A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Families, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a unique, iconic, and fascinating town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Cape Canaveral different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Myrtle Beach and Cape Canaveral. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Canaveral on the map. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cape Canaveral area. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Myrtle Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Cape Canaveral is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Cape Canaveral to go shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cape Canaveral frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city to visit as a student. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Both Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Myrtle Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cape Canaveral, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Canaveral that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Cape Canaveral if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Myrtle Beach.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

In Cape Canaveral, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Cape Canaveral is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Myrtle Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Myrtle Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Myrtle Beach and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral than you might in Myrtle Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Myrtle Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Myrtle Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

Both Myrtle Beach and Cape Canaveral during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Myrtle Beach. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Cape Canaveral