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

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

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Myrtle Beach and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Olympic 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 Olympic National Park is known for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Olympic National Park is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park area. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a great destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

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

Shopping is a popular activity in both Olympic 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.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Olympic 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.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a well-known place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Olympic 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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 Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable beach city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

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

How long in Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park?

In either Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Olympic National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums and food that this pristine 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. It offers something for everyone.

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Olympic National Park?

Myrtle Beach is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums and food that this vast destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Olympic National Park?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

Olympic 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Myrtle Beach and Olympic National Park, we can see that Myrtle Beach is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.

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

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Olympic National Park. In the winter, Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Myrtle Beach