A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Myrtle Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ensenada travel costs.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Ensenada and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Ensenada and Myrtle Beach are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Ensenada is known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Ensenada and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Ensenada different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ensenada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Ensenada is an experience not to be missed. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Myrtle Beach offers a few options. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

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

Many visitors go to Ensenada to go shopping. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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 Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Ensenada is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

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 Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Myrtle Beach make for a good place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Myrtle Beach is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is very good for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Ensenada or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Ensenada is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

Both Ensenada 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 Ensenada. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Myrtle Beach 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

In Ensenada, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

Ensenada 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Ensenada. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

Ensenada 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.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. This beach city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Myrtle Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Myrtle Beach than you might in Ensenada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Myrtle Beach?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.