Myrtle Beach vs. The Outer Banks: Why Myrtle Beach Is Better

By MyrtleBeachHotels.com Staff • March 31, 2023

When deciding between visiting Myrtle Beach or the Outer Banks for vacation, travelers should know about the many differences in these destinations before booking a vacation. If you want to relax, both spots are idyllic, but if you want to break up your vacation with fun activities, shows, and shopping, Myrtle Beach is your best bet.

The Outer Banks was once a sleepy, 200-mile strip of islands off the coast of North Carolina beloved for its charm, but the influx of housing developments and the closing of general stores and mom-and-pop shops have left vacationers with less to love. This area is bound by the ocean, marshes, and sound, leaving little square footage for the Outer Banks to add attractions and keep up with the ever-developing Myrtle Beach area.

Meanwhile, the Grand Strand has mastered the art of expansion with new attractions, restaurants, shopping, lodging, and golf courses at a pace the Outer Banks can’t compete with. The bustling, exciting Myrtle Beach area is perfect for family vacations, couples retreats, or getaways versus the nothingness of the Outer Banks. Read on to see for yourself.

Getting to Myrtle Beach vs. The Outer Banks

Traveling to Myrtle Beach is much more straightforward than getting to the Outer Banks. Myrtle Beach International airport offers nonstop service to more than 50 destinations so you can fly into the newly updated airport and be at your Myrtle Beach hotel on the strip in minutes. Simply grab your luggage, hail a rideshare, and start your vacation—pronto! The closest airport serving the Outer Banks is Norfolk International, which will leave you with an 80-mile drive; flying into Coastal Carolina Airport gets you only within 140 miles; and landing at Raleigh Durham Airport leaves you nearly 200 miles from the Outer Banks. Myrtle Beach is the clear winner when you want to skip the hassle of a long drive after a day of air travel.

Things To Do in Myrtle Beach vs. The Outer Banks

Compare things to do in Myrtle Beach versus the Outer Banks when planning your vacation itinerary and you’ll quickly see why the Grand Strand is a top choice. Your days in Myrtle Beach will fill up fast with interesting places to see and things to do—most of which you won’t find in the Outer Banks. Here are the top three things you’ll miss out on when vacationing in the Outer Banks versus Myrtle Beach:

Getting to Myrtle Beach vs. The Outer Banks

Myrtle Beach Attractions

All-in-one entertainment districts in Myrtle Beach like Broadway at the Beach feature specialty shops, eateries, rides, and live animal attractions, and they host family-friendly events that make it easy to spend an entire day or night exploring without losing the interest of your crew. The Outer Banks simply has nothing that compares to Myrtle Beach attractions, and what it does offer—monuments and lighthouses—are things you can find in the Grand Strand. (But let’s face it: These aren’t the most exciting things to do for kids.)

The Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach

While the OBX and Myrtle Beach use the name “boardwalk” to describe their walkways by the beach, the two aren’t comparable. The Outer Banks offers boardwalks for navigation rather than entertainment, and the best thing to do along the OBX paths is to view birds and other critters. Myrtle Beach features hotels near the Boardwalk surrounded by a much more spirited scene with live music, restaurants, beachfront bars, arcades, and stores.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Minor League Baseball is one thing you’ll find in Myrtle Beach that the Outer Banks doesn’t have. Families and sports fans of all ages love watching the Myrtle Beach Pelicans while here on vacation. The super kid-friendly park hosts nightly promotions that range from running the bases after the game to beer specials and fireworks at least once a week. While the Outer Banks hosts a summer collegiate baseball league, the overall experience lacks the thrill and luster of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans games.

Myrtle Beach World-Class Shopping vs. OBX Stores

There are probably some great buys at Frisco Rod & Gun and Izabelle’s Closet, both located on the Outer Banks, but as compared to shopping in Myrtle Beach, these stores won’t satisfy anyone with sophisticated tastes. Instead of the mom-and-pop shops in OBX, Myrtle Beach offers the convenience of two Tanger Outlets locations featuring trending fashion by major retailers. Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tommy Bahama, and Adidas are just some of the popular big-name brands you’ll find here. Broadway at the Beach, Coastal Grand Mall, and Barefoot Landing are overflowing with specialty shops, and The Market Common is home to Anthropologie, Bath & Body Works, White House Black Market, and several unique boutiques.

Golfing in Myrtle Beach vs. The Outer Banks

We’re sure the Outer Banks has a few nice courses, but the number and quality are nothing compared to golfing in Myrtle Beach. In addition to the 80 championship courses on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach hosts top competitions, including the World Amateur Handicap Championship, the nation’s largest Father & Son Team Classic tournament, and the celebrity and pro-studded Monday After the Masters. The area has also hosted the Senior PGA Tour Championship, The Golf Channel’s Big Break, and has even been named the country’s “Best Golf Destination” by USA Today. Top resorts in Myrtle Beach, including Crown Reef and Beach Colony, even offer packages to cater to golfers enjoying the Grand Strand’s courses.

Hotels in Myrtle Beach vs. Lodging in the OBX

Myrtle Beach has many more resort-style hotels and condos than what the Outer Banks has to offer. The Outer Banks does have lodging, but if you need a lot of space or a place to stay in a specific area, you may need to rely on expensive private rentals. These offer fewer amenities than the resorts in Myrtle Beach and come at a hefty price tag. Grand Strand accommodations vary from affordable Myrtle Beach hotels to luxurious 5-star hotels so everyone can plan their ideal trip to the beach. The properties are spread out, so you can find a comfortable place to stay in North Myrtle Beach or a suite at a resort on the Myrtle Beach strip near the attractions that are most important to you.

Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks are 300 miles apart, but there is plenty more separating them than geography alone. It’s easy to see how much more fun you’ll have in Myrtle Beach with all of the area’s attractions, dining, and shopping right at your fingertips. Book your stay today and get ready for all the relaxation and entertainment you can handle, and watch our deals to snap up an even better rate on your next vacation.