A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

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

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Myrtle Beach and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Big Sur are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Big Sur is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Big Sur area. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Myrtle Beach or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach and Big Sur are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Is Myrtle Beach or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Myrtle Beach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Myrtle Beach or Big Sur Better for Families?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

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 Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur 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, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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 Myrtle Beach or Big Sur Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. 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.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Neither Myrtle Beach or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Myrtle Beach or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Big Sur is not a walkable beach city. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this remote natural 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 natural area.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Big Sur 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.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. 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.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur 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.

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 Big Sur, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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 Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach or Big Sur?

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 Myrtle Beach or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Big Sur. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Myrtle Beach