A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Hood River for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

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 Hood River can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Hood River travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Hood River 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 Hood River is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Hood River and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is very good for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Hood River is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hood River 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 Hood River is an experience not to be missed. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

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

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

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 Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hood River is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Myrtle Beach or Hood River Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not popular with students.

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

Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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 Hood River a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and Hood River both are decent when exploring on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. 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.

Hood River is generally not a very walkable beach city. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

With nightlife around the busy beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hood River, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

Hood River is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hood River?

Myrtle Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the quaint destination of Hood River. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Hood River?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Hood River, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Hood River?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Myrtle Beach or Hood River in the Summer?

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

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Hood River in the Autumn?

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

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Hood River in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hood River. In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Hood River. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Hood River. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Myrtle Beach