A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Myrtle Beach attract visitors from all over. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Shopping is a popular activity in both Myrtle Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Myrtle Beach 2-7

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this active recreation area 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 recreation area.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this party-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find around the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this high energy destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach city offers something for everyone.


A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this beach city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Myrtle Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, while the average daily cost in Myrtle Beach is $173. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Myrtle Beach $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Myrtle Beach $176
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Myrtle Beach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Myrtle Beach $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Prices for flights to both Myrtle Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Myrtle Beach $56

Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Myrtle Beach $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Ghosts and Pirates Haunted City Walking Tour: $26
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • The Comedy Shoppe at Wonders Theatre Ticket: $40
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour: $40
  • Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour: $41
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Myrtle Beach $16


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.