Myrtle Beach caters to a wider range of tastes and budgets, while Surfside Beach offers a relaxed coastal experience for those who prioritize serenity. There are fewer dining and entertainment options in Surfside Beach than in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach provides more entertainment, dining variety, and accommodations than Surfside Beach, making it suitable for families and budget-conscious travelers. Myrtle Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, accessibility, and affordability compared to Surfside Beach.
For further details about Surfside Beach vs. Myrtle Beach, read ahead and discover which one aligns better with your vacation preferences.
Surfside Beach vs. Myrtle Beach: Quick Comparison
In this quick comparison, I’ll help you find the perfect beach for your next adventure.
| Aspect | Surfside Beach | Myrtle Beach |
| Location | 1304 Monument Dr.
Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas |
Horry County, eastern South Carolina |
| Climate & Weather | – Hot summers
– Cold and windy winters – Wet and partly cloudy year round. |
– Hot summers
– Cold and windy winters – Wet and partly cloudy year round. |
| Best Time To Visit | – March to May (Spring)
– September to November (Fall ) |
June to August (Summer) |
| Accessibility | 6 miles from Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR). | 3 miles from MYR Airport.
Accessible beaches and transportation options. |
| Accommodations | House and cottage rentals | Hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals |
| Dining & Restaurant | Limited casual dining options with American and seafood cuisine. | Wide range of dining options, including upscale and fine dining. |
| Activities | Quieter and cozier setting with fewer large-scale attractions.
Less crowded beaches. |
More active and energetic with extensive attractions and entertainment options.
Busier and more crowded beaches. |
| Nightlife | More laid-back with few nightlife options | Vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues |
| Cost (Per day, per person) | $58 to $266 | $50 to $261 |
Here is a detailed comparison of Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach in each of the areas listed in the table.
Location
Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach are both neighbors on the Grand Strand in South Carolina, which is a 60-mile stretch of coastline.
Surfside Beach lies in Brazoria County, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico, just a stone’s throw from the delightful city of Freeport.
In contrast, Myrtle Beach is situated in Horry County, Eastern South Carolina, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
Climate And Weather
With hot summers and temperatures typically ranging from 39°F to 88°F, you’ll find that Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach have similar climates.
Warm-weather activities are available from mid-April to early June and from late September to late October. Both experience hot and oppressive summers, cold and windy winters, and wet conditions throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Surfside Beach is in the spring and fall, whereas Myrtle Beach is best to visit on warm summer days.
The best time to visit Surfside Beach is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for ideal weather. For general outdoor activities, I recommend going in mid-April to early June and late September to late October.
In Myrtle Beach, the best time for warm and sunny beach days is in the summer (June to August). For fewer crowds but still pleasant weather, consider September to October and April to May.
Winter is the most budget-friendly time to visit both locations, making Surfside and Myrtle Beach suitable for different preferences and budget considerations.
Accessibility
I’ll add that both beaches are extremely accessible. Because, Myrtle Beach is just 3 miles from Myrtle Beach (MYR) Airport, while Surfside Beach is just 6 miles away.
Surfside Beach also offers convenient proximity to attractions in Myrtle Beach, with easy access to places like Ripley’s Aquarium and Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Accommodations
When you are looking for lodging options, Myrtle Beach has a wider range of options, including hotels, resorts, condos, and more. Meanwhile, Surfside Beach just offers house and cottage rentals.
Surfside Beach primarily offers house and cottage rentals, making it a good choice for larger families seeking a quieter, family-friendly environment. These include-
- Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Jackson-Clute
- Ocean Village Hotel
- Blue Water RV Resort
- Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel
- Vacation homes in Surfside Beach, etc.
Compared to Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach provides a wide array of accommodation options catering to various budgets and travel preferences. For example,
- Anderson Ocean Club & Spa
- The Breakers Resort
- Carolina Winds Resort
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
- Bay View on the Boardwalk
- Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Dining And Restaurant
While Surfside Beach has a limited number of casual dining options, Myrtle Beach has a wide range of upscale and fine dining options.
In Surfside Beach, restaurants offer American and seafood cuisine. There is a smaller selection of dining options, mainly focusing on family-friendly and casual dining, including-
- Seahorse Bar & Grill,
- Pier 30
- Beach Front Bar and Grill, etc.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, boasts a much wider range of restaurant choices, catering to diverse tastes. From upscale dining options like-
- The Melting Pot Thoroughbreds Chophouse
- Hook & Barrel
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (local seafood), etc.
Myrtle Beach offers a more extensive and varied culinary scene than Surfside Beach, with a greater emphasis on fine dining.
Activities
For a quiet option, Surfside Beach is exactly what you’re looking for. But Myrtle Beach is the go-to destination if you’re looking for abundant entertainment options.
The Grand Theatre is a Surfside Beach highlight, where you can watch shows featuring famous performers like- Dean Martin, Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe, etc. Typically, Surfside Beach features less crowded beaches, creating a serene and private beach experience for couples.
However, no matter how romantic and less crowded it may sound, Surfside Beach is not considered safe because of its high crime rate. So, I’d suggest you be careful if you choose to go there, especially at night.
Nonetheless, Myrtle Beach is a premier tourist hotspot and caters to travelers who enjoy an active and energetic experience. It provides an extensive range of attractions and entertainment options.
You can explore popular destinations like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and Family Kingdom Amusement Park near Myrtle Beach. It’s perfect for you if you want a wide variety of activities and sights to explore.
Nightlife
Surfside Beach is ideal if you prefer a more laid-back evening, while Myrtle Beach is the dynamic and energetic nightlife choice.
Surfside Beach has some nightlife options, mostly along Route 17. Nearby Murrell’s Inlet is known for great dining and happy hours with live music.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is the go-to destination for a vibrant nightlife and entertainment experience. Those seeking an active and lively nightlife will find bars, restaurants, clubs, and live music venues here.
Again, you cannot drink and party on the Surfside Beach premises, however, you’re safe to drink on Myrtle Beach.
Cost
Surfside Beach is more expensive compared to Myrtle Beach and has a per-day accommodation of around $58 to $266 for a person. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach only requires around $50 to $261 for one person.
I’ve gathered information on the cost of traveling to both Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach. Here’s a cost comparison table for both destinations:
| Expense Category | Surfside Beach | Myrtle Beach |
| Accommodation (per day, 1 person) | $58 – $266 | $50 – $261 |
| Average One-Week Cost (1 person) | $1,533 – $3,907 | $1,214 – $1,613 |
| Food and dining (per day) | $110.20 (approx) | $56 (approx) |
| Entertainment (per day) | $44.90 (approx) | $46 (approx) |
Final Verdict: Which Beach Is Good For You To Visit?
I think the ideal beach for you to visit depends on your own preferences and priorities. You can consider-
- Business Travelers: Myrtle Beach due to accessibility and amenities.
- Budget Travelers: Myrtle Beach with lower costs
- Families: Myrtle Beach offers diverse accommodations, dining, and family-friendly attractions.
- Couples: Surfside Beach for tranquility or Myrtle Beach for varied activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach ultimately depends on your specific preferences and travel needs.
Your ideal coastal retreat awaits, whether you are drawn to the serene shores of Surfside or the lively scene of Myrtle Beach.
