Wilmington vs Myrtle Beach: Which Coastal Destination Is Right for You?
Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are two popular coastal destinations located in the southeastern United States. Both cities offer beautiful beaches, a variety of outdoor activities, and a vibrant nightlife scene. However, there are some key differences between the two cities that can make a big impact on your vacation experience.
Is Wilmington or Myrtle Beach a better coastal town to visit?
Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are both popular coastal destinations that offer beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Wilmington is more focused on history and culture, while Myrtle Beach has more water sports, and outdoor activities. Ultimately, both destinations offer unique coastal experiences with their own distinct charms.
Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its historic downtown area, which is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can take a stroll along the Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the Cape Fear River. Wilmington also has a thriving film industry, and visitors can take a tour of the EUE/Screen Gems Studios to see where popular TV shows and movies are filmed.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular destination for families and offers a wide range of attractions, including amusement parks, water parks, and mini-golf courses. The city is also known for its 60 miles of white sand beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Myrtle Beach also has a bustling boardwalk area, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Location and Climate
Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are two popular tourist destinations located in the southeastern United States. Wilmington is situated in North Carolina, while Myrtle Beach is in South Carolina. Both cities are located on the coast and offer visitors easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Wilmington has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is around 89°F (32°C), while the average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 36°F (2°C). The city receives around 57 inches of rainfall each year, with the wettest months being July and August.
Myrtle Beach also has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is around 88°F (31°C), while the average low temperature in January is around 37°F (3°C). The city receives around 51 inches of rainfall each year, with the wettest months being July and August.
When it comes to location, Wilmington is situated on the Cape Fear River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known for its historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is located on a long stretch of beach known as the Grand Strand. The city is known for its many attractions, including amusement parks, water parks, and golf courses.
Overall, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer visitors a unique coastal experience with their own distinct charms. Whether you’re looking for history and culture or fun in the sun, these two cities are worth a visit.
Attractions and Activities
Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Wilmington boasts a rich history and culture, with numerous museums and historic sites to explore.
The Battleship North Carolina is a popular attraction, offering tours of the World War II battleship and its history. The Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science also provide insight into the area’s past. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several beaches and parks to visit, including Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach State Park.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is known for its bustling boardwalk and amusement park, as well as its many golf courses.
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel provides stunning views of the ocean and city, while the Ripley’s Aquarium offers an up-close look at marine life. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of water sports and activities available, such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Overall, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a range of attractions and activities to suit any taste. Whether you prefer history and culture or beach and adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Beaches and Water Activities
Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach have plenty of beaches and water activities to offer visitors. However, there are some differences between the two destinations.
Wilmington
Wilmington has several beaches within a short drive from the city center, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.
These Wilmington beaches offer soft sand, clear water, and a variety of water activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also take a scenic boat tour of the Cape Fear River or go fishing in the nearby waters.
For those who prefer to stay on land, Wilmington has several parks and nature preserves with hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families with children.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and warm waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Plus, it’s one of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina!
Visitors can rent jet skis, go parasailing, or take a dolphin watching tour. Myrtle Beach also has several water pcarks, including Myrtle Waves and Splashes Oceanfront Water Park, which offer a variety of water slides and attractions for all ages.
Additionally, Myrtle Beach has several state parks and nature preserves, including Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park, which offer hiking trails, fishing piers, and camping facilities.
Comparison
| Wilmington | Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|
| Several beaches within a short drive | Long stretches of sandy beaches |
| Soft sand and clear water | Warm waters |
| Scenic boat tours and fishing | Jet ski rentals, parasailing, and dolphin watching tours |
| Parks and nature preserves with hiking and biking trails | State parks and nature preserves with hiking trails, fishing piers, and camping facilities |
Overall, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer beautiful beaches and a variety of water activities for visitors.
However, Wilmington is more focused on nature and outdoor activities, while Myrtle Beach has a wider range of water sports and attractions.
Accommodations and Dining
Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly motels and vacation rentals, there is something for everyone in both cities.
Wilmington is known for its charming bed and breakfasts, historic inns, and beachfront resorts.
The city also has a variety of vacation rentals, including beach houses and condos, that are perfect for families or groups. Some of the top-rated hotels in Wilmington include the Hotel Ballast, the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, and the Courtyard Wilmington Downtown.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its high-rise hotels and beachfront resorts.
The city has a vast selection of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. Some of the top-rated hotels in Myrtle Beach include the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, the Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations, and the North Beach Plantation.
When it comes to dining, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach have a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.
Wilmington is known for its fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Some of the top-rated restaurants in Wilmington include Caprice Bistro, PinPoint Restaurant, and Manna Ave. 123.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its seafood buffets, beachfront bars, and family-friendly restaurants.
Some of the top-rated restaurants in Myrtle Beach include Sea Captain’s House, The Library Restaurant, and The Melting Pot.
Overall, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a wide range of accommodations and dining options that are sure to please any traveler. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront resort or a budget-friendly motel, both cities have something for everyone.
Nightlife and Entertainment
When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer plenty of options to keep visitors entertained after the sun goes down.
Wilmington has a more laid-back nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, pubs, and breweries that offer a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the popular spots include the Satellite Bar and Lounge, the Copper Penny, and the Front Street Brewery.
For live music, visitors can check out the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater or the Brooklyn Arts Center.
On the other hand, Myrtle Beach is known for its vibrant and energetic nightlife scene. The city is home to several nightclubs, including the popular Club Boca and the Oz Nightclub.
Visitors can also enjoy live music at the House of Blues or the Carolina Opry. For a more relaxed evening, there are plenty of beach bars and lounges along the boardwalk.
Both cities also offer a variety of entertainment options beyond nightlife. Wilmington has several theaters, including the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and the Wilson Center. Visitors can also explore the city’s historic district, which is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is known for its family-friendly attractions, such as the Broadway at the Beach complex and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. The city also has several amusement parks, including Family Kingdom and Myrtle Waves Water Park.
Overall, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a diverse range of nightlife and entertainment options to suit any visitor’s preferences.
Cost of Living and Tourism
When it comes to cost of living, Wilmington is generally considered more affordable than Myrtle Beach. The cost of housing, food, and transportation are all lower in Wilmington compared to Myrtle Beach. In fact, according to Numbeo, the cost of living in Wilmington is about 6% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
On the other hand, Myrtle Beach is known for its tourism industry and attracts millions of visitors every year. The city has a wide range of attractions, including amusement parks, golf courses, and water parks, making it a popular vacation destination for families.
However, the high demand for tourism also means that prices for hotels, restaurants, and activities can be quite expensive during peak season.
Wilmington, on the other hand, is more of a laid-back coastal town with a slower pace of life. While it does have its own attractions, such as the historic downtown area and the beautiful beaches, it may not have as many options for entertainment as Myrtle Beach. However, this also means that prices for hotels, restaurants, and activities tend to be more reasonable throughout the year.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more affordable place to live or visit, Wilmington may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a bustling tourist destination with plenty of activities and attractions, Myrtle Beach may be more your style.
Wilmington vs. Myrtle Beach Side-By-Side Comparison Chart
| Feature | Wilmington | Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Situated on Cape Fear River; historic downtown area | Located on Grand Strand; bustling boardwalk area |
| Climate | Humid subtropical; hot summers and mild winters | Humid subtropical; hot summers and mild winters |
| Activities | Battleship North Carolina; Bellamy Mansion Museum; Cape Fear Museum of History and Science; Wrightsville Beach; Carolina Beach State Park | Myrtle Beach SkyWheel; Ripley’s Aquarium; amusement parks; golf courses; Myrtle Waves; Splashes Oceanfront Water Park; Huntington Beach State Park; Myrtle Beach State Park |
| Beaches and Water Activities | Several beaches within a short drive; scenic boat tours; fishing; parks and nature preserves with hiking and biking trails | Long stretches of sandy beaches; water sports and activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and dolphin watching tours; water parks; state parks and nature preserves with hiking trails, fishing piers, and camping facilities |
| Nightlife and Entertainment | Historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and galleries | Boardwalk area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options |
| Overall Vibe | Quaint and charming with a focus on history and culture | Fun and lively with a focus on family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities |
Conclusion
Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are great vacation destinations for different reasons. Which one is better for you depends on your preferences and what you want to get out of your trip.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back, historic atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities, Wilmington is the place to go. The city’s rich history and cultural attractions make it a great choice for those who want to learn about the area’s past while enjoying the present. Additionally, the beaches in the Wilmington area are less crowded and more secluded than those in Myrtle Beach, making them perfect for a peaceful day in the sun.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more lively, touristy atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options, Myrtle Beach is the better choice. The city’s numerous attractions, restaurants, and nightlife make it a popular destination for families and young adults. Additionally, Myrtle Beach’s beaches are wider and offer more amenities, such as beachfront bars and restaurants, making them a great choice for those who want to spend their days in the sun with all the comforts of home.
Regardless of which destination you choose, both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation, and are sure to provide a memorable vacation experience.