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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Myrtle Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Jacksonville is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students visit 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.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

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

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Both Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

In Jacksonville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant 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 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.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Jacksonville 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.

Five days in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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.

A week in Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Jacksonville 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.

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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Myrtle Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Myrtle Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Myrtle Beach 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Myrtle Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 286 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in July than Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

Both Myrtle Beach and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Jacksonville