A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. San Antonio for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than San Antonio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while San Antonio is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than San Antonio 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. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

San Antonio is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio 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 San Antonio area. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

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 San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is very good for its music scene. However, Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

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.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

San Antonio is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to San Antonio to go shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

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 San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is very good for its Christmas activities. However, Myrtle Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to San Antonio during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Myrtle Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and San Antonio are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. 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.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Antonio Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

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

San Antonio is a city 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

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 San Antonio a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and San Antonio both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable beach city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio 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 San Antonio.

One day in Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In San Antonio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the busy destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the busy beach city of Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the colorful destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

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

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 San Antonio Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

Both San Antonio and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Antonio for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and San Antonio averages at about 87°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Myrtle Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and San Antonio. The winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is much colder than San Antonio in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as San Antonio. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Antonio for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and San Antonio averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Myrtle Beach