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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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 Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

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

Many visitors go to Ketchikan to go shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

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 Ketchikan More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan Better for Families?

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

Ketchikan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ketchikan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in 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 Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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 Ketchikan a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife around the beach city of Myrtle Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ketchikan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife around the busy destination of Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife around the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan?

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

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Ketchikan. The summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ketchikan. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Ketchikan. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Myrtle Beach