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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

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

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and shopping, while Myrtle Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Santa Monica is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Myrtle Beach different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is notable for students. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

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

One day in Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this high energy beach city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this lively town offers. 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 Santa Monica?

Myrtle Beach 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this busy destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica 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 comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Santa Monica. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Myrtle Beach