you can't lose. the beaches are beautiful when choosing between myrtle beach vs outer banks

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Two of the most popular east coast beach destinations are the Outer Banks (OBX) and Myrtle Beach.

As a Carolina native, I will share my real-life experience so you can compare Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks.

Keep reading to determine which is right for your next vacation.


Is Myrtle Beach or the Outer Banks better?


If you are a family looking for a quiet beach vacation focused on nature then the Outer Banks is better than Myrtle Beach.


If you have less than one week or enjoy dining out every night and shopping on vacation then Myrtle Beach might be better than the Outer Banks.

In short, the question of which is better between Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks really depends on your vacation style.

Compare Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks



The Outer Banks is like an unspoiled natural National Park on the Atlantic Ocean. Myrtle Beach is more like a Disney theme park with a nice beach.


Carolinians considering a vacation at either Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks are generally very different people.

Well, that’s a little unfair because I have vacationed in both but for very different reasons at different points in my life.


My most memorable trip to Myrtle Beach was a youthful spring break surrounded by thousands of partying strangers. Versus a few decades later, I was married in an intimate sunset wedding on a remote beach in the Outer Banks.

wedding on the outer banks

Differences: Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks

Honestly, as a Carolina girl comparing Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks makes me laugh. They are as different as can be.

Entertainment & Dining Out Differences


Myrtle Beach is the Disneyland equivalent of Carolina beaches. There is fun for all ages but you might have to wait in line to do the things you want.

It seems like there is a seafood buffet and putt-putt mini golf course on every street corner in Myrtle Beach trying to be more extreme than their competitors. You’ll see giant signs for over 500 items on this buffet or all-you-can-eat crab legs at that buffet.

Myrtle Beach is great for multi-generational families or groups that want to keep busy with shopping, golfing, dining out and other non-beach things.

On the other hand, Outer Banks is the National Park equivalent of Carolina Beach. Nature is the reason most people are there.

There are restaurants, golf courses, and attractions but the main attractions are the natural unspoiled coast and its inhabitants.

The Outer Banks is an ideal destination for families or groups seeking a quiet, relaxing beach break without too much reliance on restaurants, shopping and attractions for entertainment.

If a week of fishing, collecting shells, napping on the beach and building sandcastles sounds awesome then you won’t be disappointed in the Outer Banks.

There are attractions but when comparing Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks, they are limited. Golf courses are fewer in number and higher in green fees in OBX.

Restaurants in the Outer Banks are generally small local businesses with limited hours during off-peak times.


myrtle beach has lot of activities to keep the whole family entertained

Lodging Differences Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks

There is an abundance of high-rise hotels, condos and vacation houses in Myrtle Beach. Weekend rentals are more common year-round.

It is possible for most families to afford a weekend at the beach with Myrtle Beach prices. My parents usually spend at least one weekend in Myrtle Beach each year to watch a few live performances.


Most vacation rental properties in the Outer Banks are individually owned vacation homes and they aren’t cheap.

It is uncommon to find a house that rents for shorter than one week during the peak summer (May until September) season.

There are hotels in the Outer Banks but they are much smaller. Do not expect the high-rise condos like Myrtle Beach. This means limited availability and higher prices.

Weather & Water Differences: Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks


Myrtle Beach is open year-round with only a few seasonal closures in winter. However, several businesses in the Outer Banks are seasonal and close completely for winter when the tourists leave.

Due to the location, the northern Outer Banks can be as much as 20 degrees colder than Myrtle Beach in winter.

The ocean water in the Outer Banks is always several degrees colder than Myrtle Beach as well. The cooler water temperature is due to its northern location plus the shape of the coastline which juts into deeper waters than locations like Myrtle Beach.

Fishing & Ocean Sports Differences

The Outer Banks is an outdoor playground for both fishermen and sports enthusiasts.

Sea bass, snapper, grouper, trigger fish, dolphin (mahi-mahi not flipper), wahoo, and king mackerel are common species caught off the cost of the Carolinas.

Deep ocean waters bring bigger fish closer to shore in the Outer Banks.

Similar species of fish may be twice as large when caught on the shore of Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks. Deep sea charters have to travel shorter distances to find trophy-sized fish in the OBX.

Windsurf and kite sail aficionados love the Outer Banks for the strong winds and less crowded beaches.

shore fishing is popular in the outer banks

Similarities: Myrtle Beach vs OBX


The argument between Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks is dominated by differences among residents.

But upon further review, they have more similarities to vacationers on a short visit.

East Coast Beach: Similarities


Both Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks are located on the beautiful Carolina coastline on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. They are both wonderful Atlantic Ocean beach destinations and cater to tourists year-round.


Myrtle Beach is located in northern South Carolina near the border with North Carolina.


The Outer Banks are located in northern North Carolina near the border with Virginia.


Both Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks are reliant on tourism with peak season being summer (Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September).


Atlantic beaches tend to be wide with soft brown sand edged with sea oats.
The Atlantic Ocean has similar characteristics in both Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks.

both beaches are awesome between myrtle beach vs outer banks


Weather & Water Conditions: Similarities


Water temperatures in the Carolinas are mild year-round in comparison to southern California beaches like San Clemente and San Diego.


Locals don’t swim in the ocean in Carolina during winter when average water temperatures are in the high 50s but you’ll spot Northern visitors enjoying a swim on warm, sunny days.

After visiting Canada, I realize their lakes rarely get warmer than 60 so Canadians think the ocean temperatures in the Carolinas are just right.

The ocean water is a greyish green with relatively poor visibility at the shore. Water visibility is generally better in Myrtle Beach vs the Outer Banks.

During mild weather, the Atlantic Ocean is clear enough to snorkel in deeper water once you get past the breaking waves. It is not “Caribbean-clear” but 40+ feet of visibility is common when scuba diving on North Carolina shipwrecks.


Fishing & Water Sports: Similarities OBX vs Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach offers good Atlantic Ocean fishing albeit with smaller fish than the OBX.

The most common fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Carolinas are sea bass, snapper, grouper, trigger fish, dolphin (mahi-mahi not flipper), wahoo, and king mackerel.

Due to beach crowding, shore fishing restrictions are in place for busy beaches. Deep sea fishing charters in Myrtle Beach generally leave from nearby Little River or Calabash. Rental jetskis and boats are available as well.

Water sports like windsurfing are possible but are less common in Myrtle Beach due to crowds in peak season.

Weather & Sea Conditions Similarities


The Outer Banks are further north than Myrtle Beach and the temperatures are generally a few degrees cooler year round.


This is great in summer when oppressive humidity can make the sun unbearable for extended periods of time. But it means winter beach days are not swimsuit affairs when temperatures rarely rise out of the 50s.

Credit: WeatherSpark

In winter, Myrtle Beach temperatures are a few degrees warmer making more winter beach days possible.

Water temperatures in the Carolinas are mild year round in comparison to southern California beaches like San Clemente and San Diego.

Which beach is better Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach?


If you’re wondering which beach is better Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach, then it really depends on what you want.


The beach is more unspoiled by development and human encroachment in the Outer Banks. If you purely want the best beach, then head to the Outer Banks to see wild horses roaming the natural beaches in Carova.


But the beaches at Myrtle Beach are more developed and offer more affordable accommodations and other things to do in the area.

If you are accustomed to a beach boardwalk selling cold drinks and donuts, then Myrtle Beach is better than the Outer Banks for you.

Details: Outer Banks North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular beach vacation destination for families.

Where is the Outer Banks?


The Outer Banks is the name for a group of several coastal towns located on barrier islands in North Carolina.

North Carolina is located about halfway down the Eastern coast of the United States. The Outer Banks are in Northern NC sharing a border with Virginia.

Towns in Outer Banks


From North to South, the towns located on the Outer Banks North Carolina are:

  • Carova Beach
  • Corolla
  • Duck
  • Southern Shores
  • Kitty Hawk
  • Kill Devil Hills
  • Nags Head
  • Manteo
  • Wanchese
  • Roanoke Island
  • Rodanthe
  • Waves
  • Salvo
  • Avon (formerly Kinnakeet)
  • Buxton
  • Hatteras
  • Frisco
  • Ocracoke

Who should go to the Outer Banks?


Anyone who is interested in a low-key beach break with quiet nights at home should go to the Outer Banks.


With limited nightlife, the Outer Banks isn’t the best choice for those looking for a party. There are neighborhood bars and restaurants with live music but the options in Outer Banks are a lot more limited than in Myrtle Beach.

Things to do in Outer Banks

They might not have multiple live theatre performances each night or multiple shopping malls but there are plenty of things to do in the Outer Banks.


Beach Day


The best thing to do in the Outer Banks is to spend every sunny moment with sand between your toes. Pack a cooler and a comfy chair. Don’t forget sunscreen and a shade structure.


if you are only interested in the beach then the outer banks is your better choice between myrtle beach vs outer banks

Beach Combing


The Outer Banks are an ideal location for beach combing. Fewer people and deeper waters mean more shell varieties.

If you are lucky you might find shark teeth, a Scotch bonnet, or even a sand dollar.


Offroading OBX

Driving on the sand at the Outer Banks is part of the appeal. It’s rough and rugged.

4×4 or four-wheel drive is highly recommended. Permits are not required to drive north of Corolla but are required on the Hatteras Seashore.

Rental vehicles outfitted for beach driving are available at Outer Banks Jeep Rentals and Island Jeep Rentals.


Wild Horses Outer Banks


The wild horses on the beaches of Carova are one of the top unique attractions in the Outer Banks.


Concerned about finding the horses, driving on the beach or just want to see the horses without the headache, then consider a guided OBX wild horse tour.

tours are the easiest way to see wild horses in the outer banks

Scuba Dive a Shipwreck

With over 3,000 shipwrecks, the Outer Banks is an ideal place to cuba dive a shipwreck.

Check Dive Hatteras and Roaonoke Island Dive Center for scuba trips in the Outer Banks.

Duck Donuts


There are over 100 locations throughout the country with new ones opening regularly but the original Duck Donuts is located in Duck, NC.

Grab a custom-made fresh-to-order donut while in the Outer Banks.

Wright Brothers National Monument

The Wright Brothers National Monument honors Orville and Wilbur Wright’s flight from the dunes of Kitty Hawk in 1903.

Spend an afternoon learning why North Carolina claims to be First in Flight.

Admission is included with a National Park Pass or $10 per adult without a park pass.

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is part of an area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic due to the abundance of shipwrecks. Lighthouses are a necessity to provide guidance to captains in treacherous waters.

The Outer Banks is home to 4 of North Carolina’s 7 lighthouses including Currituck, Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke.

For a small fee, visitors can climb the stairs of both Currituck and Bodie lighthouses.

bodie island lighthouse in the outer banks of NC


Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

Lost Colony is an outdoor drama that tells the history of the Roanoke Islands. The show started in 1937 and attracts thousands of OBX visitors each summer.

It is the #1 rated thing to do in the Outer Banks on TripAdvisor.

Tickets are available online for Lost Colony starting at $25.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is best known for its massive sand dunes. The most popular activity at Jockey Ridge is hang gliding from the sand dunes.



Boating

The Roanoke Islands provide sheltered waters perfect for boating in the Outer Banks.

Common boat rentals in the Outer Banks include jet skis, pontoon boats, paddle boats and kayaks.



OBX Fishing

The Outer Banks attract fisherman from all over the world. Trophy-sized marlin and massive mahi-mahi are not uncommon in the Outer Banks.

However, the most common fish caught in the Outer Banks are drum, spot, bass, mackerel, croaker and flounder.

You’ll need a valid NC fishing license to fish anywhere in the Outer Banks.

Beach Fishing

Beach fishing is the cheapest way to fish in the Outer Banks.

Join the throngs of fishermen who drive their trucks onto the beach and cast their lines directly from the shore.

Swing by a local bait and tack shop like TW’s Bait & Tackle in Nags Head or Fishin Hole in Salvo for local tips and tricks.

Common fish caught in the surf from shore at the Outer Banks are: bluefish, drum, spot, flounder, croaker, pompano, striped bass, mullet and Spanish mackerel.

fishing is a popular pasttime in the outer banks

Pier Fishing

Pier fishing allows you to cast your line into deeper waters and find bigger fish.

Public piers charge admission to fish. OBX piers usually charge around $10 per day per person to fish. Fishing licenses are required to fish from piers in NC.

Common fish caught on piers in the Outer Banks are: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, spot, sheepshead, cobia, flounder and croaker.


Deep Sea Fishing Charters

The most expensive way to fish in the Outer Banks is to join an offshore deep sea fishing charter. Expect to pay $300 or more per person for a half day trip.

Offshore or deep sea fishing will yield substantially bigger fish than both shore and pier fishing.

Common fish caught offshore on deep sea charter boats in the Outer Banks are: marlin, sailfish, yellow-fin tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo and cobia.

Getting to the Outer Banks


For the best experience, you will need your own car to visit the Outer Banks. Due to limited residents and wide-spread towns, public transportation is not a viable option.

Norfolk VA (ORF) is the closest airport to the Outer Banks. It is 1.5 hour’s drive from the northern beaches.


If you are flying into Norfolk, check out rental car deals.

Find Your Rental Car


Where to Stay in The Outer Banks

We love using booking.com because they offer a range of accommodations including hotels, rental homes, and small inns.

Many rental homes in the Outer Banks are only available through local rental management companies.

A few of the highest-rated places to stay in the Outer Banks are:

  • Saltaire Cottages in Kitty Hawk
  • 8.5 out of 10 rating
    • Booking.com review from Natalie: “Location was ideal! Great view of the beach from our balcony. Loved the screened in porches and comfy beds! Nice little kitchen & living area made for a very comfortable stay outside of an ordinary hotel room. Parking was super easy as well
  • Ocracoke Harbor Inn in Ocracoke
  • 9.0 out of 10 rating
    • Booking.com review from Kathy : ” Loved the location with a beautiful view of the harbor and close proximity to all the shops, restaurants, and landmarks! We rented a golf cart to get around and had a blast. The room was large with lots of natural light. Loved the private balcony.”

Details: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular beach vacation spot. More budget accommodations are available than other Carolina beaches.

Plus Myrtle Beach is a city unlike most Carolina beach towns with shopping, dining and shows.

beaches have more amenities in myrtle beach vs outer banks

Where is Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach is a single city on the northern South Carolina coastline.

However, Myrtle Beach is used generically to describe all surrounding towns and nearly 60 miles of beaches as well.

Towns in Myrtle Beach

The following towns are considered part of Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach
  • North Myrtle Beach
  • Cherry Grove
  • Surfside Beach
  • Murrell’s Inlet
  • Garden City Beach
  • Pawleys Island
  • Calabash, NC
  • Little River
  • Socastee
  • Conway
  • Aynor
  • Loris
  • Atlantic Beach SC
  • Litchfield Beach
  • Carolina Forest

Who should go to Myrtle Beach?


Myrtle Beach is the ideal beach vacation for those who get bored sitting in the sand and watching the waves roll in.


Myrtle Beach offers aquariums, amusement parks, live performances, world-class golfing, wax musuem, abundant restaurants, bars and shopping. You should go to Myrtle Beach if you want to do more on your vacation than just relax by the ocean.

sea oats are common on the carolina coast

Things to do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has no shortage of things to do. Here are just a few options.


Beach Day


Due to limited space, only traditional beach umbrellas are allowed on the beach at Myrtle and North Mrytle between May and September.


Don’t let that slow you down, pack up the cooler and sunscreen for a full beach day.


Gambling Boat in Myrtle Beach


The Big M Casino is a gambling boat that leaves from Little River, SC twice per day. It is unique because gambling is illegal on land in South Carolina.

The $20 boarding fee ($30 for Saturday evenings) provides admission for the 5+ hour sail. Table and machine games are available. The players club offers specials and rewards.

Food and drinks are available to purchase. Smoking is permitted only on the outside decks.


Shopping in Myrtle Beach

Most people enjoy an afternoon shopping at Barefoot Landing and Broadway on the Beach while in Myrtle Beach.

Both open-air shopping complexes have activities, dining plus shopping to keep the family entertained for hours.

There are also multiple outlet malls and traditional shopping malls available if you need to get a serious shopping fix.

nightlife options are better in myrtle beach vs outer banks


Calabash Seafood in Myrtle Beach


The most popular Calabash buffets in Myrtle Beach are Bennetts, Benjamins and Hooks.

Most all-you-can-eat seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach costs $40+ per adult before drinks. Most offer lower prices at lunch and coupons are available in local free publications.


What does Calabash-style seafood mean?


Calabash is a style of battered deep-fried seafood that originated in nearby Calabash NC.

Calabash-style seafood is lightly battered so fresh seafood is the main focus. It is a delicacy that must be tried on your next Myrtle Beach vacation.


If you have time, I recommend driving to Calabash for dinner. Calabash NC is located about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach and it’s an easy scenic drive. It is a small fishing town so there’s not much to do in Calabash.


You might not find a buffet in Calabash but you will find authentic fish houses.


They are clean, family-owned waterfront restaurants that have been in business for decades. Expect your silverware to come in a paper sleeve and your sweet tea to be served in a plastic cup. The atmosphere isn’t their priority; fresh seafood is.


Their fishing boats are docked behind the restaurant and fish don’t get much fresher.

Best Seafood Restaurant in Calabash NC


The Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash NC offers affordable fresh seafood. If you are looking for good food with good prices, the Waterfront Seafood Shack is definitely the best seafood restaurant in Calabash NC.

It is rated very highly and offers steamed seafood in addition to traditional Calabash style fried from a small building. There is no indoor dining but shady picnic tables are available with waterfront views.

Expect a food truck-type experience and you won’t be disappointed.


Golfing in Myrtle Beach


A premier golfing destination, Myrtle Beach has over 90 golf courses on the Grand Strand.

Public courses offer affordable green fees. Depending upon the season and course, a round of golf will cost between $20 and $200 in Myrtle Beach.


Boating in Myrtle Beach


Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of shopping malls and amusement parks? Get on the water to see a different side of Myrtle Beach.

A guided kayak tour in Murrell’s Inlet is an awesome boating experience in Myrtle Beach.

This tour is rated 5 stars with over 25 reviews and offers both sunset and sunrise options.


Fishing in Myrtle Beach


Although Myrtle Beach is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, fishing isn’t as much of a drawl as it is in the Outer Banks.


Shore Beach Fishing


When lifeguards are present on Myrtle Beach, fishing from the shore or surf fishing is not allowed. Generally, fishing is allowed after 5 pm when lifeguards and crowds leave for the day.

Less busy beaches, without lifeguards, do allow surf or shore fishing. However, it is best practice to go early or later to avoid hooking swimmers or surfers.


Pier Fishing

Fishing from a pier in Myrtle Beach has a lot of perks.

South Carolina doesn’t require a fishing license if fishing on a public pier. Also, most piers charge visitors to even walk on them which means they’ll be less crowded.

Finally, fishing piers offer fishermen better proximity to deeper waters and bigger fish.

Deep Sea Fishing


Deep Sea Fishing means taking a boat offshore to access deeper ocean waters. Since owning and operating an ocean-worthy vessel is expensive, most people join a charter fishing trip.

Myrtle Beach deep sea charter fishing trips generally leave from Little River SC or Calabash NC. Both half-day and full-day options are available.

Common fish targeted on Carolina offshore fishing charters are dolphin, tuna, wahoo and mackerel.

The Little River Fleet offers budget friendly half day fishing trips for under $50. These are near shore trips not deep sea so you’ll be fishing closer to shore (generally from 3 to 10 miles out).

For a more private experience consider booking with Calabash Fishing Fleet. You can book the full boat (up to 6 fishermen) including rods, reels, tackle, bait and captain starting at $650 for half day.

Getting to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is located on the eastern coast of South Carolina. It is easily accessible by car, bus, train or plane.

Myrtle Beach is located 2.5 hours from Charleston SC, 3 hours from Raleigh NC or Columbia SC and 3.5 hours from Charlotte NC. It attracts tourists from all over the southeast seeking an affordable family friendly beach vacation.

Flying to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has it’s own international airport (MYR). But you’ll want a car once you arrive unless you plan to stay at your hotel or beachfront resort.

Which airlines service Myrtle Beach MYR airport?

The following airlines service Myrtle Beach: Spirit Airlines, United Express, US Airways Express, Delta Airlines, Westjet, Porter Airlines, and Allegiant Air.

Myrtle Beach is a car centric destination. You’ll be very challenged to get around town without a car unless you don’t mind relying heavily on ridesharing.

For the best experience, you will need your own car to visit Myrtle Beach. Check out rental car deals now.


Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach

We prefer to making our vacation rental through booking.com when possible. Most reservations on booking have free cancellation so they are risk-free.

Plus you can find all kinds of rental including private homes, hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts.

Best Hotel in Myrtle Beach

I read through the reviews for you and found the best hotel in Myrtle Beach is the Hilton Grand Vacation.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach has 9.5 stars out of 10 with over two thousand reviews on booking.com. It has resort amenities with condo comfort.

It is one of the highest rated properties in Myrtle Beach if you don’t consider condos with one or two 10 star reviews like Ocean Front Private Balconies or 207 North Tower Condo.

“Loved everything about this hotel. The room was phenomenal, the view was beautiful and loved walking to the pool and ocean everyday!”

alexa (booking.com customer)

FAQ: Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks

You might still have questions when considering a vacation in Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks so here are a few frequently asked questions with answers.


What is so special about Outer Banks North Carolina?


The Outer Banks are still wild enough to feel special. With nearly 300 natural barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, there are miles of unspoiled sandy beaches. Wild horses still roam the beaches of Carova.


Is Outer Banks worth visiting?


Absolutely, the Outer Banks are unlike other US beaches due to their remoteness and lack of development.


But don’t wait, storms and ocean currents are causing the Outer Banks to slowly disappear.

driving on the beach in the outer banks can be a lot of fun in the right vehicle


Are the Outer Banks disappearing?


Yes, according to a Yale study the Outer Banks are disappearing at a rate of about 10-15 feet per year.

Do people live in the Outer Banks yearround?


Yes, over 35,000 people live in the Outer Banks yearround.


Is Virginia Beach or Outer Banks nicer?


Both are nice but the Outer Banks offers a more natural, undisturbed beach than Virginia Beach.


Which Carolina is better for vacation?


North Carolina is better for vacation due to the variety of natural and manmade attractions.


South Carolina can’t match North Carolina’s architecture, adventure, epic mountains and world class beaches.


North Carolina is a better year round vacation destination than South Carolina.


You won’t be disappointed by a North Carolina vacation.

Whether you’re heading to the mountains to tour the Biltmore Estates (a real life castle), hike the Appalachian Trail, explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or imbibe in Beer City USA (aka Asheville NC). Or if you are heading to Eastern North Carolina to indulge in the tangy vinegar pulled pork bbq, catch a record setting blue marlin or just relax on the Crystal Coast.


Which beach is better Myrtle or North Myrtle?


Most of my friends prefer North Myrtle Beach because it’s closer to home in North Carolina. Plus North Myrtle Beach is more family friendly with fewer crowds.


How far apart are Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach?


North Outer Banks (Nags Head) to Myrtle Beach is 306 miles apart.

After crossing the two bridges to get on the mainland, the 5.5 hour drive consists of small town Coastal Carolina. Towns worthy of a stop along the drive are New Bern and Wilmington.


South Outer Banks (Ocracoke) is 235 miles from Myrtle Beach but it’s not a straightforward easy drive. The journey will require a ferry. Google maps estimates the trip from Ocracoke on the Outer Banks to Myrtle beach to require over 7 hours of driving.


What celebrity lives in the Outer Banks?


The most beloved celebrity resident of the Outer Banks was North Carolina native Andy Griffith. Born in Mount Airy NC, Andy is most famous for his leading roles in the Andy Griffith Show and Matlock.


How many hurricanes hit the Outer Banks each year?


Approximately one hurricane every other year hits the Outer Banks. Hurricane damages can range from minor wind damage to complete destruction.


Hurricanes are part of life in North Carolina. Each year between 2 and 3 hurricanes hit the state of North Carolina but with a long coastline, not everyone impacts the Outer Banks.


Carolinians treat hurricanes the same way Californians treat wildfires or mid-westerners treat tornados. We’ve accepted it as part of life.

Summary: Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks

I know it’s a tough decision between Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks.

Honestly, you won’t regret a vacation to either. They are both amazing in their own ways.

The Carolina coast is a magical destination whether you are more interested in the wild natural beaches of the Outer Banks or the non-stop entertainment of Myrtle Beach.

Carolina beach beauty is the best part of either myrtle beach or outer banks

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