Myrtle Beach vs. Virginia Beach: Why Myrtle Beach Is Better

According to the 2021 census, the population of Virginia Beach is 12 times that of Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach estimate weighed in at 37,100 residents but Virginia Beach topped out at a whopping 457,672. Here’s more compelling math: There are 3,000 more people per square mile in Virginia Beach versus Myrtle Beach. So if you want to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach, go shopping without being elbow-to-elbow with strangers, and find a table at all the best restaurants, head to the Grand Strand.

Comparing things to do in these two beach cities really solidifies Myrtle Beach as the destination for families. This city has way more places to play and things to do, making vacations a cinch. Besides the all-out, endless attractions and award-winning shows and theaters, the outdoor spaces are just better in Myrtle Beach versus Virginia Beach. 

While we commend Virginia Beach’s environmental effort, we simply don’t want the highlight of our beach vacation to be playing at Mount Trashmore. This former landfill has a few activities for kids, but compared to Myrtle Beach parks and playgrounds, they’re nothing. Come enjoy the Grand Strand’s oceanfront state parks, Savannah’s Playground—an all-abilities play place—and family-friendly resorts with waterparks, and leave the trash heap to someone else.

The Myrtle Beach airport offers nonstop flights from 50 destinations while Norfolk International offers fewer than 40. The commute between the resorts in Myrtle Beach and its airport is just minutes, and the ride from Norfolk airport to Virginia Beach will take you three times longer than in Myrtle Beach. You’ll also be surprised at the congestion—and tolls!—you’ll discover while traveling around Virginia. You will be hard-pressed to encounter reckless speeds or a traffic jam in the quick 10-minute drive from the airport to your resort in Myrtle Beach, but sadly, the same can’t always be said about getting to Virginia Beach. Plus, anyone flying American Airlines will need to pack their patience because the airport that serves this airline is an hour from the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Golf on the Grand Strand is superior to Virginia Beach in pretty much every way. There are a mere 10 courses and 2 military-only tracks in the Virginia Beach area versus the 80-plus championship golf courses around Myrtle Beach. The range of places to tee off means you can find an affordable course that matches your skill level easily. Whether you master your swing somewhere basic or challenge yourself at a world-class golf course, you won’t have trouble finding a tee time in Myrtle Beach.

The rainfall in Myrtle Beach versus Virginia Beach is a big differentiator in the appeal of these destinations. With more than 100 days of precipitation every year, Virginia Beach weather versus Myrtle Beach is wetter and snowier. While it experiences only a few snowy days and almost no accumulation, the Grand Strand is drier and sunnier overall. If you’re looking for an off-season vacation, the Grand Strand promises much better weather in the winter, as February in Virginia Beach is cloudy nearly half of the time.

According to US News travel rankings, Myrtle Beach is racking up accolades from tourists compared to Virginia Beach. With appearances on the lists for the best cheap family vacations, best spring break family destinations, and best family vacations in the US, Myrtle Beach is ideal for nearly any type of vacation. Check out the kid-friendly hotels that help the Grand Strand top the list year after year. Virginia Beach ranks only twice, and both are Virginia-only categories that Myrtle Beach can’t qualify for (Myrtle Beach made a great showing on the “Carolinas” lists, too).