Battle of the Beaches: Virginia Beach vs Myrtle Beach

Here at Adventure Student Travel, we have a showdown between two East Coast beaches quite often, both of them extremely popular for student outings and senior trips; Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach.

Virginia Beach is by far one of our most popular destinations, attracting both student groups looking for educational adventures and adult groups wanting a day (or a few) on the beach. Snuggled on the sand between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is most well known for its spectacular 3-mile boardwalk, First Landing State Park, and the Virginia Aquarium.

Six hours south of this beachy hotspot you will find another golden sand location, Myrtle Beach. This beach is considered to be the hub of the Grand Strand, which is the 60-mile string of beaches along South Carolina's coast. The beachfront boardwalk boasts the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, which is always an excellent time, as well as Broadway at the Beach and Ripley's Aquarium.

Neither of these beaches is bad choices, that's for sure, but we're sure one of them is probably a clear better fit for your group than the other!

When it comes to finding the perfect beach for your group there are certain factors you should consider: weather, crowds, price, and views. 



Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is perhaps not the very first beach that comes to mind when dreaming of a beachside escape, but perhaps it should be!! With outstanding oceanfront views and recreational activities, not to mention the budding culinary and creative art scene, this has always been one of our favorite beach spots!

  • BEACHES: Sandbridge Beach, Chick's Beach, North End Beach
  • WEATHER: 80°F Average Summer, 50°F Average Winter
  • CROWDS: 3.7 Million Annually
  • PRICE: $$

    Virginia-Beach-Pixabay-Public-Domain

    The large public statue of King Neptune that welcomes all to Virginia Beach in Virginia USA. Stockfresh

    Virginia-Beach-Canstockphoto-Public-Domain

Myrtle Beach

Over 60 miles of sand, sun and surf along the Atlantic Ocean coastline await here at Myrtle Beach, plus well over 60 excellent recreational activities, entertainment options, and shopping and dining opportunities!

  • BEACHES: Myrtle Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach, North Myrtle Beach
  • WEATHER: 85°F Average Summer, 60°F Average Winter
  • CROWDS: 3.5 Million Annually
  • PRICE: $$
    Check out our Student Budget Trip: Myrtle Beach blog for more info on lodging, dining, and saving money in general!

    Myrtle Beach waves Pixabay Public Domain

    Myrtle Beach skyline Pixabay Public Domain

    Myrtle Beach Amusement Pixabay Public Domain

The common agreement among travelers:

Myrtle Beach has a slightly better beach, Virginia Beach has slightly more to do. 

The price is about the same depending on where you stay and what you do in both places, but the weather is slightly warmer on average in Myrtle Beach.

Virginia Beach tends to be more crowded, but only slightly.

So, which beach wins for your group?? Call us, let us know, and let us get you there!!

Check out our Battle of the Beaches: Honolulu vs Miami Beach