A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Myrtle Beach vs. Whistler for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

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 Whistler 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.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Whistler travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Myrtle Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is well known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Whistler is well known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge.

How is Myrtle Beach different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is among the world's best ski destinations. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Whistler is a village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Whistler offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Whistler 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 Whistler is an experience not to be missed. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for nightlife. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit 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.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Myrtle Beach or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a great destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Whistler. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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.

Is Myrtle Beach or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Whistler Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

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

Many visitors go to Whistler to go shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

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 Whistler More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler 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.

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Whistler Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Whistler frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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 Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Whistler Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city to visit as a student. 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.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Whistler is a village 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

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 Whistler a more walkable city?

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

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy to explore 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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

In either Myrtle Beach or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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

One day in Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy village 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 Whistler?

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.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this outdoorsy destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Whistler?

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.

Whistler 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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 Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Whistler, 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Whistler. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the autumn 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 Whistler. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Whistler can be very cold during winter. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Whistler because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Myrtle Beach