When planning a South Carolina beach vacation, two destinations dominate the conversation: Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach. Both offer beautiful Atlantic coastline, excellent golf, and plenty of family activities, but the similarities largely end there. These two beach destinations cater to very different vacation styles, and understanding their distinct personalities will help you choose the perfect getaway for your travel party.

The Atmosphere: Two Different Worlds

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head offers a serene escape where nature, preserved landscapes, and quiet luxury take center stage. Strict building codes ensure structures blend with the natural environment, meaning you won’t find towering condos blocking your ocean view. The island maintains a slower pace that appeals to travelers seeking relaxation over constant stimulation.

Development on Hilton Head happens thoughtfully, with a focus on preserving the island’s natural beauty. Even commercial areas feel tastefully integrated into the landscape. It’s no coincidence that Hilton Head won the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for America’s Favorite Island.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach pulses with energy. The famous Boardwalk offers hours of entertainment, shopping, and dining with ocean views. Amusement parks, dinner theaters, aquariums, and endless attractions line the Grand Strand. This is a destination that never sleeps, with something happening around every corner.

If you want activities and entertainment at your fingertips without having to search for them, Myrtle Beach delivers in abundance. The vibe is casual, fun-focused, and unapologetically touristy.

The Beaches: Quality vs Quantity

Hilton Head’s Pristine Shores

Hilton Head features 12 miles of wide, pristine beaches with hard-packed sand perfect for biking, walking, and running. Each beach has its own personality:

  • Coligny Beach - The most popular, with excellent amenities and nearby shopping
  • Driessen Beach Park - Family-friendly with playgrounds and picnic areas
  • Mitchelville Beach Park - Secluded and natural, perfect for quiet relaxation
  • Fish Haul Beach Park - Ideal for shelling and peaceful walks

The beaches are generally less crowded, especially if you venture beyond Coligny, allowing for a more intimate beach experience.

Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach boasts an impressive 60 miles of sandy coastline known as the Grand Strand. The sheer scale offers endless options, though popular areas near the Boardwalk can get crowded during peak season. The beach experience here feels more social and energetic, with people-watching, volleyball games, and beach vendors adding to the lively atmosphere.

Golf: A Tale of Two Experiences

Hilton Head: World-Class Prestige

Hilton Head is world-renowned for its prestigious golf courses, making it the superior choice for serious golfers. The island features over 30 courses, including:

  • Harbour Town Golf Links - Home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, one of America’s most iconic courses
  • Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III - Stunning oceanfront holes
  • Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes - Challenging lagoon play
  • Heron Point by Pete Dye - Another Sea Pines masterpiece

The quality of course conditioning, design pedigree, and overall golf experience on Hilton Head rivals any destination in the country.

Myrtle Beach: Value and Variety

The Myrtle Beach area claims the title of “Golf Capital of the World” based on sheer numbers, with over 80 courses within a short drive. While the courses may not carry the same prestige as Hilton Head’s, they offer excellent value and variety. Many package deals make golf here surprisingly affordable, appealing to groups looking to play multiple rounds without breaking the bank.

Dining: Refined vs Casual

Hilton Head’s Culinary Scene

Hilton Head’s dining scene emphasizes fresh Lowcountry seafood and Southern cuisine with sophisticated preparation. Farm-to-table concepts, craft cocktails, and refined atmospheres dominate. You’ll find:

  • Upscale seafood restaurants with waterfront views
  • Award-winning fine dining experiences
  • Fresh local catches prepared by talented chefs
  • Wine bars and craft cocktail lounges

Reservations are often recommended at popular spots, especially during peak season.

Myrtle Beach’s Diverse Options

Myrtle Beach offers incredible variety and value. All-you-can-eat seafood buffets, themed restaurants, and casual beach bars cater to families and groups looking for fun dining experiences. You’ll find every chain restaurant imaginable alongside local favorites. The focus is more on quantity and entertainment value than culinary sophistication.

Family Activities: Relaxation vs Entertainment

Hilton Head for Families

Hilton Head offers a more nature-based family experience:

  • Dolphin watching tours and eco-adventures
  • 60+ miles of bike paths winding through forests and along waterways
  • Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge for nature walks
  • Pirate cruises and educational adventures
  • The Sandbox Children’s Museum for younger kids
  • Lawton Stables for horseback riding and pony rides

Activities on Hilton Head tend to be more educational, nature-focused, and relaxing. Families with young children particularly appreciate the safer, calmer environment.

Myrtle Beach for Families

Myrtle Beach is an entertainment paradise for families:

  • Family Kingdom Amusement Park with rides for all ages
  • SkyWheel - the iconic Boardwalk Ferris wheel
  • Ripley’s Aquarium - one of the best on the East Coast
  • Broadway at the Beach - massive entertainment complex
  • Medieval Times and other dinner theaters
  • WonderWorks - hands-on science museum
  • Mini golf galore - over 50 courses in the area

If your kids crave constant action and stimulation, Myrtle Beach won’t disappoint.

Nightlife: Quiet Evenings vs Party Scene

Hilton Head’s Evening Vibe

Nightlife on Hilton Head is subdued by design. You’ll find live music at restaurants and bars, sunset happy hours, and quiet evenings on the beach. This isn’t a party destination, and that’s exactly what many visitors appreciate. Evening activities lean toward:

  • Sunset cruises and beach walks
  • Live music at local restaurants
  • Wine bars and craft cocktail spots
  • Stargazing on empty beaches

Myrtle Beach After Dark

Myrtle Beach comes alive at night. The Boardwalk glows with activity, clubs and bars stay open late, and the party continues well past midnight. Broadway at the Beach transforms into an adult playground with live music venues and dance clubs. This is the destination for groups of friends seeking nightlife variety.

Cost Comparison

Hilton Head: Premium Pricing

There’s no way around it: Hilton Head is more expensive. Accommodations, dining, and activities all carry premium price tags. However, many visitors feel the quality, ambiance, and relaxation justify the additional cost. Expect to pay:

  • Higher rates for vacation rentals and hotels
  • Premium prices at restaurants
  • Golf green fees that reflect the course quality

Myrtle Beach: Budget-Friendly Options

Myrtle Beach offers excellent value across the board. You’ll find:

  • Affordable condos and hotels, especially in the off-season
  • Budget-friendly dining with all-you-can-eat options
  • Discount golf packages with multiple rounds
  • Free beach access (Hilton Head beaches are also free)

For families or groups watching their budget, Myrtle Beach stretches vacation dollars further.

Day Trip Potential

From Hilton Head

Hilton Head’s location makes it perfect for exploring the historic Lowcountry:

  • Savannah, Georgia - Just 40 minutes away, featuring historic squares and Southern charm
  • Charleston, South Carolina - 90 minutes north, offering world-class dining and history
  • Daufuskie Island - A ferry ride to this remote, historic island

From Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach offers different day trip options:

  • Charleston - About two hours south
  • Wilmington, North Carolina - An hour north
  • Shopping outlets - Multiple major outlet centers nearby

The Verdict: Which is Right for You?

Choose Hilton Head if you:

  • Seek relaxation over entertainment
  • Appreciate nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities
  • Want world-class golf on prestigious courses
  • Prefer upscale dining and a refined atmosphere
  • Travel with young children who need a calmer environment
  • Value quality over quantity
  • Don’t need bustling nightlife

Choose Myrtle Beach if you:

  • Want constant entertainment and activities
  • Travel with teens who crave action
  • Prefer budget-friendly options
  • Love amusement parks and attractions
  • Enjoy active nightlife
  • Want the most golf rounds for your dollar
  • Appreciate variety in dining and entertainment

Both destinations offer incredible South Carolina coastal experiences. The “better” choice depends entirely on what you want from your vacation.

Experience the Best of Hilton Head

If relaxation, natural beauty, and refined coastal living sound like your ideal getaway, Hilton Head Island awaits. Stone’s Throw vacation rental offers the perfect home base for exploring everything the island offers. Located conveniently near beaches, golf courses, and island attractions, you’ll have easy access to the Lowcountry’s best experiences. Contact us today to book your stay and discover why discerning travelers choose Hilton Head time and again.