A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Myrtle Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

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

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable 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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Both Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this notable city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

The busy destination of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Saint Augustine 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This beach city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Saint Augustine is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach, 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach, 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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach?

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 Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Myrtle Beach. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Myrtle Beach. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Myrtle Beach. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Saint Augustine