A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Myrtle Beach and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor is an experience not to be missed. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a must-see party destination. 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Bar Harbor is a coastal town 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Bar Harbor 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 Myrtle Beach.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife around the busy beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Bar Harbor?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

Bar Harbor 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.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Myrtle Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Myrtle Beach and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Myrtle Beach