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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Myrtle Beach and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park 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. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Neither Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable beach city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

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

How long in Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

One day in Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this fascinating national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the nightlife. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Most people visit for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park 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 comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Joshua Tree National Park, 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.