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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Myrtle Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy 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.

Cabo San Lucas and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Myrtle Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach is more popular for its big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is well known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Myrtle Beach is well known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Myrtle Beach are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

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

Cabo San Lucas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cabo San Lucas has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Myrtle Beach. 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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

Cabo San Lucas is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable 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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cabo San Lucas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Myrtle Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this wild city 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.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Cabo San Lucas 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Myrtle Beach?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Myrtle Beach, 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.