered by the Ashley River and Cooper River on either side. These rivers, along with local islands and inlets, shape the Charleston experience.
In contrast, Myrtle Beach is a quintessential beach town stretched along uninterrupted miles of beachfront.
Environment
Myrtle Beach is renowned for its bustling tourist scene, spring break revelry, and vibrant beachfront nightlife. On the other hand, Charleston provides a more tranquil and refined ambiance with fewer tourists.
Myrtle Beach offers a lively boardwalk that exudes a bustling ambiance. Affordable amusements like arcades, mini-golf, shopping, dining, and nightlife, are all conveniently close to the beach.
On the other hand, Charleston offers low-profile structures and boutique lodging. Abundant cultural offerings, historical charm, and distinctive shopping and dining.
Activities
Myrtle Beach offers family-friendly and amusement-oriented attractions along its beautiful coastline while Charleston is renowned for its historical and cultural significance
Myrtle Beach offers diverse activities such as miniature golf, go-karts, Ripley’s Aquarium, Carolina Opry Show and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. The best options are:
- Tidewater Golf Club
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
- Dune Golf & Beach Club
- The Grand Strand
- The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
On the other hand, Charleston features museums, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, including art galleries showcasing local and international artists.
Some of the best things to do in Charleston are:
- Old World Charms
- Charleston Museum
- Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Battle sites
- Ghost tours
Best Time to Visit
For Myrtle Beach, the optimal time to visit is summer for a vibrant beach scene while Charleston shines in spring and fall.
In spring and fall, Myrtle Beach offers milder weather and fewer crowds. On Charleston shines in spring and fall, providing pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and budget-friendly hotel rates.
Where to Stay
Myrtle Beach is a classic beach spot with beachfront hotels. Meanwhile, Charleston offers diverse lodging, including traditional and boutique options near historical areas.
In Myrtle Beach, you can choose your preferred area for your stay from the following options.
- Downtown Myrtle Beach
- North Myrtle Beach
- Murrell’s Inlet
On the other hand, in Charleston, the choice of where to stay depends on the experience you seek:
- Historic Downtown District
- Upper King Street District
- Folly Beach
Dining & Restaurants
Myrtle Beach provides diverse, convenient dining choices like seafood buffets and themed restaurants. On the other hand, Charleston delivers an elevated dining experience.
You can choose from the following Myrtle Beach options:
- Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant and Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood
- Ultimate California Pizza and Mellow Mushroom
- Medieval Times and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
The popular options of Charleston are
- Husk and FIG
- Charleston Grill and Peninsula Grill
- The Ordinary and The Obstinate Daughter
- 82 Queen and Poogan’s Porch
Beach Life
Myrtle Beach boasts a lengthy sandy shoreline, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Conversely, Charleston features a rocky coast, necessitating a drive to reach the nearest beach.
Myrtle Beach offers a lengthy, sandy coastline for optimal swimming and sunbathing. A more tourist-centric and lively atmosphere, catering to spring break crowds and beachfront nightlife.
On the other hand, Charleston provides a rocky shoreline that’s less suited for beach activities. A 20-minute drive to reach the nearest beaches, Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island.
Cost
Myrtle Beach is generally perceived as the more budget-friendly option whereas Charleston is recognized as the pricier choice for families.
Myrtle Beach offers options like spacious rental condos and high-rise hotels. The entertainment is also wallet-friendly. Whereas, Charleston has more upscale, trendy accommodation, and dining options.
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston: Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer sandy beaches with numerous amusements, choose Myrtle Beach. It is also a wonderful Vibrant boardwalk scene, with family-oriented activities, and beachfront nightlife.
Then, opt for Charleston if you prefer a refined and culturally rich experience. People love Historical attractions, art galleries, and unique dining options, so Charleston would be a fantastic option for you.
Furthermore, Myrtle Beach would be a holy grail if you’re looking to save money. People who don’t have budget issues should choose Charleston for an amazing luxury experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Myrtle Beach and Charleston offer different options based on different preferences and budgets.
It is ultimately up to you to decide which of these two exceptional places is best for your individual vacation needs.
