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Myrtle Beach vs. Virginia Beach

Between Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach, it’s a tough choice for many. One boasts its famous boardwalk with exceptionally beautiful coastal views. The other offers a hub of entertaining things to do at every corner you turn. Both destinations fit different travel personalities. Whether you’re a sun seeker, partier, after a secluded getaway, or traveling with family. To make the best decision possible, you need a little more than just “boardwalk” or “entertainment.” So, here’s a guide to help you choose once and for all. 
Myrtle Beach vs. Virginia Beach

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Myrtle Beach spoils visitors with options. From its broad offerings of fun-filled activities and theme parks to seaside beauty and upbeat nightlife.

Virginia Beach is just as alluring. Its boardwalk is a charming quality that enthralls millions. But it’s not the only deserving quality. The coastal city boasts beaches too. But even more than that, its seafood scene and seductive evening scene never fail to capture both young and old crowds.

In this battle of beach destinations, it’s not enough to say both are simply suited to beach lovers. There’s more to sun and sand in Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach. And this guide paves the way for anyone who’s feeling undecided about which is the better destination.

Myrtle Beach

It’s never a dull moment in Myrtle Beach. The popular beach destination often hailed as “The Beach” has something for every traveler. To start, the city’s amusement parks have water parks and roller coasters to keep families on the loop of fun all throughout.

When you’re not spending time on the beach, there’s plenty more to do around the city. Just take your pick: shopping, eating, sightseeing, golfing, or relaxing.

On that note, did you know Myrtle Beach features world-class spas? (more about this in the later sections). As for shopping, you’re spoiled with world-class districts to fully satisfy your retail therapy needs.

Eating? This deserves an entire section’s worth. Myrtle Beach doesn’t just serve seafood. You’ll find a rich blend of cuisines all over the city, like Mediterranean and even German.

When it comes to sightseeing, your list of options never seems to truly end. A popular spot for first-timers? Broadway at the Beach. Here, you’ll find everything you need from shopping and dining to sightseeing and family-friendly activities.

Just when you think you’ve done it all, there’s still something the whole family can do. And that’s catching award-winning shows at any of Myrtle Beach’s theaters. For more family-oriented activities, there’s also Ripley’s Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix.

Lastly, avid golfers will enjoy the city’s 100+ golf courses. For the kids, there are dozens of minigolf courses too.

Altogether, Myrtle Beach offers a wealth of entertainment that’s hard to pass up. Being more than a beach destination, this lively city is worth visiting for many reasons and more. But if that’s not enough to convince you, the next sections just might.

What Makes Myrtle Beach Unique?

Extra-Mile Shopping Experiences

You don’t visit Myrtle Beach’s shops simply to browse. When you’re not hitting the beach or hitting the clubs, shopping is the next best thing.

Enter Barefoot Landing, one of Myrtle Beach’s most prominent shopping districts.

You might find a few familiar shops here. But the real shopping gems are those that offer unique souvenirs and items. Take Del Sol, for example. This shop at Barefoot Landing sells color-changing products. Think t-shirts, tote bags, hats, jewelry, and even nail polish.

PURPLEologist sells all things purple. Literally. Even their housewares and golf clubs are purple. Now, beware. You just might fall in love with everything purple.

MyCup is also another interesting shop. They sell insulated drinkware for every beverage need on the planet. Whether it’s for coffee, tea, outdoor, indoor, or even lunch needs. There’s also the Olive Shoppe. Ever wonder what specialty olive oil looks like? Tastes like? What about a specialty vinegar and olive oil mix? Your cooking won’t be the same after you’ve tried one bottle.

As far as unique shopping experiences go, you’ll still find plenty of your everyday retail therapy shops. Monkee’s, for example, sells upscale everything. From shoes and clothes to accessories and more.

Take note that Barefoot Landing is only one of the many shopping districts in Myrtle Beach. And if you’re curious to find out what else is in store, be sure to check out these key shopping areas:

  • Tanger Outlets
  • Inlet Square Mall
  • The Market Common
  • Hudson’s Flea Market
  • Broadway at the Beach
  • The Hammock Shops Village

Excellent Culinary Scene

Myrtle Beach’s beaches have been taking in the spotlight for far too long. And it’s about time the city’s culinary scene should be making the front headlines.

The surf and turf experience at Aspen Grille is one restaurant worth mentioning. The restaurant is popular for its French onion soup and of course, its seafood dishes. Tried and reviewed by many, Aspen Grille doesn’t fail to disappoint both first-time and returning guests.

Be sure to order the Carolina shrimp cocktail and Prime filet mignon. Both will surely leave an impression on your palate.

Up for something more American? How about Italian? Or better yet, why not have both? Bistro 90 serves Italian and American dishes. From your good ol’ American juicy steak to seafood pasta and brick-oven pizzas.

If you’re in the mood for something more casual and nostalgic, stop by Carolina Roadhouse. The chili cheese fries platter is massive. Jumbo-sized huge. Pair it with chicken wings served alongside a blue cheese dip and you have the perfect afternoon… snack? Or perhaps, lunch?

Want the real deal? Order Carolina Roadhouse’s specialty: The Killer Dog. It’s a foot-long hot dog grilled backyard style covered on a heap of French fries. And not just any kind of French fry. It’s buried in cheese, homemade chili, and onions. Now, that’s a Sunday BBQ hotdog.

Prefer upscale dining? Or a romantic place to celebrate your anniversary? Head over to the Library, which serves quality European cuisine. Without a doubt, the filet mignon is a popular entrée ordered by many. But while on vacation, now is perhaps the best time to try something adventurous.

An entrée suggestion at The Library? Duck L’Orange. It’s long island duck breast roasted in orange cognac demi. Or for something light to make room for appetizers and dessert, Shrimp Scampi.

Now, before you get all excited about lunch and dinner options, don’t forget about breakfast. Johnny D’ Waffles is quite popular around the city. Olympic Flame Pancake House is also well-known for its signature buttermilk pancakes.

A Spa Sanctuary for Pampering Experiences

Looking for some downtime but want total privacy? There are several world-class spas to choose from. And one of the spas that rank as one of the highest-rated is Hibiscus Spa, located at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort.

Hibiscus Spa offers an extensive selection of treatments. These range from deep-tissue massages and antiaging facials to full-body wraps and pampering pedicures.

Want the best spa in Myrtle Beach? The Awakening Spa at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa holds the no.1 spot. In addition, they specialize in therapeutic massages, antiaging facials, and hydrating body treatments.

Now, if you prefer a spa treatment on the unique and CBD side, Myrtle Beach has it too! Make your way to Cinzia Spa, an opulent choice for vacationers.

So, what does a lavish spa like Cinzia Spa have in store for its serenity seekers? Anyone looking for inner calm and tranquility vibes will find it in Cinzia. The resort specializes in a wide variety of spa treatments tailored to meet specific demographics. Be it men, women, old, young, or even teens, and couples.

Specialized treatments are indeed impressive, wouldn’t you agree? But Cinzia Spa has an even more fascinating treatment for its guests: CBD treatments.

Want more spa options? Here are some of the best along with those already mentioned:

  • Spa33
  • Coastal Spa
  • Kiva Day Spa
  • Lost in Serenity Spa
  • Celestial Spa on Cloud 9

There’s Never a Boring Day in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is like one massive theme park. Every corner tells a story and invites vacationers to try something new.

Up for wildlife watching? The Brookgreen Gardens is home to several native wild animals. The entire area is every nature lover’s dream. Lined with butterfly gardens, roses, and 250-year-old oak trees, you could get lost in beauty walking along the pathways.

If you prefer a more active vacation, you won’t run out of options. Give the Ripken Experience a shot and see what it feels like to play in professional baseball leagues. Here, you’ll find bullpens, several batting cages, and training facilities to put your skills to the test.

Not a fan of baseball? There’s always golf. And more than 100 courses at that. Or, you can opt for jet skiing, parasailing, or deep-sea fishing.

For the whole family, minigolf is definitely one of the best things to do. But that’s only scratching the surface of Myrtle Beach’s list of family-friendly activities.

Explore museums like the Hollywood Wax Museum to grab your much-awaited photo op with your favorite celebrities. Or, explore the six districts of WonderWorks, a science-filled museum meant to entertain and educate its visitors.

Come sundown there’s still so much to do. Catch a live show and be ready to be strapped in the whole night. Choose from crowd-favorite shows like Carolina Opry or a family-oriented show about pirates or magicians.

Of course, you’re welcome to bar-hop, too, and party the night away. Because after all, Myrtle Beach is famous for its festive vibes. Whether you’re at a beach bar, listening to live music in a rooftop bar, or partying at the club, you’ll have a blast in Myrtle Beach.

Virginia Beach

When Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, you have Virginia Beach. Beautifully scenic, family-oriented, and surprisingly wild. The coastal city, Virginia Beach, has more than enough sun and sand to keep sun seekers entertained.

But beyond the sand and sea lies its wilder side, a popular reason so many local college students enjoy it here.

Considering its charming allure and scenic coastal views, Virginia Beach has one of the best nightlife scenes. Not to mention, it’s affordable enough that it doesn’t break the bank even for college students.

More popularly known for its boardwalk, the coastal city doesn’t just favor party animals. Even seniors and vacationers simply looking for a good time will find it in Virginia Beach. In other words, it’s also the ideal destination if you’ve come to relax without any hassle or disturbance.

You might’ve heard that Virginia Beach’s hotels aren’t exactly super luxe. But that’s hardly a bad thing. At best, the accommodations you’ll find here are comfortable and cozy. They’re more than enough to satisfy your vacation needs.

But if you’re still curious to learn more about what the city offers, the next sections should have all that for you.

What Makes Virginia Beach Unique?

Amazing Seafood and the Finest Oysters

Finding an excellent seafood restaurant in Virginia Beach is a no-brainer. With a wealth of high-quality seafood options all over the city, you’re spoiled for cream-of-the-crop seafood pickings.

For foodies and seafood lovers, this is your cue.

Virginia Beach is renowned for having the finest oysters in the entire Atlantic. Fatty, juicy, fresh ocean saltiness, and huge in size so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

Now, when it comes to seafood, you don’t have to be a food critic to tell which restaurants are worth your dime. And one restaurant that comes highly recommended is Tautog’s Restaurant. It’s located just right around the corner from The Ocean Sands Resort.

This restaurant is popular for its fresh seafood, and without a doubt, its oysters. Many have raved over Tautog’s dishes, such as the stuffed flounder and the shrimp scampi.

Vacationers looking for a more stuffed seafood meal will find it at Waterman’s Surfside Grille. With generous portions and their succulent fish tacos, dining here once may not be enough. Their crab cake sandwich also comes highly recommended.

Don’t forget to check out Blue Seafood and Spirits too. This top-tier restaurant serves one of the freshest seafood dishes in town. So fresh that you can even taste the ocean.

Additionally, the restaurant makes killer cocktails, arguably the best in the entire Virginia Beach. Plus, it’s conveniently located at the Red Mills Commons shopping outlet. So, if you fancy some retail therapy in-between, you can go shopping and refresh at Blue Seafood or vice versa.

Looking for a seafood shack with a panoramic view? Bubba’s and Catch 31 are right up the alley of having that spectacular coastal view while you eat. Catch 31 Fish House & Bar serves unbelievably amazing fresh oysters. Whereas Bubba’s charms its guests with its irresistible crab cake sandwich.

Full of After-Dark Fun

Virginia Beach is one of the few beach destinations where its nightlife isn’t limited to boardwalks. Or kiddie rides and oceanfront dining. Or staying at a casual pizza parlor that shuts its doors after 10 pm.

No – Virginia Beach hums all-out parties, live music events, beach bars, and brewpubs in its nightlife scene. And it’s one of the main draws as to why the coastal city pulls in both young and old crowds in large numbers every year.

So, once you’ve pulled yourself out of your sun-soaked vibes, here’s an itinerary of how to spend your nights:

Crawl Through the Best Cocktail Lounges

If there’s one drink that will fancy anyone’s tastebuds, it’s the legendary Orange Crush. This iconic cocktail blends oranges together with triple sec, vodka, and carbonated soda. Now, the concoction formula may seem simple, but the taste is on a whole other level.

There’s not a single bar in town where you don’t see at least one person ordering this cocktail. And if you want to have your fill of trying such a legendary concoction, head to Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Restaurant by day, bar by night, there’s no better place to grab your first ever Orange Crush.

If you find the ambiance to be a little too mellow, you might want to check out Chix on the Beach. Here, DJ music dominates the evening scene, with amazing cocktails to pair.

Chill and Hang With the Locals

Looking for a local bar scene? Interested to meet and mingle with the locals? There are several bars in the area especially known for that.

Hot Tuna, a popular seafood restaurant, comes even more alive at night. The open-air bar features local performers and dozens of fire-pit tables with more than enough room for plenty. Stop by every Wednesday night to catch their Happy Hour promo from 5 to 9 pm.

If you prefer live music but don’t fancy cocktails and margaritas, head to HK on the Bay. Here, you’ll find a number of great local beers. Speaking of beer, you’ll find several local breweries around Virginia Beach. Some of these include:

  • Back Bay Brewing Co.
  • Smartmouth Pilot House
  • Commonwealth Brewing Company
Enjoy a Classy Night With Your Romantic Partner

The wine scene was only recently introduced in Virginia Beach, and so far, the locals love it! Visit Press Wine Bar, which offers 300+ wine selections of varying origins and styles.

Now, if you’re a more spirit-forward type of person, you’ll love the Hunt Room. The bar serves a wealth of carefully curated spirits & cocktails.

Overall, these are just a few of the many bars, clubs, pubs, and cocktail lounges spread all over Virginia Beach. Whether you’re after some casual evening fun to meet locals, party till dawn, or enjoy a romantic evening, Virginia Beach’s nightlife has it all.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

Occupying 2,888 acres (1,169 ha) of land, First State Landing Park is a recreational sanctuary for locals and tourists. The state park is home to several unspoiled habitats, like lagoons, a maritime forest, bald cypress swamps, and more.

Plus, the area features miles of hiking trails, cabins, campsites, yurts, and even picnic shelters. If you wanted to go kayaking, you’re more than welcome to do so in the park’s calm waters too. For those craving a get-away-from-it-all retreat, they’ll find it in First State Landing Park. Rent any of the cabins, campsites, or yurts and you’ll have all the peace and solitude you could ask for.

There’s also the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, an even larger area of land than First State Landing Park. Here, it’s common to see locals paddling along its still waters.

Back Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to dozens of wildlife species. Plus, it serves as an important home for migratory birds. Around the area, you’ll see dunes, beaches, freshwater marshes, and forested areas. All are preserved in their natural state, of course.

Similarly, False Cape State Park is yet another recreational nature haven for tourists and locals. But compared to the other two mentioned, False Cape feels even more remote and secluded. There are several biking and hiking trails in the area, perfect for active vacationers to give a shot.

Most of all, False Cape State Park offers camping options year-round. Thanks to its secluded nature, False Cape is ideal for vacationers looking for a place to stay in absolute solitude. It may not have those comfortable bed sheets back at the hotel, but it’s surely peaceful and full of repose.

A Place to Relax, Chill, and Reconnect With Yourself

Virginia Beach doesn’t just call to beach lovers and serenity seekers. Because if you’ve come to Virginia Beach, it’s either one of the following reasons:

  • To party and have fun
  • To relax in bliss and undisturbed peace
  • To bond as a family along with your kids

You’ve probably heard of Virginia Beach’s famous boardwalk, right? Granted, it’s a great spot to hang back and enjoy the sunset. Or better yet, dine alfresco with a beautiful ocean view to compliment your breakfast/lunch/dinner.

However, a boardwalk isn’t the only place available to vacationers looking to relax. And yet, that’s what most seem to only talk about. Be it on travel forums and other community posts.

If you truly want to unplug while on vacation, Virginia Beach has at least eight places to do so. And that’s excluding the boardwalk. A few of these places were already mentioned in the previous sections. Particularly, First Landing State Park, False Cape State Park, and Black Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Thinking about spending the afternoon having a picnic? The ambiance at Red Wing Park is perfect for this type of affair. Along with anyone who simply wants to enjoy the view or people-watch.

Prefer a more active activity while still embracing solitude? You can either do Mount Trashmore Park or Stumpy Lake Natural Area. Both offer several trails for hiking and walking.

Finally, you can also visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse and Sandbridge Beach for a change of scenery. One offers a panoramic view of the city, while the other features an expansive horizon that stretches out into the Atlantic.

Either way, you’re getting your fill of peace, tranquility, and overall, a relaxing vacation. With so many places to unplug and unwind, you’ll easily to get spend your vacation’s worth in Virginia Beach.

Which Is Better – Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are both fantastic options for any vacationer. Whether you’re a beach lover or party animal. In addition, both are family-friendly destinations, and also affordable.

So, all in all, which is truly the better destination?

Myrtle Beach obviously wins in the category of “things to do on vacation.” From amusement parks and beaches to shopping malls and theaters, Myrtle Beach is an upbeat city. In short, you’ll hardly ever run out of things to do.

Virginia Beach, on the other hand, has just the right number of activities you can do. And that’s coupled with a diverse nightlife scene, natural and unspoiled areas for unplugging, and great beaches.

When it comes to food, Virginia Beach wins when it comes to all things seafood. Whereas Myrtle Beach wins when it comes to gastronomic variety.

In the end, it all comes down to this—

If you prefer a mix of relaxed vibes and a vibrant nightlife scene to pair, Virginia Beach is the better choice. The city offers the best of both worlds when it comes to unwinding and partying hard. Plus, seafood lovers will especially love it more in Virginia Beach. The beaches are great too, but for some, the golden brown sand in some of the city’s beaches may not be the most appealing.

Myrtle Beach is the better choice if you’re after a livelier vacation. If you’re traveling with younger kids, it might also be more enjoyable. Because of its wide amusement park offerings, kids will find the city to be more entertaining. However, the zoo and aquarium at Myrtle Beach don’t compare to what you’d find in Virginia Beach.

There’s no doubt shopaholics will love it more in Myrtle Beach than in Virginia Beach. But when it comes to nightlife, the scales tip slightly more to Virginia Beach. Myrtle Beach has a lot of offerings too, but it’s not as diverse or as upbeat as what you’ll find in Virginia Beach.

FAQ

Which Is Safer – Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach?

According to the data on Numbeo, Virginia Beach is the safer destination. Numbeo records Virginia Beach’s safety index at 59.29/100. Whereas for Myrtle Beach, its safety index scores at 40.51/100. That said, the data doesn’t paint the whole picture.

It’s worth noting that you should take these as a simple guide but not the absolute truth. For instance, Myrtle Beach may score lower with regard to safety rating, but it’s still safe to visit. Myrtle Beach is a party city, so it’s easy to see how crime can be related to cases where one might act recklessly.

Mostly, the crime in Myrtle Beach happens to be crimes of opportunity. This means that if you wear flashy jewelry, for example, this makes you an easy target. If you’re venturing into crowded places or clubs, it’s wise to keep your valuables in check. If possible, it may be best to keep these at your hotel safe.

Although both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are safe places to visit, no city is ever truly free of crime. Common sense should tell you that whenever visiting any city, it pays to be aware of your environment. Particularly in Myrtle Beach, you should make sure the taxi you’re riding is also licensed. Or at the very least, has a visible permit.

If you’re traveling with kids, it may be better to stay within the resort grounds or near the vicinity. Venturing into crowded spaces, especially at night isn’t a wise decision.

Which Is Cheaper – Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach are both affordable destinations. However, Virginia Beach is slightly cheaper when it comes to food and accommodations. For example, for a budget hotel, expect to spend around USD 52 in Virginia Beach and USD 60 in Myrtle Beach.

As for midrange hotels, the price difference is about USD 20, with Virginia Beach being the cheaper option. On average, a midrange hotel in Virginia Beach might cost you USD 120, while in Myrtle Beach it costs USD 140.

With regards to food, it depends. Myrtle Beach has more inexpensive options than Virginia Beach, with an average meal cost of USD 15. In Virginia Beach, an inexpensive meal at best costs between USD 18 to 23 for two.

However, if you’re dining at a midrange restaurant, Virginia Beach comes out as the cheaper option. The average cost for two at a midrange restaurant in Virginia Beach costs around USD 80. Whereas in Myrtle Beach, the average price comes out to be USD 100.

It’s worth noting though that alcohol is more expensive in Virginia Beach. Ordering a domestic beer (around 17 oz or 500 ml) in Virginia Beach costs USD 6.50. While in Myrtle Beach and at the same size, it costs USD 5.50.

All in all, Virginia Beach is more affordable when it comes to lodging options and food, in general. Whereas in Myrtle Beach, you have a wider variety of budget-friendly options. Either way, both destinations should give you a good bang for your buck.

Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach for Families?

Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach both have amusement parks and a lot of family-friendly activities. It’s safe to say that both are family-oriented vacations.

However, the aquarium and zoo at Virginia Beach are much better. Some also say the beaches in Virginia Beach are cleaner, but Myrtle Beach offers more variety. Being the minigolf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach is undefeated when it comes to kid-friendly golf activities.

Both also have their fair share of water parks and historical sites. But when it comes to evening entertainment, Myrtle Beach has more options. Be it nightclubs, pubs, bars, or a spellbinding show at any of the city’s theaters.

As for nightlife, both Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are excellent. Virginia Beach’s nightlife scene is said to be even more vibrant and livelier than Myrtle Beach’s. This also means that if you’re traveling with young adults, Virginia Beach might be the better option.

Myrtle Beach also has slightly more attractions, though. Not to mention, there are tons more shopping opportunities in Myrtle Beach than in Virginia Beach.

Overall, Myrtle Beach has something for every family traveling with younger and older kids.

But if your idea of a family vacation is spending more time at the beach, Virginia Beach is the better option. Its resorts and hotels also offer a closer-to-nature kind of vibe, with amazing oceanfront views.

Which Beach Is Better – Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

The beaches in Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach are distinctively different. For one, you’ll find some of Virginia Beach’s beaches have golden-brown sand. Whereas in Myrtle Beach, several have pearl-white sand.

But the most important distinction between the two destinations is their overall vibes.

In Myrtle Beach, you’ll find just about every beach that meets your beach vacation needs. Whether it’s a laid-back, secluded beach spot or a lively, bustling atmosphere.

In Virginia Beach, nearly all of its beaches offer a family-friendly vibe and old-town charm to them.

The most popular family-friendly beaches you’ll find here are Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Little Island Park. Croatan Beach is better suited for surfers. First Landing State Park combines the laid-back ambiance of its boardwalk and beautiful coastline.

Lastly, Sandbridge Beach is also another popular option for families traveling with younger kids.

All in all, Myrtle Beach offers more beach diversity for vacationers. It’s safe to say there’s a beach for everyone in Myrtle Beach. While in Virginia Beach? Expect mostly family-friendly, charming, and easygoing vibes all throughout.

Which Is More Popular – Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has long been known to be a popular beach destination, especially during Spring Break. On average, the city receives 14 million visitors every year. Hailed as one of the best party destinations, this should come as no surprise.

As for Virginia Beach, the city has seen a rising trend of visitors. On average, Virginia Beach sees 7.1 million visitors every year. However, in 2018 and 2019, the city received 19 million visitors.

From the data alone, it’s safe to say that Virginia Beach has become the more popular destination. That being said, Myrtle Beach is just as popular and remains a strong choice for many looking for a beach vacation.

Which Is More Fun – Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach?

When it comes to activities and more things to do, Myrtle Beach wins hands down. But if it’s nightlife you’re after, Virginia Beach is the better choice. Virginia Beach has a fair selection of amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums, but it’s not as varied as Myrtle Beach.

Think of Myrtle Beach as one huge theme park, with entertainment at nearly every corner. The saying, “you’ll hardly run out of things to do in Myrtle Beach” is something you’ll hear often. And quite frankly, Myrtle Beach is definitely a place where you’ll hardly ever feel bored.

The beaches alone in Myrtle Beach are plenty enough. And yet, you still have live shows, parks, dozens of attractions, hundreds of shops, and more. Whether you’re in Myrtle Beach to eat, shop, unwind, party, or lounge on beaches, the city has it all.

Now, this doesn’t mean Virginia Beach is a boring place to visit. There are still a number of attractions around the city. This includes water parks, theme parks, an aquarium, a zoo, and its famous boardwalk.

But rather than “taking it all in,” Virginia Beach’s definition of a good time is different. For the most part, you’ve come to Virginia Beach to relax, take it easy, and have some wild adventure on the side. Wild adventure means, drinking and partying till the sun comes up. Think live music festivals, pub crawls, beach bars, local band scenes, wine night, and more.

Both destinations are equally fun in their own regard. Myrtle Beach has a lot of activities to do, along with great nightlife, from parties to entertaining live theater shows. Virginia Beach has a fair number of activities to do but also has an extensive nightlife scene that just might leave you hooked.

Is Virginia Beach Near Myrtle Beach?

Virginia Beach is fairly near Myrtle Beach. The total distance between both destinations is 354.9 miles (571.2 km). Driving from one destination to the other takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes via the I-95 N route.

If you’re traveling via Hwy 17 N, it takes approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes, according to Google maps. Some may opt to take the bus. However, the travel time is much longer and will take you between 10 to 11 hours to reach either destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach Bigger?

Virginia Beach is 21x bigger than Myrtle Beach. Virginia Beach has a total area of 497.7 sq. mi (1,289 sq. km). Whereas Myrtle Beach has a total area of 23.7 sq mi (61.4 sq km). The area size between the two destinations is undeniably significant.

You could say that Myrtle Beach is a small town compared to Virginia Beach.

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