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

Should you visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Columbus and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Columbus different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Columbus and Myrtle Beach both to be respectable destinations.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Myrtle Beach. 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 Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Myrtle Beach just to party. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

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

Many visitors go to Columbus to go shopping. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

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

Columbus is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Columbus is a city 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Columbus is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Both Columbus 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 Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

A weekend in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. 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.

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.

Five days in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Columbus. 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.

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.

A week in Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Columbus is a popular place to visit. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Myrtle Beach, 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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.

When is the best time to visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Myrtle Beach. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Columbus is cooler than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

Both Myrtle Beach and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Myrtle Beach. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Columbus