A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea as a family destination.

Myrtle Beach doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always the best place to visit. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Myrtle Beach. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife around the party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife around the busy destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Myrtle Beach