Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach sit along the same 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline known as the Grand Strand — but they are two separate cities with very different personalities. Myrtle Beach is the buzzing, neon-lit tourist hub. North Myrtle Beach is its quieter, more upscale neighbor about 10 miles to the north.
If you’re trying to decide where to book your next beach vacation, this guide breaks down the key differences so you can pick the one that fits your travel style.
The Quick Answer
Choose Myrtle Beach if you want maximum entertainment, family attractions, nightlife, and lower hotel prices — and don’t mind crowds.
Choose North Myrtle Beach if you want a more relaxed atmosphere, wider beaches with fewer people, upscale accommodations, and easy access to golf.
Both share the same ocean, the same warm weather, and the same South Carolina hospitality. The difference comes down to pace and vibe.
Myrtle Beach: The Action-Packed Tourist Hub
Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand and the area’s biggest draw for families. It anchors a stretch that includes Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and Murrells Inlet to the south. The city itself is built around its famous Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade — a 1.2-mile walkway running from 14th Avenue Pier to 2nd Avenue Pier that National Geographic once ranked among the best boardwalks in the country.
What to Do in Myrtle Beach
The main appeal of Myrtle Beach is the sheer density of things to do. You’re never more than a few minutes from an attraction, a restaurant, or a show.
On the beach: Wide, sandy beaches with public lifeguards during summer, plus beach chair and umbrella rentals everywhere. Surfing, boogie boarding, and beachcombing are all popular.
Attractions: Broadway at the Beach is the area’s largest entertainment complex, home to Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and dozens of shops and restaurants. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel — a 187-foot oceanfront observation wheel — is a landmark you’ll spot from almost anywhere along the strip.
Shows and nightlife: Myrtle Beach has a deep lineup of live entertainment, from dinner theaters like Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times to comedy clubs and music venues. After dark, the strip comes alive with bars, nightclubs, and oceanfront lounges. If nightlife matters to your trip, Myrtle Beach wins this category easily over its northern neighbor.
Mini golf and amusement parks: Myrtle Beach is the mini golf capital of the world, with over 50 courses in the area. The boardwalk also has carnival rides and a small amusement park area.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers a huge range of accommodations, from budget-friendly oceanfront hotels to full-service resorts. Because of the competition and volume, nightly rates tend to be lower here than in North Myrtle Beach — especially during the shoulder season (spring and fall). You’ll find plenty of options with indoor pools, lazy rivers, and complimentary breakfast.
The Myrtle Beach Atmosphere
Myrtle Beach is fun, loud, and unapologetically touristy. During peak summer months (June through August), expect heavy traffic on Ocean Boulevard, crowded beaches, and long waits at popular restaurants. If you thrive on energy and want everything within walking distance, this is your spot. If crowds stress you out, keep reading.
North Myrtle Beach: The Quieter, More Upscale Alternative
North Myrtle Beach is a separate city about 10 miles north of the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. It encompasses the communities of Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill — each with its own character but all sharing a more laid-back, residential feel.
The beaches here tend to be wider and less crowded, especially outside of the peak summer weekends. It’s the kind of place where you can actually spread out a blanket without bumping into your neighbors.
What to Do in North Myrtle Beach
Beaches: The main draw. North Myrtle Beach’s coastline is quieter and less commercialized. You’ll still find lifeguards, rental chairs, and water sports — just with more breathing room.
Golf: North Myrtle Beach is a golf destination in its own right, with dozens of highly rated courses in the area. Barefoot Resort & Golf offers four championship courses designed by Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye. Other popular options include River Oaks Golf Plantation and Blackmoor Golf Club. If golf is a priority, North Myrtle Beach is the stronger choice.
Live entertainment: The Alabama Theatre is one of the most popular live performance venues on the Grand Strand, featuring the ONE The Show variety spectacular. The House of Blues at Barefoot Landing hosts national touring acts year-round.
Shopping: Barefoot Landing is the main shopping and dining hub — a waterfront complex with over 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and attractions spread along a scenic boardwalk.
Outdoor activities: Kayaking through the salt marshes, paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway, biking, and nature walks through local parks and preserves all offer a quieter way to spend the day.
Where to Stay in North Myrtle Beach
Accommodations in North Myrtle Beach skew more toward vacation rentals, condominiums, and upscale resorts. Properties like North Beach Plantation and the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes offer a premium experience with pools, spas, and direct beach access. Expect slightly higher nightly rates than central Myrtle Beach, but with a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere in return.
The North Myrtle Beach Atmosphere
The vibe here is more residential and family-oriented. Streets are quieter, traffic is lighter, and the overall pace is slower. It’s an especially good fit for families with young children who don’t need the boardwalk energy, couples looking for a peaceful getaway, and golfers who want to be close to the courses without staying in a tourist zone.
And if you do want to experience the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, attractions, or nightlife? It’s just a 15- to 20-minute drive south.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| North Myrtle Beach Vs Myrtle Beach | Myrtle Beach | North Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Lively, touristy, nonstop entertainment | Relaxed, residential, upscale |
| Beaches | Wide and popular — expect crowds in summer | Wide and quieter — more room to spread out |
| Nightlife | Strong — bars, clubs, and live venues | Limited — a few venues and restaurants |
| Family attractions | Abundant — aquariums, water parks, mini golf, shows | Moderate — Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Landing, outdoor activities |
| Golf | Good — many courses in the wider area | Excellent — top-rated courses nearby |
| Accommodation cost | Generally lower — more budget options | Generally higher — more premium rentals |
| Crowds | Heavy in summer, moderate off-season | Moderate in summer, light off-season |
| Best for | Action seekers, nightlife fans, budget travelers | Families with young kids, couples, golfers |
When to Visit
Both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach share the same coastal climate. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Peak season (June–August): Hot and humid with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s°F. This is when both areas are at their busiest. Book early and expect higher prices, especially around the 4th of July.
Shoulder season (April–May, September–October): Arguably the best time to visit. The weather is warm, the beaches are less crowded, and prices drop. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from mid-May through October.
Off-season (November–March): Cooler temperatures (50s–60s°F) and significantly fewer tourists. Many attractions and restaurants reduce hours or close for the winter. If you want quiet and low prices, this is the window — but don’t expect much beach swimming.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. The two cities are only about a 15- to 20-minute drive apart via US-17. Many visitors stay in North Myrtle Beach for the peaceful accommodations and then drive to Myrtle Beach for a day of attractions. It’s the best-of-both-worlds approach and works especially well for families who want quiet evenings but action-packed days.
Final Verdict
There’s no wrong answer here — just different flavors of the same beautiful coastline. Myrtle Beach delivers nonstop entertainment, a legendary boardwalk, and some of the best value hotel rates on the East Coast. North Myrtle Beach offers a calmer pace, more space, world-class golf, and a more premium feel.
The best choice depends entirely on what kind of vacation you’re after. And if you can’t decide, remember — they’re only 15 minutes apart.
Have you visited Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach? Which side of the Grand Strand do you prefer? Share your experience in the comments below.
Proud owner of https://travelyouman.com/