Planning a beach vacation to the South Carolina coast? If you’ve narrowed it down to Hilton Head vs Myrtle Beach, you’re already past the hardest part of vacation planning. These two areas both offer beautiful beaches, excellent dining options, family-friendly activities, and more. The trick now is figuring out which spot you should call home for your next vacation.
While both spots are definitely worth a visit, Hilton Head Island provides the best balance of beachside fun, coastal beauty, and relaxed leisure. In this blog, we’ll talk about what makes each town stand out from the crowds of other coastal locations, and tell you exactly why Hilton Head is the best choice if you want an authentic South Carolina beach trip.
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About Hilton Head Island
Winner of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for America’s Favorite Island in 2024, Hilton Head is a relaxing seaside destination that’s perfect for families or couples who want a peaceful vacation in a gorgeous coastal setting.
Beloved for its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the coast, this isn’t a flashy destination with skywheels and amusement parks. Rather, it’s a place you visit when you want to trade the bright lights of high-rise condos for twinkling stars. Loud thoroughfares for gentle waves. And constant entertainment for unplugged serenity.
Located just under an hour away from Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head offers visitors 42 square miles of salt marshes, bays, protected lands, and hard-packed beaches (12 miles of them to be exact). It’s a place where kayakers, fishers, golfers, and beachcombers can all carve out their perfect stay. If you’re looking for a return to what matters, it’s undoubtedly the place to go.
About Myrtle Beach
Offering 60 miles of beaches and limitless things to do, Myrtle Beach is one of those places where you’re never very far from some kind of activity. Centrally located on the South Carolina coast, it’s easily accessible from nearby Charleston or Wilmington, NC. Nicknamed the Grand Strand, it’s great for families who like to stay on the go.
Dinner theaters, aquariums, high-flying rides, mini-golf, go-karts… You name it, you can find it here. While there are still quiet spaces of beach to be found outside of the main drag, Myrtle Beach is for families who are looking for an entertainment-based vacation.
Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Myrtle Beach – The Grand Strand Lights and Sights
If you’ve ever been to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, or Branson, Missouri, you’ve had a taste of what Myrtle Beach is like – just add a shoreline to the mix! Places like Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Broadway at the Beach are go-to hubs for everything from shopping and dining to arcades and attractions. When you want a quieter escape, areas like Murrells Inlet are about 30 minutes south and offer peaceful beaches without all the flash, beautiful gardens, and a quaint boardwalk area to explore.
Hilton Head – Unspoiled Beaches and Timeless Charm
Known as America’s first eco-planned community, Hilton Head prioritizes design that seamlessly flows with the natural landscapes. Visit Lawton Stables for fantastic horseback riding experiences along the beach. For time on the water, you can book a fishing charter and hook a prized catch or keep it simple with a kayak float through the marshes. Rent a bike or book a Hilton Head vacation rental with complimentary cruisers and enjoy our more than 70+ miles of trails and leisure pathways. When you want to enjoy the beach, it’s never more than a few feet away, especially if you’re staying in a beautiful oceanfront home!
Unique Experiences for Each Location
No matter which South Carolina beach town you visit, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach, you’ll find things like phenomenal golf (including mini-golf courses), great food, gorgeous views, and local flair. But there are a few experiences that truly stand out and help you see the uniqueness of each place.
In Hilton Head:
- Historic sites: Places like the Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Stoney Baynard Ruins, and the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head are great for history enthusiasts who want to learn about the area and the unique cultures of the Lowcountry.
- Arts and Theater: The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina hosts everything from Broadway plays to stand-up comedy shows and musical concerts. So, if you’d like to add a fantastic night out to your itinerary, they have you covered.
- Museums: Looking for some educational activities to try? The Sandbox Children’s Museum or the Coastal Discovery Museum are great family outings.
In Myrtle Beach:
- Brookgreen Gardens – Home of the largest sculpture garden collection in the US, this is a wonderful place to visit when you want to enjoy some time outside, away from the sand.
- Fat Harold’s Beach Club – Located in North Myrtle Beach, Fat Harolds is the home of Carolina Shag dancing. Visit on a Tuesday night and learn the moves for free!
- Theme parks – We’ve mentioned this already, but if your idea of a great beach vacation involves rides and thrills, you’ll find no shortage of options in Myrtle Beach. Family Kingdom, WonderWorks, and Free Fall Thrill Park are top spots.
Dining and Nightlife
Every good vacation needs good food options. And to be honest, you’ll find great choices in either of these spots. But if you’re looking for a more local experience that prioritizes quality over quantity, Hilton Head comes out ahead.
Here, both upscale restaurants like Catch 22 and casual dining spots like the Old Oyster Factory serve up exceptional fresh-catch feasts that highlight local produce, innovative dishes, and fantastic experiences, perfect for date nights or family dinners.
Local distilleries, wineries, and breweries feature pours of small-batch libations that showcase the talents of generations of artisans.
In Myrtle Beach, the dining scene leans more on the commercialized side. You’ll find plenty of shrimp baskets, fruity cocktails, and seafood feasts. There’s less in the way of elevated dining options, but if you’re looking for a quick bite that ticks the box of a beach restaurant, you’re good to go! Places like the Hangout, Rip Tydz Oceanfront Grille, and Carolina Roadhouse are a few of the most popular spots.
Why Hilton Head Wins Out
Hilton Head offers more than just a vacation; it gives you what you actually need – a break. Sure, there’s a time for boardwalk crowds and buzzing attractions, but if you’re looking for some room to breathe, reconnect, and slow down while still enjoying fantastic things to do and gorgeous coastal views, the choice is clear.
Hilton Head doesn’t need gimmicks. The experiences speak for themselves – sunset bike rides, sandcastle days, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and nothing on the agenda. If you want a trip that will leave you feeling refreshed and like you really got to get away for a while, there’s just no place like our little island.
Ready to Book Your Stay in Hilton Head?
Featured Property: 17 Spotted Sandpiper
With a fantastic inventory of Hilton Head vacation rentals that range from pet-friendly options to homes with private pools, Island Getaway Rentals is your connection to the best properties in the area. Plus, when you book directly with us, you get the benefit of working with a local team who can assist you with everything from home selection to check-out.
Booking directly means you bypass third-party charges that places like Airbnb and Vrbo add to your final total, too, making us the best choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Check out our full inventory and find your dream Hilton Head vacation property today!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hilton Head vs Myrtle Beach
Is Hilton Head a crowded beach?
Compared to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head’s beaches are far from crowded. While summer months tend to be busiest, Myrtle Beach receives upwards of 17 million annual visitors compared to Hilton Head’s 2.5 million. If you’re looking for a beach vacation where you can feel like you have your own stretch of paradise, Hilton Head is the winner.
Is there enough to do in Hilton Head for kids?
Kids will love kayaking, fishing, going on dolphin tours, biking through the trails, horseback riding along the beach, swimming, surfing, shelling, and so much more! While they won’t hop on any roller coasters, they certainly won’t be bored. And parents will love the cost comparison! Amusement parks tend to run up the bill more than beach days.
What is more expensive, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach?
It depends on what you do. If you’re going out to all the parks and attractions in Myrtle Beach, you’re going to spend a lot more than if you’re enjoying the outdoor spaces in Hilton Head. That said, Hilton Head is known for being more upscale. Dining options can be more expensive. But that’s the beauty of a vacation rental where you have a full kitchen at your disposal! Cooking at home is a great way to keep your budget low when on vacation.
