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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

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 Diego 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.

San Diego

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and San Diego: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego. Although Myrtle Beach and San Diego are both popular with visitors, San Diego has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Diego is more popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Myrtle Beach is known for its nightlife. Myrtle Beach is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. San Diego is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo.

How is Myrtle Beach different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to San Diego specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Diego 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 Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

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 Diego Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

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.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great destination for its music scene. However, Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

San Diego has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

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 San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. 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.

Is Myrtle Beach or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

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

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

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 Diego Better for Families?

San Diego 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 Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego 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, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city to visit as a student. 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.

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

San Diego is a coastal 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 Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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 Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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.

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

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

How long in Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

In either Myrtle Beach or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

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

One day in Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife around the beach city of Myrtle Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled coastal city 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 San Diego?

You'll find nightlife around the jam-packed destination of Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife around the jam-packed beach city of Myrtle Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this relaxed 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 beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego 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 San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or San Diego?

San Diego 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 Diego, 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 Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and San Diego. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than San Diego. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as San Diego. The winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both San Diego and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than San Diego. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Myrtle Beach