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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic, charming, and artsy historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Myrtle Beach and Santa Fe are popular destinations, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Myrtle Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Myrtle Beach different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is very good for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe is an experience not to be missed. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is very good for its music scene. However, Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for the beach. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Fe. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Santa Fe is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

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 Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Santa Fe are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for 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.

Santa Fe is a good beach city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

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

Santa Fe is a historic 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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 Santa Fe a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

In either Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

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.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming historic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Santa Fe?

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.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the skiing and live music that this charming destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Santa Fe, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Santa Fe, 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.