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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Myrtle Beach and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Sun Valley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Sun Valley 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. Sun Valley is well known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Myrtle Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sun Valley is an experience not to be missed. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is terrific for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a must-see 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

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 Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for its beaches. However, Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

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

Many visitors go to Sun Valley to go shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

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 Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sun Valley is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a great destination for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sun Valley. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Sun Valley on foot is easy. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Both Myrtle Beach and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sun Valley has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sun Valley than Myrtle Beach. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

With nightlife around the party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventurous town 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Myrtle Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this outdoorsy 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 skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Sun Valley?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Sun Valley, 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.