A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Myrtle Beach and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Denali National Park is known for its museums, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Denali National Park and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Denali National Park both to be decent destinations.

Myrtle Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Denali National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Myrtle Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Myrtle Beach is a world class 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

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 Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Shopping is a popular activity in both Denali National Park and Myrtle Beach.

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.

Denali National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

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 Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Denali National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

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 Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Denali National Park

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable beach city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park.


  • How many days in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Denali National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular park offers. 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 Denali National Park?

Myrtle Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for five days. Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the beach city of Myrtle Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the busy destination of Myrtle Beach. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, one week is sufficent for most.

Denali National Park 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Myrtle Beach and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park? 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 Myrtle Beach


Hotels in Denali National Park


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.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Denali National Park $76

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: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Denali National Park $57
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.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Denali National Park $30
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:

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Denali National Park $12


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



When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park 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. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during spring. In April, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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