Myrtle Beach stretches along the expansive Grand Strand beach, while Wilmington is situated along the Cape Fear River, leading into the Atlantic Ocean.
Myrtle Beach is known for its high-rise hotels and beachfront resorts, while Wilmington offers charming historic inns and beachfront resorts. Additionally, Wilmington is generally considered more budget-friendly than Myrtle Beach.
You must consider more factors while choosing one between Myrtle Beach vs Wilmington. Stay tuned to learn them all.
Myrtle Beach vs. Wilmington: A Brief Discussion
First, let’s take a closer look at these two holiday destinations before discussing their features in depth. The following factors are also relevant when deciding between Long Beach vs Santa Monica or Miami Beach vs Hollywood Beach.
| Factor | Myrtle Beach | Wilmington |
| Location | South Carolina, USA | North Carolina, USA |
| Climate & Atmosphere | -Warm summers and mild winters, with a humid subtropical climate.
-Quaint and charming |
-Warm summers and mild winters, with a humid subtropical climate.
-Fun and lively |
| Where to stay | -Holiday Inn at the Pavilion -Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach | -Holiday Inn Express Wilmington
-Holiday Ballast Wilmington |
| Dining and restaurants | Seafood buffets, beachfront bars, and family-friendly restaurants. | Seafood, southern cuisine, and farm-to-table restaurants. |
| Activities | -Bustling boardwalk
-Amusement park -Golf courses -Swimming, sunbathing and water sports |
-Historic sites
-Numerous museums -Swimming, surfing and paddleboarding |
| Nightlife | -Vibrant and energetic nightlife
-Amazing nightclubs |
-Laidback nightlife |
| Best time to visit | -Summertime(hot and crowded)
-April, May and October(less crowded & pleasant weather) |
-Summertime(hot and crowded)
-April, May and October(less crowded & pleasant weather) |
| Cost | A bit costly | More affordable |
Myrtle Beach vs. Wilmington: An Elaborated Discussion
The time has come for you to consider all of them one by one in order to make the right decision.
Location
Myrtle Beach is found along the extensive Grand Strand beach. On the other hand, Wilmington is positioned along the Cape Fear River, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
The distance between Myrtle Beach International Airport and Wilmington International Airport is approximately 77 miles or 124 kilometers. Both cities are coastal, providing convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean for visitors.
Climate & Atmosphere
Wilmington and Myrtle Beach both experience a humid subtropical climate with hot summer and mild winter.
Summers are hot, with average high temperatures around 89°F (32°C) in Wilmington and 88°F (31°C) in Myrtle Beach. In Wilmington, winter temperatures average 36°F (2°C), and in Myrtle Beach, 37°F (3°C).
Both cities see the wettest months in July and August. Wilmington receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually, and Myrtle Beach receives about 51 inches.
Where to Stay
In Myrtle Beach, you can stay in Holiday Inn at the Pavilion while you can stay in Holiday Inn Express Wilmington.
There are more places you can stay while staying in Myrtle Beach. The most popular options are:
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
- Palette Resort Myrtle Beach by OYO etc
On the other hand, other popular hotels in Wilmington are:
- Holiday Ballast Wilmington
- Arrive Wilmington etc
Dining & Restaurants
Both Myrtle Beach and Wilmington have diverse culinary scenes to satisfy various tastes and preferences.
Myrtle Beach is famous for its seafood buffets, beachfront bars, and family-friendly restaurants. Some top-rated restaurants in Myrtle Beach include
- Sea Captain’s House
- The Library Restaurant
- And The Melting Pot
On the other hand, Wilmington is celebrated for its fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and farm-to-table restaurants. Top-rated dining establishments in Wilmington include
- Caprice Bistro,
- PinPoint Restaurant,
- And Manna Ave. 123.
Activities
Myrtle Beach is celebrated for its lively boardwalk and amusement parks. In contrast, Wilmington stands out for its historical and cultural significance.
In Myrtle Beach you can enjoy the park, the iconic attractions include:
- The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
- Ripley’s Aquarium.
On the other hand, you can enjoy intriguing glimpses into the region’s past at the Museum of Wilmington. The popular options are:
- Battleship North Carolina
- Bellamy Mansion Museum
- And Cape Fear Museum
Source: https://youtu.be/ENf_d4O-5K4?si=LTKy8NQB-RZ7_byp
The city also offers numerous beaches, including Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach State Park, for outdoor enthusiasts. Try out more fun things to do in Wilmington!
Overall, Wilmington emphasizes nature and outdoor pursuits, whereas Myrtle Beach offers a broader selection of water sports and attractions.
Nightlife
Myrtle Beach boasts a vibrant and energetic nightlife scene. In contrast, Wilmington offers a more relaxed nightlife scene with various bars, pubs, and breweries.
A number of nightclubs can be found in Myrtle Beach, including
- The Oz Nightclub
- The Club Boca
On the other hand, notable nightclubs in Wilmington include:
- The Front Street Brewery
- The Satellite Bar and Lounge
- The Copper Penny
Moreover, Visitors can explore the city’s historic district, which houses numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Myrtle Beach and Wilmington share some similarities when it comes to the best times to visit. Both cities offer the most pleasant conditions in May, October, and April, featuring comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
In Myrtle Beach, the summer months are particularly popular, but July and August can be hot and crowded. Travelers are drawn to the city’s attractions and shopping scene in the autumn.
Wilmington, on the other hand, experiences a similar pattern, with May, October, and April being the most favorable months for a visit. Summers in Wilmington are also sought after, although July and August can bring heat and crowds.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of living, Wilmington is generally considered more budget-friendly than Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is renowned for its tourism industry, drawing millions of visitors annually. However, the high demand for tourism also translates into higher prices for accommodation, food, and excursions, particularly during the busy season.
In contrast, Wilmington offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle. The result is that hotels, restaurants, and activities become more cheap and reasonable all year-long.
So, Which One Is a Better Coastal Destination?
For people who like a vibrant and bustling coastal city and extensive Grand Strand beach, Myrtle Beach is wonderful for them.
Conversely, if you are a historical enthusiast, Wilmington is a better option for you because it is focused on historical and cultural significance.
Then, If you enjoy lively boardwalks, high-rise hotels, and dynamic nightlife, Myrtle Beach might be the better choice.
However, Wilmington may be a better choice if you prefer a slower-paced coastal town with a rich history, fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere. Also, Wilmington offers some great savings.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have a clear vision regarding the differences between Myrtle Beach vs Wilmington
Choose a resort that will make your stay enjoyable by considering all the factors. It is certain that whatever you decide, you will enjoy it. Enjoy your vacation.
